MUSICAL FIDELITY KW PRE

Second-hand, in good condition, without scratches. No original package.

The kW, with its elegant brushed aluminum front panel, black faux handles, and large volume control, represents a significant aesthetic improvement over the kWp model. While it is a relatively large preamplifier like the kWp, the kW is about half the size of its predecessor, as its power supply is integrated.

The kW is a line-level preamplifier and offers four inputs (CD, SACD, Tuner, Aux), in addition to a tape loop and a unity gain pass-through input to feed a home theater preamplifier-processor. LEDs indicate the selected source and the status of the On/Off and Mute controls.

Regarding construction, while the RCA outputs and tape-monitor jacks are chassis-mounted, the input and tape-monitor jacks protrude through holes in the rear panel, indicating that they are mounted directly to the board. This choice reduces signal paths.

With an output power of over 62V RMS peak and 4.5 amps, the kW is capable of generating almost 20W RMS at 8 ohms, although it is not intended to be used as a power amplifier. In practical terms, these values make it virtually impossible to overload the kW. With a declared input impedance of 500k ohms and an output impedance of less than 0.5 ohms, the kW presents an easy load to drive for sources.

The kW's low-feedback hybrid circuit includes a small "Mu Vista" (6112) vacuum tube in the driver stage of each channel. This tube is ultra-quiet, as the kW’s specified signal-to-noise ratio at 1V RMS output is greater than 105dB (A-weighted at half volume). The tube is also designed for long life, being firmly soldered in place. THD+noise is less than 0.0068% (5V output, maximum volume), and MF claims a frequency response of 20Hz–30kHz, ±0.5dB.

Technical Specifications:

• Two-channel preamplifier with a tube-transistor combination.
• Frequency response: 20Hz–30kHz, ±0.5dB.
• Maximum output voltage: >62V RMS.
• Maximum instantaneous output current: 4.5A peak–peak.
• Output impedance: <0.5 ohm.
• Line inputs: Input impedance: 500k ohms.
• Maximum voltage gain: 12.5dB.
• THD+noise: <0.0068% (5V output, maximum volume).
• Signal/noise ratio: >105dB referenced to 1V output at half volume, A-weighted.
• Input sensitivity for 1V RMS output: 240mV.
• Overload margin: 40dB.
• Channel separation: >84dB, 20Hz–20kHz, maximum volume.
• Channel balance error: <0.5dB typical, 1.5dB worst case (with volume control at 8 o'clock).
• Dimensions: 19" (483mm) W x 6.6" (167mm) H x 17.7" (450mm) D.
• Weight: 20.5kg.