Mentor Signature Balanced Tube Pre-Amplifier

Next generation technology – Our ultimate pre-amplifier

Dual 274B Rectifiers, Dual 4 pole Chokes and Large Mains Transformer more commonly found In power amplifiers. This SHUNT regulated design delivers instantaneous current to the driver stage in response to the ever changing demands of the audio signal.

The Mentor uses 2 x Triple C-Core output transformers for maximum signal energy transfer and the ability to handle long interconnection runs. The result is outrageous dynamics, subtleties and sensitivity delivered to the power amplifier. With the Mentor your beloved power amplifier & speaker investment will finally be realized.

6SN7 input & ECC99 driver stage

The Driver stage employs the popular 6SN7 input stage followed by an ECC99 to drive the C-Core output transformers. Employing Audio Note 1W tantalum resistors, ELNA Silmic Electrolytics and Audio Note or V-Cap coupling capacitors.

An ELMA selector and extension kit are used to allow very short wire runs from the input RCAs to the output board.

The filament section has a separate board with individual heaters for each line stage tube.

The magic behind the Mentor

The Level 5 power supply is the magic behind the Mentor. It’s our recently developed and highest level power supply specification with over specified Mains, Dual 4 pole chokes & 2 x 5U4G Tube Rectification, 35mm Mundorf Mlytic Power Supply Capacitors and SHUNT regulation. SHUNT regulation provides an additional reservoir of current (30ma) to be running from B+ at all times separate from the standard current draw of the line stage. Thus when music makes quick changes and demands instantaneous current addition, this additional current will come from the SHUNT resistor mounted on the chassis.

KHOZMO 48 step MONO attenuators ensures there is absolutely minimal losses in the signal path. With a long life in excess of 50,000 cycles they are a perfect match for the L5 pre-amplifier.

• SHUNT type: Only two resistors in signal path
• Switching type: MBB (Make Before Break)
• Attenuation range: -60 dB – 0 dB
• Attenuation per step: steps 1 to 11 – 2dB, 12 to 48 – 1dB
• Contact material: Hard gold Polished wiper and contact pins
• Extremely short signal path Channel matching: +/-0.1 dB
• Resistors: Vishay/Dale RN55 1% 100ppm , 1/8W, low noise, non-inductive, metal film
• Precision ball bearing support

Specifications