Basis Exclusive

About the Basis Exclusive

The ASR Basis Exclusive phono preamplifier is meticulously handcrafted in Herborn, Germany by ASR Audiosysteme Friedrich Schäfer. It features two phono equalizers built into one chassis, allowing switch-on-the-fly capability between two turntables or tonearms, ideal for analog enthusiasts with multiple front ends. The unit uses a double-sided layered circuit board with thick copper layers for optimal signal integrity. It supports balanced XLR inputs and outputs alongside traditional RCA connectors, accommodating principle balanced cartridges optimally. The power supply is an external battery unit with a total buffering capacity of 1,300,000 microfarads, ensuring an extremely stable and clean power source, which contributes to precise bass performance and a wide, well-defined soundstage. Gain is adjustable from +32 to +64 dB, input impedance is adjustable for MC and MM cartridges, and input capacitance can be switched between 100, 320, and 570 pF. The frequency response ranges from 3 Hz to 200 kHz with RIAA correction accuracy better than 0.5 dB across 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Distortion is very low, under 0.01% at 1 kHz and below 0.05% across the audible range. Dimensions of the main unit are 43 x 37 x 10 cm weighing 10 kg, with the battery power supply measuring 46 x 33 x 15 cm and weighing 26 kg. The Basis Exclusive is praised for merging the best qualities of tube and solid-state designs, delivering a musical and emotionally engaging listening experience that is soft, relaxing, yet highly precise and dynamic.