Exception SE

About the Exception SE

The Exemplar Audio Exception SE preamplifier is a meticulously hand-built tube line stage designed for high-end audio systems. It features a very short signal path using 6H6P dual triodes with no negative feedback, a voltage amplifier directly coupled to an actively loaded source follower output stage, and uses Audience output capacitors and nude Vishay resistors in the signal path. The power supply employs custom mu-metal shielded transformers with PCB-mounted regulators to minimize noise and stray fields. It includes ultrafast, wide bandwidth shunt regulators for low noise and a black background, DC regulated filaments via Belleson regulators, and an ALPS audiophile-grade motorized volume potentiometer with remote control for power, mute, input select, and volume. The unit has a warm-up delay and mute function to maximize tube life and ensure quiet startup. It offers five RCA inputs plus a home theater bypass, two RCA outputs, and two balanced XLR outputs. The frequency response spans 10Hz to 50kHz with a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 90dB. The Exception SE is praised for its solid engineering, excellent build quality, and superb sound, requiring about 100 to 150 hours of burn-in for optimal performance. It is hand-built in the USA and