VTP-101i

About the VTP-101i

The Sound Valves VTP-101i is a vacuum tube preamplifier featuring a cathode follower circuit and regulated cathode heater for stable operation. It uses six SOVTEK 12AX7WXT tubes, three dedicated to the line level section and three for the phono section, which supports both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. The preamp operates in pure class A single-ended configuration, ensuring high fidelity and low distortion. It has a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.1 dB, sensitivity of 50 mV for 0.5 Vrms output, maximum output of 10 Vrms, total harmonic distortion (THD) less than 0.015%, and a slew rate of 12 V/µs. Input impedance is 80 kOhms for line level and 47 kOhms for phono input, with a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 95 dB. Inputs include Phono, Tuner, CD, Video, Aux, two tape loops, and one external processor loop (EPL). The unit measures 3 3/4" H x 17" W x 10 1/4" D and weighs 13 pounds. It comes with a 3-year parts and labor warranty and is available with black or gold anodized faceplates. The preamp is noted for its musicality, liquid mid-range, and excellent sound stage, often preferred over more expensive solid-state preamps. It requires a warm-up period during which the preamp is muted, indicated by LED color changes from red to green.