Van Den Hul The Emerald Balanced Preamplifier

The Emerald Balanced Preamplifier – High-Fidelity Audio Precision with Mixed-Mode Versatility

The Emerald Balanced Preamplifier represents the next evolution of sound engineering following the Grail SB, delivering a stereo line-level preamp with fully balanced architecture and unique power innovations. Designed for audiophiles seeking pristine sound, this preamplifier features an accumulator simulation power supply (ASPS) and an external transformer, which reduces noise and interference. With its mixed-mode operation capability, the Emerald can handle balanced-to-unbalanced and vice versa seamlessly, enabling “unbalanced in/balanced out” or “balanced in/unbalanced out” configurations as needed.

Advanced Circuitry and Precision Control

The Emerald’s amplifier circuit uses cascaded input stages with MOSFET output stages and operates with no overall negative feedback, preserving the integrity and natural depth of the original audio signal. Its high-resolution, remote-controlled 128-step level attenuator allows for precise 0.75dB incremental adjustments and provides functions for balance control, level attenuation, and muting. Constructed with balanced DC-coupled circuitry and 24-carat gold PCB connections, the Emerald achieves a distinctively high signal quality, ensuring exceptional performance across both balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs.

Durable, RF-Shielded Build with Remote-Controlled Functionality

With a solid steel chassis (6mm and 10mm thick) shielding against RF interference, the Emerald is built for enduring high-fidelity performance. The unit includes an infrared remote control, machined from solid aluminium, to adjust channels, replay levels, and fine-tune balance from a distance. Status updates, such as input selection and volume level, are conveniently displayed on the LCD screen.

Exceptional Sound Quality, Bandwidth, and Low Distortion

The Emerald’s wide bandwidth of 5Hz to 20kHz with less than 0.01% distortion (at 1kHz, 1Vrms) on balanced output captures and reproduces every subtle detail. It offers two balanced and two unbalanced stereo inputs along with both balanced and unbalanced outputs, usable simultaneously with compatible amplifiers. The output impedance at all outputs is approximately 350 Ohms, supporting flexible configurations, and the balanced output delivers a powerful signal exceeding 6Vss.