The PR-101 is a Stereo Preamplifier kit. You build it. It's a good looking preamp that sounds great! You can build it and listen to it
today, but it has 3 option slots that let you extend its capabilities in the future. Here's a quick list of the features and benefits:
Remote control - you control volume, balance, and input sources without leaving your favorite listening seat
Tone controls with bypass-tweaked or flat, the choice is yours. Bypass makes comparisons easy.
Control two amplifiers - great for high-end multi-amplifier systems
Accommodates Two Tape Recorders - support complex systems without playing patch-cord bingo
Plays nicely with Ipods - the front panel 1/8" input jack makes it easy to put Ipod tunes through your big speakers and amp
Convenience outlets manage the mess of power cords in your music system
Option Slots - Three option slots let you add future functions, making the most of
your investment
Stacks with the GT-101 power amp. Makes a great looking, great sounding power-amp/preamp combo
Option Functions - F1, F2, F3, and F4 push-buttons support future functions, assuring the longevity of your preamp
APP - The Akitika Preamp Platform - solid fundamentals with room to expand makes this the perfect platform for the advanced audio hobbyist
who wants to add new functions, but doesn't want to start from scratch
High Quality Parts - maximize reliability and sound quality, even if it costs a little more
Opamps are inserted into gold sockets. Install the great op-amps we supply, or experiment with your favorites.
120 Volt or 240 Volt operation - use it around the world
Great Fun - Assembling the kit provides you with hours of quiet enjoyment and a feeling of pride and accomplishment in your result.
PR-101 Preamp Back Panel (showing optional phono preamp).
Buy the PR101NR and Save $77
The PR101NR has No Remote control, and doesn't supply motor pots for volume and balance controls. That lets us pass a $77 savings on
to you, so the preamp costs just $373 plus $26 shipping in 48 states. Yes, you'll have to get out of your favorite listening chair to
adjust volume and balance, and change your input and output selections, but you'll save $77!
Use the same assembly manual to assemble the NR (No Remote) Version also. As of about February 2019, the only thing different between the standard PR101 and the PR101NR is that the PR101NR is not shipped
with a remote control. If at some point in the future, you decide you'd like a remote control, you can buy one. Just send me an email.
For historical reasons only, here's the assembly manual for the PR101NR, which is the budget version of the PR101
as it doesn't include the remote control.
Specifications
Here are a few of the specifications that I've had time to post. I'll add more specs as time allows.
Output impedance (Amp A and Amp B) - 1025 Ohms, DC coupled
Output impedance (To Tape 1 and To Tape 2) - 1000 Ohms, DC coupled
Gain from High Level inputs to Amp A and Amp B outputs - 17 dB (maximum volume setting)
Gain from High Level inputs to To Tape 1 and To Tape 2 outputs - 0 dB
Input impedance (all high level inputs but Tape 1 and Tape 2) - 50.25 K Ohms when selected, 100K Ohms when not selected
Input impedance (Tape 1 and Tape 2) - 50.25K always
Distortion is really low. Here are some representative measurements. Many are at or below the floor of the most sophisticated
measuring instruments. * indicates not measured, since not available from Audio Precision FFT residual test
Distortion Tests (dB relative to fundamental, Zload=100K unless otherwise stated, tone controls off unless otherwise
stated)
Frequency
Input (vrms)
Output (Vrms)
2nd harmonic
3rd harmonic
4th harmonic
5th harmonic
1 kHz
0.1
0.7
-
< -120
< -120
< -120
1 kHz
1
1
-120
-132
-135
-
1 kHz
1
7
-113
-117
-135
-130
1 kHz
4
7
-109
-121
-137
-127
1 kHz (tone controls on, but flat)
4
7
-110
-120
-137
-126
1 kHz (tone off, 600 Ohm load)
1
2.5
-125
-112
-122
-118
100 Hz, 600 Ohm load
1
2.63
-122
-122
-131
-131
10 kHz
2
7
-96
*
*
*
Frequency response - CD input to amp output - -0.25 dB at 10 Hz and -1 dB at 100 kHz (600 Ohm source, maximum gain). Other paths have
similar results.
Dimensions: 15" Wide x 10" Deep x 4.5" Height (includes height of the feet)
Shipping Weight: 12 lbs
Power Supply Capability
The PR101 accommodates option cards to add additional functions. The amount of stuff that can be added is limited by the available
power from the power supply. A conservative specification for that power is:
12 Volt - 200 mA
-12 Volt - 200 mA
5 Volt - 750 mA
Power Drain of the stock kit
12 Volt - 64 mA
-12 Volt - 64 mA
5 Volt - 120 mA typical, depends upon number of relays energized (30 mA per relay)
About the Value
Why just $450 for the PR101 kit? I really don't know why I sell these kits at such a reasonable price. When you consider:
The kit has really great parts and custom metal work.
You can expand and upgrade the preamp.
It comes with a pre-built custom remote control so you can adjust the sound and change inputs from anywhere in your listening room.
Even though the opamps are included, it comes with gold plated sockets for the opamps (30 micro-inches) to allow you to experiment with your sound
A custom toroidal power transformer for low noise
It handles two tape decks to handle complex systems and external processors
Assembly provides hours of entertainment.
The ability to upgrade your PR-101 can provide hours of future fun.
Listening with the PR-101 will provide you with years of enjoyment.
At $375 for the PR101NR kit (no remote control, no motor pots for volume and balance), you still get all the benefits of the PR101. You'll just have
to get out of your favorite listening seat to adjust balance or volume, or select among the various sources and outputs.
The stock preamp doesn't have a built-in phono preamp. It didn't make sense to include
it in the basic preamp, since many folks don't do vinyl these days. However, you can read about the
Phono Preamp here
The stock preamp doesn't have a headphone amp. There's a front panel jack for it so that it's easy to add, but once again, it isn't part
of the standard PR-101 that you'll be ordering. The headphone amp is on the "to be designed" list.
Gold Plated RCA Jack Option
You can add gold plated RCA jacks to your kit. I didn't make it part of the stock kit owing to the cost, but I've had a few
people request it. It adds $20 to the cost. If you're about to order your PR-101, this is the time to add it to your order.
Testimonials
Lots of happy customers!
I've started to collect and post reviews and reflections by folks who have built the PR-101. I've posted a few testimonials here for you to look at.
If you've built a PR-101, please send me your thoughts. If you'd like me to share them, also send along your permission for me to
to post them.
Bob Grossman's Review
Bob has a lot of crazy high end equipment. He reviews for AV showrooms, is a fine musician, and is principal librarian for the
Philadelphia Orchestra. Here's his review of the kit.
The earliest units shipped had the 1p1 processors, where the volume and balance motor pots will not travel from end-to-end with one
continuous push of the remote control buttons. The work around was to release and push the button
again. This was remedied by release of the 1p2 processor, which has been shipped to all customers, and accompanies any new shipments.
Pictures While Building
Here's a gallery of pictures taken by one of my customers, Marc, while assembling his PR101. It also includes pictures taken
while building the phono preamp (not included in the base price of the kit).
