TAG McLaren PA10 Pre Amplifier

Here we have a PA10 Pre-Amplifier from the TAG McLaren Audio company who took control of the original Audiolab company back in 1997. Seven years later they sold out and became part of the International Audio Group (IAG) who reverted back to the original Audiolab name. Coming in good fully working condition noting one or two blemishes – please see photographs. It will be professionally packaged and come with reprinted manual, mains cable plus our usual three-month warranty.
TAG McLaren Said….
The PA10 preamplifier is an ideal entry into the world of audio separates. By using a separate ‘box’ for each part of your audio system you minimise the interference normally caused by the close proximity of components. Separating the preamplifier from the power amplifier also means that the power supply is not shared, so power fluctuations caused by the power amplifier do not affect the preamplifier.
The PA10 has six selectable inputs (five line level and one RIAA-specification phono for turntables) and three outputs for recording. The phono input can be configured for either a moving magnet or a moving coil cartridge. A separate signal path is provided for recording, with its own independent input selector, so you can record one piece of music while listening to another.
The theoretically-ideal preamplifier reproduces sound perfectly over an infinite range of frequencies – starting from well
below the audible range and extending far above the capabilities of human hearing. Although sound outside the human hearing range of approximately 20 to 20,000 Hz cannot be heard, it can significantly distort the quality of music reproduction through an effect that audio engineers call ‘intermodulation distortion’. This type of distortion moves imperfections that originate outside the hearing range back into the audible frequencies. To minimise this effect, TAG McLaren Audio preamplifiers have a frequency response which extends both above and below the range of normal human hearing.
The circuits in the PA10 (a Class A amplifier) are ‘no-compromise’ designs using high-quality, high-stability, components to send a smooth, clean signal to your power amplifier for excellent sound quality. To achieve fidelity at low frequencies
the PA10 uses capacitors to block the unacceptable Direct Current (DC) but let the sound signals through. TAG McLaren
Audio has expended many man-years of design effort on the special circuit design which, without compromising sound
quality, accommodates the high values of capacitance that must be used.
Two sets of output sockets are provided for connection to power amplifiers. The outputs are buffered and have low
impedance so they can supply more than one power amplifier (e.g. for multi-room installations). They also allow long cables to be used. A switch on the front panel mutes the output and redirects it to a separate Class A amplifier to supply
headphones.
The PA10 gives you versatility without compromising hi-performance, hi-fidelity.
Features:
Class A amplifier stages
Independent input selection for listening and tape recording
Five line level inputs for cd, tuner and three tape recorders
Phono input for mc or mm cartridges
Three stereo outputs for recording
Two low-impedance stereo outputs to allow long cable runs
Automatic and manual muting
Separate Class A headphone amplifier suitable for a wide range of headphone impedances
High-quality audio components
Sorbothane® sonic isolation feet, specially designed by TAG McLaren Audio
Specifications:
Line Input Impedance: 30 kΩ nominal
Line Input Level: 175 mV rms (relative to 0.5 V output)
Signal To Noise (Line Level): Greater than 92 dB (relative to 0.5 V output)
Phono Input Impedance: MM 47 kΩ / 85 pF nominal; MC 100 Ω / 3.3 nF nominal
Phono Input Level (relative to 0.5 V output): MM 3.5 mV rms; MC 175 μV rms
Phono Input Signal To Noise (relative to 0.5 V output): MM greater than 81 dB; MC greater than 77 dB
Frequency Response: 2 Hz – 65 kHz (- 3 dB)
Frequency Response: ± 0.5 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: less than 0.01% (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
Channel Separation: Greater than 60 dB at 1 kHz
Polarity (Phase): Non-inverting for all inputs and outputs
Preamplifier Output Impedance: 100 Ω nominal
Preamplifier Maximum Output: Greater than 7.76 V rms
Record Output Impedance: 1 kΩ nominal (1.6 kΩ when using phono source)
Muting Attenuation: Greater than 60 dB
Headphone Output Impedance: 100 Ω nominal (suitable for headphones of 8 Ω – 2 kΩ impedance)
Headphone Output Maximum: Greater than 7.76 V rms emf
Operating Temperature Range: 10 – 35 °C
AC Supply Frequency: 50 – 60 Hz
AC Supply Voltage: 110 – 120 V or 220 – 240 V, The voltage is marked on the rear of the unit
Power Consumption: less than 25 W
Dimensions: 445 (W) x 336 (D) x 75 (H) mm (Including Feet, Terminals And Controls)