KECES S4 – analog preamplifier

KECES S4 is an analog preamplifier for a hi-fi system built around separate components. Here, the analog signal path takes top priority, with a symmetrical dual-mono design, pure Class A operation, and precise 128-step R-2R volume control.

The flexible phono section supports MM, MC, and DS Audio cartridges, while a dedicated headphone amplifier makes it possible to combine several key functions in the same component. S4 also comes with a separate linear power supply that physically keeps the transformer away from the sensitive preamplifier circuits.

The result is a versatile analog preamplifier that can function as the control center between your analog sources, headphones, and power amplifier.

Highlights

• Analog stereo preamplifier
• Pure Class A operation
• Zero-feedback circuit topology
• Symmetrical dual-mono design
• 2 x balanced XLR inputs
• Analog RCA input
• Built-in MM/MC phono amplifier
• Supports DS Audio optical cartridges
• Adjustable MC loading
• 128-step R-2R volume control
• Built-in headphone amplifier
• 4-pin XLR headphone output
• Balanced XLR and RCA outputs
• Separate linear power supply
• Aluminum remote control

KECES S4 as an analog preamplifier

The preamplifier’s job is to process the small music signals before they are sent on to the power amplifier. In the KECES S4, the right and left channels have separate circuit boards in a symmetrical dual-mono construction. At the same time, the signal path operates in pure Class A without global feedback.

The volume is adjusted through a 128-step R-2R network, where the impedance is kept the same throughout the different steps. This design is particularly interesting at low volume, where precise balance between the right and left channels is important.

The connections include both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections, allowing the S4 to be integrated into different analog hi-fi systems.

Flexible phono for MM, MC, and DS Audio

Vinyl has been designed in as a central part of the KECES S4. The built-in phono amplifier has its own dual-mono design and supports both MM and MC cartridges.

For MC cartridges, the load can be selected between 56, 100, 220, and 470 ohms, as well as 47 kohms. This makes it possible to adapt the phono stage to different cartridges without adding a separate phono amplifier.

KECES S4 also supports DS Audio optical cartridges. The combination of MM, MC, and DS Audio makes the phono section flexible if the turntable or cartridge is replaced later.

Separate power supply and built-in headphone amplifier

The linear power supply is placed in a separate chassis, so the transformer is physically kept away from the sensitive circuits in the preamplifier. S4 Power uses a low-noise toroidal transformer and supplies power to the preamplifier itself.

Control is handled by a microprocessor that, according to Fidelity, switches off once the settings have been made in order to limit electrical interference with the audio signal.

At the same time, KECES S4 has a dedicated headphone amplifier with a 4-pin XLR output. You can therefore integrate balanced headphones into the same system without necessarily adding a separate headphone amplifier.

The S4 itself measures 30 cm in width, thereby combining a relatively compact format with phono, headphone amplifier, and balanced and unbalanced connections. An aluminum remote control is included.

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