Since the development of the original Marconi, Brinkmann Audio's unique hybrid circuit, employing bipolar transistors and Telefunken NOS tubes, has evolved, reaching its full potential in our latest designs: the Edison MkII Phono Preamp and the Nyquist MkII DAC/Streamer . These advances have already been implemented in Marconi Mk II. This circuit, used as an output in Edison and Nyquist, has been adapted for use as an input circuit in Marconi Mk II. Marconi's traditional strengths are now augmented by lower noise, more detailed and three-dimensional presentation, greater clarity, better synergy with soft sound systems and longer tube life. The redesign of the "Mk II" required two completely new Printed Circuits; Most importantly, hundreds of hours of meticulous tuning by Helmut Brinkmann have resulted in an instrument that communicates music more realistically, enabling - in the best Brinkmann tradition - a closer connection between system and listener. Noise immunity can only be achieved with balanced signal processing. For a stereo preamplifier, four full amplifiers are required - two per channel - since the signal is processed both in phase and inverted. Since non-musical artifacts (i.e., noise) influence in-phase and out-of-phase signals to exactly the same degree (known as "common-mode noise"), they can be eliminated at the amplifier input because the inverting signals and non-investors cancel each other out. This noise cancellation capability (known as "Common-Mode Rejection") justifies, in our opinion, the double part count and complexity of the circuit. It uses a vacuum tube phase inverter stage because the tubes operate with a virtually zero voltage delay, providing an inverted signal that is a perfect mirror image of its non-inverted counterpart – essential for Common Mode Rejection. The tubes reside on two side-mounted oversized heat sinks, ensuring a constant temperature. Ideal performance and long tube life. The remote control makes it easy to select input, control volume (including mute) and phase reversal. A full display on the front panel provides input, volume and phase status.
Characteristics:
- Absolute reference phono preamplifier with separate power supply.
- Hybrid valve/transistor architecture.
- Gain adjustment for each input.
- Phase/reversal switch.
- Maximum output voltage: ±12V balanced.
- Input impedance: 20 kOhm, balanced and single-ended.
- Output impedance:
- Inputs: 4 single-ended, 2 balanced.
- Includes remote control and granite base.
- Dimensions of the main block: 420 x 95 x 310 mm (W x H x D), with its Granite base.
- Main block weight: 24 kg (including granite base).
- Power supply dimensions: 120 x 80 x 160 mm (W x H x D).
- Power supply weight: 3.2 kilos.
Available set of 4 replacement valves for €450;.
