LDR1.V2 Passive Preamp
Price: $995
This is a legacy product and is no longer produced or sold by Tortuga Audio.
The LDR1.V2 Passive Preamplifier is a single RCA input, single-ended audiophile passive (unity gain) preamplifier complete with remote control. Equipped with dual (parallel) RCA outputs, the LDR1 is designed around Tortuga Audio’s 3rd generation light dependent resistor (LDR) technology — the LDR3x.V2 preamp controller.
The LDR1 is a single-input version of the popular 3-input LDR3.V2. Other than having 2 fewer inputs, the key difference is that the LDR1 eliminates input switching hardware entirely, giving a more direct input-to-output path for the audio signal. Similar to the balanced LDR1B.V2, this simplified signal path gives the LDR1 slightly improved sonic performance over its multi-input siblings.
The LDR1 comes in black or silver anodized aluminum, or clear lacquered bamboo, and comes stock with Cardas gold RCA jacks.
Subjective performance
Descriptive words and phrases commonly used by both customers and reviewers to describe the LDR1’s sound include: colorless, transparent, neutral, articulate, clear, fuzz-free, clean, natural, high resolution, great mid-range, solid bass.
The consensus of customers and reviewers is that performance is superior to conventional passive preamps using even the best audiophile grade potentiometers, stepped resistive attenuators, or most transformer-based volume controls — and matches even the finest high-end active preamps costing many times more.
Key features under the hood
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Optically isolated passive attenuation — there’s no amplification or buffering of the audio signal notwithstanding the presence of a power supply. Audio signals are optically isolated from both the power supply and the LDR control circuitry.
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3rd generation LDR technology — built with the LDR3x.V2 preamp controller, which uses microprocessor-controlled analog LDRs for both audio attenuation and input switching.
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Auto calibration — similar to tubes, LDRs are analog devices subject to aging and drift over time. The LDR1 employs self-contained auto-calibration to keep the unit precisely calibrated.
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LDRs for input switching — LDRs are also used for input switching in lieu of relays. Auto-calibration does employ relays, but these are physically disconnected from the audio signal path during normal operation.
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Firmware updates via USB — software can be updated by the customer via a USB port on the rear panel, downloaded from the Tortuga Audio website and uploaded from a PC (Mac support was never completed).
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Replaceable LDR modules — while LDRs have an estimated useful life upwards of 50,000 hours, our LDR modules are easily replaceable, just like tubes, ensuring the lasting value of the preamp.
Available options
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Front panel: clear silver anodized aluminum, black anodized aluminum, or bamboo
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Power supply: 120 VAC (US domestic) — 12 VDC 0.5 A linear regulated external "wall-wart" supply; 240 VAC (international) — 12 VDC 1.0 A switching power "brick" with detachable IEC cord and US AC plug