Description
Khozmo Passive Preamp DUALMONO without input selector
1 input and 2 outputs available. RCA or XLR version. Possible to make mixed outputs RCA+XLR.
There are several attenuator options available:
Series manual 48 steps – manual or with remote
Ladder 64 steps with remote: Vishay, AMRT or AMRG resistors
Shunt 64 steps with remote: AMRG+Vishay or ZFoil+AMRT
Optionally you can add OPAMP active stage: https://khozmo.com/product/active-stage-for-khozmo-preamp
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Dimensions: W270 L250 H90 mm
Weight: 4 kgs
Includes: Remote and power supply (for remote version)
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Khozmo preamps are known for their high-quality audio performance and transparent sound reproduction. Khozmo is a brand that specializes in manufacturing passive preamplifiers using high-quality components and precise engineering techniques.
The sound characteristics of a Khozmo preamp can be described as neutral, detailed, and accurate. Khozmo preamps aim to faithfully reproduce the audio signal without adding any coloration or distortion, allowing the listener to experience the music or sound in its truest form.
One of the key factors contributing to the sound quality of Khozmo preamps is the use of high-quality potentiometers (attenuators). The potentiometer is a critical component in a passive preamp, as it determines the accuracy of volume control and channel balance. Khozmo utilizes high-grade, precision potentiometers that offer excellent tracking and low noise, ensuring smooth and precise volume adjustment without compromising sound quality.
In terms of transparency, Khozmo preamps strive to have minimal impact on the audio signal passing through them. They are designed to preserve the original tonal balance, dynamics, and spatial characteristics of the music or sound recordings. This transparency allows listeners to hear the nuances and details in the audio with clarity and accuracy.
Additionally, Khozmo preamps typically exhibit low distortion characteristics. By minimizing distortion, they ensure that the audio signal remains clean and unaltered, maintaining a high level of fidelity. This results in a more enjoyable listening experience, as the original dynamics and texture of the music are preserved.
The accuracy and detail retrieval of Khozmo preamps contribute to their reputation for providing a highly resolving sound. These preamps excel at reproducing subtle nuances and textures within the music, allowing listeners to hear intricate details that might otherwise be masked or overlooked. The precise soundstage and imaging further enhance the listening experience, as instruments and vocals are accurately positioned within the stereo field, creating a realistic and immersive soundstage.
It’s worth noting that the perception of sound can be subjective, and personal preferences may vary. Some listeners might prefer a slightly warmer or more colored sound, while others appreciate the utmost transparency and accuracy. However, Khozmo preamps have garnered positive reviews and are often praised for their faithful sound reproduction and high-quality performance.
Ultimately, the sound of a Khozmo preamp is characterized by its neutrality, detail retrieval, transparency, and accuracy. These qualities make Khozmo preamps a popular choice among audio enthusiasts who value a clean and unadulterated sound reproduction, allowing them to fully appreciate the intricacies of their favorite music or sound recordings.
Josh Doyle (verified owner) –
Just what I needed! I ordered the passive with 64 steps ladder-AMRT resistors. Straight out of the box this preamp sounds amazing! Before, I was using my volume control on my DAC and felt something was missing. Now I’m hearing more inner detail, stereo imaging, and better bass from my open baffles. The build is also impressive and solid. An added bonus is Arek. He is very helpful and very responsive to my endless questions. Thank you, Arek!
Jules –
Love my new Khozmo passive preamp. I get to understand my tech before ordering; options abound; the features are best in class and the build quality exceeds all the other components in my stereo chain (and I do own quality gear). Highly recommended!
Thuan Bui (verified owner) –
Like Josh and the young gentleman on The Small Room Audio (YouTube), I ordered a dual mono 64-step ladder AMRT unit. It was December 2024 so there were lots of traffic due to holidays, but Arek managed to have it delivered to my door on the Christmas Eve. It came very well packed. Even though it’s been sitting on my equipment rack for a week, it has made my Qobuz streaming a really joyful experience. It replaces the built-in volume control of my Gustard X26 DAC. Now I can listen to music, local music or streaming, at any volume without losing/missing a digital bit. As for its sonic performance and physical characteristics, it’s exactly like the reviews and Khozmo described (Positive Feedback, Tannoyista, and 6moons). I can’t recommend Khozmo enough!
Kyle (verified owner) –
I purchased the 64 steps SHUNT – AMRG + Vishay (remote) version to upgrade a very cheap passive I was using in my system and wasn’t expecting it to make that big of a difference, but I am absolutely blown away by how good my system sounds now. I burned it in for well over 200 hours before doing any critical listening.
The most noticeable improvements are with soundstage depth and height…it’s HUGE and goes back so far behind my Cornwall IV speakers. Music comes out almost to where I sit, 12 feet in front of the speakers.
Previously, music was barely above my head, and now it’s going up to the ceiling 10 ft above me.
There is also a noticeable, substantial improvement to instrument layering and placement, especially when it comes to backing vocals and dense musical passages. I am a huge Nine Inch Nails fan, and there is usually a LOT going on in those songs. My system has never sounded so clear and so detailed.
The ability to adjust each channel individually is huge, as my listening room has some annoying issues with the underlying structure that causes a channel imbalance by approximately 2dB. Being able to have the volume of both channels independent means I don’t have to do it in Roon any longer and I can easily make adjustments without the audio pausing while Roon adjusts how it’s processing the signal.
The remote is hefty and high quality, and I really appreciate that it adjusts the volume of each channel with their individual levels remaining intact. It’s also nice to be able to dim the LEDs. I was surprised at the high quality LPS that was included to power the remote functionality; I was expecting a cheap wall wart.
For the record, the rest of my system is a Mojo Audio Mystique Y AM DAC, and a Canary Audio M90 power amp with EML 300B-XLS power tubes, and Linlai Global Elite E-6SN7 driver tubes. I’m unsure which 12AX7 is being used as its vintage, the paint had long ago been worn off, and I just can’t remember because it’s been years since I installed it.
Arek was communicative and very nice. Super easy to deal with.
All in all, I am extremely pleased with this purchase. I can’t stop thinking about how good everything sounds, and it also looks VERY nice as an added bonus (I went black face with black knobs).