Description
Khozmo Passive Preamp with input selector
3 inputs and 2 outputs available. RCA or XLR version. If you want mixed connectors RCA+XLR select XLR version and by ordering write in comment field your required configuration. Default we make: Inputs: 2xXLR + 1xRCA, Outputs: 1xXLR + 1xRCA.
There are several attenuator/resistor options available:
Series manual 48 steps – manual or with remote (steper motor attached)
Ladder 64 steps with remote: Vishay, AMRT, AMRG or Z-FOIL resistors
Shunt 64 steps with remote: AMRG+Vishay or ZFoil+AMRT
Autoformer Volume Control AVC
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.
What the sound difference between resistors
- Sound Profile: Detailed, transparent, and airy, but with a slight, pleasant warmth that prevents them from sounding overly analytical.
- Characteristics: Known for exceptional clarity and a “golden” sparkle in the midrange and high frequencies. They are often described as having a “natural,” smooth, and very musical, yet detailed character.
- Best Use: High-end audio equipment, critical signal paths, and tube gear where both detail and musicality are required.
- Structure: They use an aluminium casing for shielding, which may contribute to their quiet, low-noise performance.
- Sound Profile: More “musical,” “smooth,” and “dynamic” compared to the AMRG, but slightly less refined and potentially more “coloured” (in a pleasant, old-school way) than the AMRG.
- Characteristics: They offer a warmer, fuller, and very rich sound, which is highly appreciated in vintage or specific tube amplifier designs.
- Best Use: Applications where a lush, warm, and non-fatiguing sound is preferred over clinical transparency.
- Sound Profile: Extremely transparent, neutral, and precise.
- Characteristics: Known for removing a “veil” from the sound, offering high detail, low noise, and exceptional accuracy. They are often described as having a faster and tighter, but sometimes slightly cooler (less warm) sound than carbon-based resistors.
- Best Use: High-resolution audio, preamplifiers, and anywhere maximum transparency and lowest distortion are required.
- Vishay Z-Foil: Regarded as the “gold standard” for accuracy, featuring almost no inductance and low capacitance.
- AMRG vs. AMRT: AMRG is more transparent, detailed, and airy (due to the shielded housing). AMRT is more colored, warmer, and smoother.
- Amtrans (Both) vs. Vishay: Amtrans generally brings more “musical” warmth and a slightly more “organic” feel. Vishay (especially Z-foil) provides the highest possible neutrality, speed, and analytical precision.
Richard S Jones –
I recently took delivery of my Khozmo Passive pre amp, after reading all the glowing on-line reviews.
I loved the fact that I could specify inputs and outputs for my own system and it has a remote too.
Initial impressions are very good, the sound stage has opened up in all directions.
Very revealing unit showing up poor recordings. But it really has lifted a veil on my system.
I have used a very well known passive pre amp before and was underwhelmed, so the Khozmo is here to stay…..
ronb (verified owner) –
The final component in building my system was a preamp and after researching extensively I decided not to trade the coloration of my AVR pre-outs for the coloration of an active preamp. In addition to the many excellent reviews of Khozmo preamps I also read forums whereby participants held negative views of passives in general regarding a lack of dynamics, “suck the life out of music”, etc. With some apprehension I decided to purchase the 64-step Khozmo passive with Vishay Z-Foil resistors. Having it in my system now for about 30 hours of listening across several genres I must say I am perplexed regarding some of the comments in the aforementioned forums. To second the previous reviewer’s comment, implementation of this preamp was like lifting a veil from the music. The expanded soundstage, the detail, transparency, and texture, and low noise floor are remarkable and exceeded my expectations. And the dynamics are fine, actually somewhat enhanced due to transparency. This preamp does exactly what it is designed to do – let you hear music as recorded by the artists (to the extent any component can do so). There is a need for a good DAC/amp match, which may be one reason some individuals’ hold negative opinions of passives in general. Arek reviewed my system before my purchase to make certain it was a good match: Jay’s Audio CDT2-MK3 transport, Denafrips Pontus II DAC, Parasound Halo A31 amp, and Martin Logan Motion XT F200 speakers. I could not be happier with my decision to purchase this Khozmo Acoustic preamp.
H.A. –
Got a preamplifier from Khosmo Acoustics. Right out of the box you can tell that it is incredibly well built, the attention to details is simply spectacular. Every component of the preamp is of high quality. It is quite heavy and looks phenomenal. Having it hooked at the end of the chain right before the speakers, it does not cease to amaze. 64 steps (ladder type) gives you absolute control over the volume and as advertised, it is truly passive giving you unsurpassed transparency and no modification to the original recording whatsoever. It is simply the best passive preamp I have had in my system. Definitely highly recommended.
Alex –
I’d like to share my experience with this product. I ordered the input selector, and I must say the build quality is excellent — very solid and professional.
But the most important thing is how it works. The sound stays completely neutral, as if the device isn’t even in the chain. This is exactly what I was hoping for. When listening to my favorite records, which I know very well, I couldn’t hear any distortion, loss, or change in sound quality.
It’s simply great.
If anyone is thinking about adding this unit to their system, I can highly recommend it. You won’t be disappointed!
Luis –
After 3 months testing my khozmo preamp I thiks is the right moment to share my experience.
1.Building quality is superb, everything works flawessly and smooth, the touch of the controls is also nice.
2. The sound quailty even with the entry level vishay resistors becomes much more clear, with more information, more instruments textures and in my case the details in the bass frequencies.
At low levels passive preamps use to have a tiny lack of bass, but very natural. I have tested active preamps over 2000€ with a lot of gain in fake bass.
I recommend to use it with a source that can deliver enough volts to maintain the quality of the signal. At high levels there is no lack of bass. May be this can be improved with the use of active buffer like hattor audio devices.
I would like to say thank you to Khozmo support who has answered all my technical doubts.
May be this is not my last product from khozmo or Hattor audio.
BJH (verified owner) –
64-step ladder unit, AMRT resistors, RCA inputs, RCA & balanced outputs. Ordered Tuesday, shipped Friday, would have been delivered Monday, unfortunately a paperwork mishap delayed delivery until the following Friday. But still excellent service, and well worth the wait! Very pleased with the result, another layer has been lifted from the music. Highly recommended. Thanks, Arek.
Torben Vangsy (verified owner) –
Bought the 64 step ladder vishay, and was shocked by it’s performance.. To be honest, I didn’t expect such a stellar performance, and not from a rather budget passive preamp.. Especially the dynamics, and the tranparency struck me as some of the best I’d ever heard- from any preamp regardless it’s price.. Highly, highly recommended.