The Metz Preamp

A serious electronics enthusiast with an engineering background, when Reinhard Metz set out on this design the main goal was to create a straightforward stereo source selector, monitor selector, volume control, and line amp, and not much more. The resulting preamplifier, with 8 inputs, including MM phono, plus 4 recording outputs and a front panel headphone output, is a popular project. This article was originally published in audioXpress, August 2010.

The driver we tested is from Airborne, produced in China by long-time OEM manufacturer and high-end audio catalog retailer, Solen Electronique, Canada. The HR124B8-10L 4.5" midrange is intended for home hi-fi applications. This driver is built on a 6-spoke cast frame and the cone assembly consists of a curvilinear wood grain fiber cone and dust cap, suspended by an NBR rubber surround and a 2.75" diameter flat cloth spider. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, August 2010.