McLaren 602 Control Preamplifier
The McLaren 02 component series represents a unique synthesis of art, science and technology - the realisation of a design philosophy dedicated simply to the accurate reproduction of music.
Form, function and performance specifications all express and testify to this basic ideal. But most important is the innate ability of the range to recreate a true musical experience.
The McLaren 602 is a high gain, high resolution "straight line" preamplifier, fully compatible with a wide range of signal sources from low output moving coil cartridges to high output CD players.
Phono gain can be switched for either moving or fixed coil cartridges. Provision is made for optimum cartridge loading. An input buffer precedes the two-stage passive/active RIAA equalisation where particular care and attention has been given to achieving both amplitude and phase accuracy, not only in absolute terms, but to ensure precise matching between channels.
Power supply design also makes a major contribution to performance. Individual stages of each channel have their own locally regulated supplies fed from a central regulated supply incorporating a heavy duty shielded toroidal transformer.
As a result the 602 possesses superlative dynamic and imaging qualities - clearly focused detail revealing the most subtle instrumental and vocal timbres, with a true perception of image depth and height.
The high undistorted output voltage capability of the line stage with an unusually low output impedance, ensures that the 602 will fully drive any power amplifier even via extreme lengths of shielded cable.
Construction is to the highest engineering standards. The case is entirely non-ferrous - faceplate and side blocks are cut and machined from proprietory extruded sections, top and bottom covers coated with an attractive and durable textured finish.
Front fixing screws, nameplate and all input and output sockets on the rear panel are 24-karat gold plated. Control knobs are turned from solid aluminium, satin anodised to harmonise with the front panel.
Internal construction features gain selected semiconductors and highest quality passive components.
Features:
Phono gain adjustable for MC or MM
User-selectable phono loading
Two-stage RIAA equalisation - passive high frequency followed by active low frequency equalisation
Output muting relay to avoid on/off switching transients.
Heavy duty toroidal power transformer.
Individual regulated power supply for each stage
Highest quality components, including: Gain selected semiconductors; Polypropylene/Polystyrene capacitors; metal film resistors; Conductive film potentiometers; Gold plated signal connectors
Star grounding system
Specifications
Input Sensitivities (for rated output, 1 kHz)
Phono MC : 100 µV
Phono MM : 1,0 mV
High Level, Tape Play : 100 mV
Gain Structire (at 1 kHz)
Phono Section MC : 60 dB
Phono Section MM : 40 dB
Line Section : 20 dB
Input Impedance
Phono : 47 k Ω (user selectable to any lower value)
High Level, Tape Play : 50 k Ω
Signal-to-Noise-Ratio: (A WTD/UNWTD)
Phono MC : 76 dB/69 dB (ref. 0,5 mV)
Phono MM : 82 dB/74 dB (ref. 5 mV)
High level, Tape Play : 100 dB/94 dB (ref. 500 mV)
Input Overload Levels (at 1 kHz)
Phono MC : 15 mV
Phono MM : 150 mV
High Level, Tape Play : Infinite
Output Levels:
Rated : 1,0 V
Maximum : 16 V
Output Impedance
Phono Section (Tape Rec) : 100 Ω
Main Out : 100 Ω
Frequency Response:
Phono (RIAA Equ.) : ±0,2 dB, 20 Hz - 20 kHz
High Level, tape Play : +0, 1 dB , 5 Hz - 100 kHz
Balance Control : ±3 dB each channel
Distortion: less than 0,015% THD 20 Hz - 20 kHz at rated output, any input/output
Phase
Phono through main out: Noninverting
High level, Tape Play through main out : Inverting
Phono through Tape Rec : Inverting
Power Requirements: 110 -120 / 220 -240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 8 VA
Dimensions (W x H x D): 420 x 105 x 285 mm (16,5" x 4,1" x 11,2")
Weight (shipping): 65 kg (14,3 lbs)