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  Prior to 1954, when the RIAA curve was adopted by the recording industry as the de facto standard, there were dozens of equalization (EQ) curves in use. Some were standardized in-house by label, while others were improvised on the spot by the recording engineer. For the vintage LP and 78 collector, restoring the EQ curve that matches the original recording is critical to enjoying the music as it was intended to be heard. A few widely used settings were often included in hi-fi components from the 1950s, but deviations from the RIAA curve are rare in modern gear. The Panorama Universal Mono Preamplifiers change all of this by incorporating the most comprehensive choice of user friendly EQ settings available today. EQ playback curves consist of two major parameters — the Bass "Turnover" frequency and the 10kHz Treble "Roll-Off" value. They define a bass boost curve with a 3dB cutoff or "corner" frequency at the Turnover point and a Roll-Off or "cut" curve which reduces the gain above a certain point, so that the gain at 10kHz equals a specified value. Note that some 78 EQ curves have a 10kHz Roll-Off of Zero dB, meaning that they are flat at the treble frequencies. In addition, in the world of 78s, there is also a low bass setting called "Shelf" which is fixed at 50Hz. The audio circuit, designed by Dr. Arthur Loesch (pronounced "Lesh," like the Grateful Dead's Phil Lesh), is virtually identical to the now-discontinued Arthur Loesch 1.1 Control Preamplifier, which was rated "Class A" by Art Dudley in Stereophile and about which the Bound For Sound Audio Report devoted two extensive reviews. The primary difference is the addition of variable bass (Turnover) and treble (Roll-Off) filters, for which Dr. Loesch calculated the values, as well as a new low output circuit for high output cartridges. With 12 bass and 12 treble restoration points, a total of 144 different equalization curves (including RIAA) are possible. With the right combination dialed in, vocals and instruments are fully restored to their proper balance.
For your convenience, each switch has a corresponding letter or number code that makes it easy to annotate your records for a future listening session. For example, a record cut with the RIAA curve can be labeled "J 11," Okeh 78s can be labeled "D 4," early Blue Notes "J 7," and so on. A comprehensive guide to 78 RPM EQ settings and disk speeds, as well as a guide to early LP EQ settings is periodically revised to suggest these settings. Of course, you can always make adjustments by ear. The Sound In voicing the phono circuit, unamplified music, recorded in a live environment without overdubs or electronic manipulation, was used as the primary reference, resulting in a natural, well-balanced sound. If the details are on the disk (or disc) and the rest of your audio system is on par, you will easily hear nuances that were previously hidden. These include those unique, low-level cues which distinguish individual recording spaces from one another, even on mono 78s. Dr. Loesch's philosophy of mixing component brands throughout the circuit cancels out any brand or type's sonic signature and contributes to a listening experience that is notable for its natural bass, glare-free treble, and rich, detailed midrange. In addition, there is an uncanny degree of clarity and "air" which enables you to follow individual instruments and voices with ease. With associated equipment of equal quality, the hardware disappears, leaving you alone with the performance, itself. The Circuit The phono circuit amplifies the audio signal in three gain stages and is suitable for any cartridge with an output of 0.1mV (or lower) up thru 7.5mV, including both moving coils and moving magnets. Panorama models include 12 popular cartridge loading resistors that can be dialed in from the front panel, while the Monographs feature a 100 ohm or 47K ohm front panel switch. Both models allow the listener to install a custom cartridge loading resistor in a spring-loaded, plug-in socket that is located on the main board next to the phono inputs. This provides a way for the built-in phono load resistors to be superceded by a custom value.  Custom Phono Load Socket Moving Coil or Moving Magnet? The original Loesch high-gain (+60dB) vacuum tube phono circuit was designed specifically for low-output moving coil cartridges, eliminating the need for a step-up transformer or pre-preamplifier. An additional low gain (+40dB) circuit for high output cartridges is also included, along with a tube-based (+14dB) active line stage. While first developed for 78 RPM collectors, listeners with large collections of pre-1954, as well as modern mono LPs, will also enjoy the benefits of proper EQ. A pair of Panorama Mono Preamplifiers, with their separate, dedicated power supplies, will bring a lifetime of enjoyment from stereo recordings, too. Models The Panorama Mono preamp is available in two versions, Premium and Silvermine. Functionally identical, they both include passive and active line stages, as well as additional features. They are both full function preamps, not "phono stages," but complete phono-based components. While you can use them with the passive or dummy input of a line stage or other preamplifier, they are designed to be stand-alone units that connect directly to your power amplifier(s). While not necessarily harmful, they will lose their carefully voiced characteristics when plugged into an active line stage. What's New The updated versions feature a redesigned circuit board that aligns the front panel controls in a way that reduces their signal paths and makes assembly more efficient. Plus, a second, dedicated 5687 dual triode has been added to form the basis of the high output (MM) circuit.
Ready to order or need more information? You can and mention the model that you're interested in along with your location -- zip code, postal code, or country. You can also call us at +01 (518) 542-7004. If we're unable to answer the phone, please leave a voicemail message, including your location and the best time to contact you. If you use a web-based eMail program, such as Gmail or Yahoo Mail, and that link does not work, just copy the eMail address from the top of this page. Note: Conceptual illustrations, specifications, prices, and production dates are subject to change without notice. Tempo Electric Custom Audio LLC PO Box 770 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-0770 USA +01 (518) 542-7004 The best time to reach us by telephone is 1PM - 6PM, US Eastern Time. If you reach our voicemail, please leave a message or send an eMail to  .Either way, we will try to reply within 24 hours. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
