SPL Elector Black

SPL Elector: The Reference Analog Preamplifier

The SPL Elector represents the pinnacle of pure analog preamplification. This stereo preamplifier, designed and manufactured in Germany, is aimed at discerning audiophiles seeking exceptional sound reproduction. Equipped with exclusive VOLTAiR technology, a high-quality motorized potentiometer, and comprehensive connectivity, the Elector delivers a natural and detailed listening experience that will delight analog audio purists.

Uncompromising Analog Design

The Elector stands out with its fully analog design, without any digital conversion. This purist approach ensures maximum signal integrity, essential for audiophiles seeking absolute fidelity. Unlike hybrid preamplifiers, the Elector preserves all the nuances and warmth characteristic of analog sources, whether from turntables, CD players, or tape recorders.

The German craftsmanship is immediately evident. Each component is selected for optimal sound performance, with through-hole technology assembly allowing the use of the best available audio components. This meticulous attention to detail is reflected in every aspect of the device, from the robust chassis to the sophisticated internal circuits.

VOLTAiR Technology: A Groundbreaking Innovation

At the heart of the Elector lies VOLTAiR technology, SPL’s signature innovation. Originally developed for professional recording studios, this exclusive technology operates with an internal continuous voltage of 120 volts (±60V), four times higher than conventional operational amplifiers.

This high operating voltage enables the Elector to achieve exceptional technical performance: a dynamic range of 135 dB, an impressively low harmonic distortion rate of 0.00992%, and an extended frequency range from 10 Hz to 200 kHz. These features translate into sound reproduction with remarkable clarity and precision, without the listening fatigue often associated with less capable devices.

The auditory impact of VOLTAiR technology is immediately noticeable: fine details are revealed with striking naturalness, the soundstage gains in breadth and precision, and listening becomes more relaxing, even during extended sessions. Initially developed for the most demanding mastering studios, this technology allows audiophiles to enjoy a listening quality comparable to that of professional sound engineers.

Comprehensive and Versatile Connectivity

The Elector offers exceptional connection flexibility with six analog stereo inputs: three balanced inputs on XLR connectors and three unbalanced inputs on gold-plated RCA jacks. This generous configuration allows you to connect all your analog sources simultaneously without compromise.

On the output side, the Elector provides two pairs of stereo outputs: one balanced pair on Neutrik XLR and one unbalanced pair on RCA. Both outputs carry the same signal, controlled by the main volume potentiometer. This setup allows simultaneous connection to a power amplifier and an active subwoofer, or to two different amplification systems.

A particularly appreciated feature is the Direct Out output, which provides an unattenuated signal taken before the volume control. This output is ideal for connecting an external headphone amplifier such as SPL’s Phonitor xe or Phonitor e, which have their own volume control.

Practical and Innovative Features

The Elector is distinguished by its imposing 45 mm volume potentiometer, machined from solid aluminum. Paired with the renowned Alps RK27 “Big Blue” motorized potentiometer, it offers an exceptional tactile feel, often described as a “spoon in honey” effect. A red positioning LED ensures excellent visibility of the setting, even in the dark.

Remote control is a major asset of the Elector. Thanks to its learning function, it can be operated with any infrared remote control. A simple pairing procedure allows the Elector to memorize the commands of your existing remote control to manage volume and source selection.

The two retro mechanical VU meters are not merely decorative: they provide precise indications of the input signal levels, enabling optimal gain adjustments. This feature, inherited from the professional world, is particularly useful when using sources with variable output levels.

The Elector also includes a Tape Monitor circuit, allowing external processing devices or analog tape recorders to be inserted into the audio chain. This function, increasingly rare in modern preamplifiers, will delight tape enthusiasts and users of external equalizers.

System Integration and Compatibility

The Elector integrates seamlessly into a high-end audio system thanks to several advanced features. The AMP CTL function allows control of the power on/off state of compatible amplifiers via a 12V trigger voltage. This feature greatly simplifies daily system use by synchronizing the status of all devices.

Since hardware version 1.1, the Elector also includes a Home Theater Bypass function. This option allows the Elector to be integrated into a multichannel home theater system by connecting the front left and right channels to input 6, which can be configured to bypass the Elector’s volume control. Thus, volume is managed directly by the audio-video processor when using the home theater system.

The Slave Thru mode is another practical feature: thanks to DIP switches located on the back of the device, it is possible to individually disable volume control for the RCA and XLR outputs. This option is particularly useful for connecting a headphone amplifier with its own volume control while retaining volume control for the main speakers.

Technical Specifications

General Features

• Type: Analog preamplifier
• Technology: VOLTAiR (120V) for optimal audio quality
• Chassis: Made in Germany with selected components

Connectivity

• Analog inputs:
  • 3 pairs of balanced XLR inputs (10 kOhm)
  • 3 pairs of unbalanced gold-plated RCA inputs (47 kOhm)
  • Maximum input level: +32.5 dBu
• Stereo outputs:
  • 1 pair of Neutrik XLR outputs, balanced, pin 2 = (+)
  • 1 pair of RCA outputs, unbalanced (direct output)
  • Impedance: 75 ohms (balanced)
  • Maximum output level: 32.5 dBu
  • Identical signal on both outputs, controlled by the volume knob

Controls and Display

• Volume knob:
  • Machined from solid aluminum (45 mm)
  • Motorized Alps RK27 “Big Blue” potentiometer
  • Enhanced tactile feel, described as “spoon in honey”
  • Red LED for better visibility in the dark
• Mechanical VU meters:
  • Displays input levels for left and right channels
  • VU switch to optimize level display

Advanced Features

• Infrared remote control:
  • Compatible with any infrared remote control
  • Simplified learning with a single button press
• Tape Monitor:
  • Allows integration of tape recorders or equalizers
  • Level switching (-10 dB for recording, +10 dB on return)
• Slave Thru Mode:
  • Volume control deactivation via DIP switch
  • Usable with a headphone amplifier with independent volume
• Home Theater Bypass:
  • Available from hardware version 1.1
  • Connects L and R channels of a home theater system to input 6
  • Volume control deactivation for this input (DIP 4)
• AMP CTL (12V trigger):
  • Automatic power on/off for compatible SPL amplifiers

VOLTAiR (120V) Technology

• Sound and technical advantages:
  • Extended dynamic range
  • Improved signal-to-noise ratio
  • Reduced distortion and listening fatigue
  • Natural and detailed sound
• Operating voltage:
  • +/- 60V (compared to +/- 15V for standard devices)
  • Handles signals up to +32.5 dBu (compared to +21.5 dBu standard)

Technical Specifications

• Audio performance:
  • Frequency range: 10 Hz (-0.1 dB), 200 kHz (-1.2 dB)
  • Crosstalk at 1 kHz: -108 dB
  • THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): 0.00992% (0 dBu)
  • Noise (A-weighted): -102.5 dB
  • Dynamic range: 135 dB
• Internal voltages:
  • Analog: +/- 60 V

Power Supply

• Mains voltage (switchable): 230 V AC / 50 Hz or 115 V AC / 60 Hz
• Fuses: 230 V: T 500 mA; 115 V: T 1 A
• Power consumption: max. 40 VA
• Standby consumption: 0.7 W

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions (including feet):
  • 278 mm W x 100 mm H x 337 mm D
• Weight:
  • 4.25 kg (unit only)
  • 5.4 kg (including packaging)

Manufacturing and Quality

• Production: Made in Germany
• Components:
  • Selected for their sound performance
  • Through-hole mounting technology for increased durability