Tonewinner AD1 PRE + silver

Tonewinner AD1 PRE+: stereo preamplifier with built‑in DAC

A preamplifier that concentrates thirty years of Chinese industrial know-how in a housing weighing less than ten kilos. The AD1 PRE+ takes up the torch of Tonewinner’s stereo hi-fi range, a manufacturer from Canton (Guangzhou) that long supplied European and American brands as an OEM before marketing its own products. The formula is ambitious: combine analog preamplification, high‑resolution digital conversion, and a complete phono section in a single unit.

A digital section tailored for high‑resolution files

The heart of the conversion is based on an ES9038 chip from ESS Technology, a SABRE32 family known for its performance in dynamic range and distortion. The AD1 PRE+ claims a signal‑to‑noise ratio above 120 dB and total harmonic distortion kept under 0.0003%, figures consistent with the specifications of the silicon used.

Compatibility extends up to PCM 32‑bit / 768 kHz and native DSD512. For digital sources, the unit accepts USB inputs (via a CT7601PR interface), two Toslink optical and two S/PDIF coaxial. An AK4118 receiver handles decoding of incoming streams. Playback of common formats such as FLAC, AIFF, DSF, or DFF poses no problem, nor do compressed files like AAC or MP3 for less demanding listeners.

Volume control entrusted to the MUSES72323

Volume adjustment is handled by a MUSES72323, a controller developed by Nisshinbo (formerly New Japan Radio) for high‑end audio applications. This component offers 0.25 dB attenuation steps, a specified residual noise of -124 dBV, and 0.00024% distortion. The zero‑crossing function coupled with soft‑step eliminates clicks when changing levels, a point often neglected on entry‑level preamps.

The output stage uses nine operational amplifiers from Texas Instruments: five OPA1612, four OPA1632, and one OPA1642. This combination aims at a compromise between low noise, channel separation, and dynamics across the entire audible spectrum.

MM and MC phono section without external stage

The AD1 PRE+ integrates two distinct phono inputs, one for moving magnet (MM) cartridges and the other for moving coil (MC) cartridges. Turntable users can connect their tonearm directly without resorting to a separate phono preamp. This inclusion simplifies setups but requires checking that impedance and gain characteristics match the cartridge used, parameters that do not appear to be adjustable on the unit.

Connectivity designed for varied systems

Analog inputs are split between two line RCA, one balanced XLR, and the two aforementioned phono inputs. On the output side, there are two pairs of RCA and one balanced XLR output. The signal can feed a power amplifier such as the AD-1PA+ from the same range, or any other separate power amp.

Digital connectivity totals five inputs (two optical, two coaxial, one USB‑B). The absence of a digital output limits the device to the role of endpoint for the signal, with no possibility of chaining to another external DAC.

Technical specifications

Audio performance

• Total harmonic distortion (THD): ≤ 0.0003%
• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): ≥ 120 dB
• PCM decoding: 32-bit / 768 kHz
• DSD decoding: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512

Signal conversion and processing

• High-end ES9038 digital-to-analog converter (DAC)
  • Precise, detailed conversion
  • 32-bit / 768 kHz high-resolution support to reveal the subtlest musical nuances
  • DSD512 compatible with studio-level clarity and fidelity
• MUSES72323 digital volume control
  • Low distortion
  • Optimal channel separation
• Premium operational amplifiers: OPA1612, OPA1632, OPA1642
  • Low noise
  • Wide dynamics

Internal architecture

• Advanced internal isolation
  • Multi-chamber circuitry to minimize interference and preserve sound purity

Connectivity

• Analog inputs
  • 2 x RCA
  • 1 x XLR
  • 1 x Phono MM
  • 1 x Phono MC
• Analog outputs
  • 2 x RCA
  • 1 x XLR
• Digital inputs
  • 2 x optical
  • 2 x coaxial
  • 1 x computer USB
• Integrated MM / MC phono input for vinyl enthusiasts
• Multiple inputs (USB, optical, coaxial) for maximum flexibility

Included accessories

• Remote control
• Quick start guide
• Power cable

General information

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 444 x 106 x 424 mm
• Weight: 9.70 kg