SMc Audio Virtual Reality Engine Preamplifier VRE-1 - Manual (Page 6)

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Circuit Ground Connector: This binding post offers access to the system
electrical ground if needed. There is normally no connection to this post.
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Main Input Group: 4 pairs of inputs are provided, labeled 1 thru 4
(corresponding to the front panel Input Selector switch). Input 1 is a
dedicated balanced input with XLR connectors, while 2 thru 4 are via RCA
unbalanced connectors. I feel that this will be the most useful
arrangement for most users since it is still rare for someone to have more
than 1 balanced source piece. However, the fact is that all of the inputs
are actually balanced - all connections go directly to the input transformers
via “floating” (ungrounded) lines. If you happen to have more than one
balanced source, custom XLR-to-RCA adapters are available to convert
inputs 2 thru 4 to fully-balanced operation.
VRE-1 Design Highlights
Your VRE-1 is the product of many years of careful research into all aspects of
preamplifier behavior - circuit topology, parts performance, physical layout,
chassis materials, and power supply design. After many years in the audio field
dealing with equipment that colors or changes sound, I wanted to develop a
preamplifier that would impose no character of its own, acting as a transparent
window onto the original music and recording. We’ve all heard that claim
before…the old “straight wire with gain” once again. Well…yes! That’s correct.
However, unlike past attempts sometimes characterized as “cold” and
“analytical,” my development work has been guided by an unwavering
commitment to deliver the warmth and soul of music as it is recorded and heard
in live circumstances. What I’ve achieved is a synthesis of the best attributes of
passive circuits (tonal neutrality, natural harmonic texture, freedom from noise
and active-circuit distortion) with the best characteristics of active preamps (great
dynamics, vivid clarity, wide-open dimensionality, outstanding bass foundation
and slam) as well as the relaxed musicality of the best tube designs.
Let’s address the issue of tubes for a moment. I have experimented extensively
with tubes, both in the preamp circuitry and in the power supply. In my
experience, tubes simply cannot deliver the degree of tonal neutrality that I
demanded for the VRE-1. My goal was not to make yet another “good sounding”
preamp, but rather to deliver an absolutely transparent window onto the original
recording or master tape.
My listening tests led me to an exceptionally transparent JFET buffer circuit with
no gain which, when paired with my choke-filtered power supply, produces
unparalleled overall performance. When I found the right set of coupling
transformers (Lundahl on the input; Jensen on the output), the last pieces of the
puzzle fell into place and the VRE-1 was born. Its transformers act as a kind of