Direct-Heated Purity. Transformer-Coupled from Input to Output.

The CR10 is a fully analog 3A/110B tube preamplifier built around a separate power-supply architecture, direct-heated triodes, and Raphaelite’s fully transformer-coupled signal topology. A precision-matched pair of vintage British STC 3A/110B tubes forms the heart of the amplification stage, complemented by a JJ GZ34S rectifier, a 6C19 regulator tube, and a Western Electric 420A driver tube. The 3A/110B sockets can also be configured for direct use with WE101-family tubes, offering enthusiasts an additional path for tube exploration.

At the center of the CR10 are custom EI transformers wound with 5N single-crystal copper and Japanese EI cores. Engineered for exceptionally wide bandwidth and natural tonal flow, the transformer-coupled input and output stages preserve fine detail and harmonic texture while maintaining the smooth, refined treble associated with Raphaelite’s reference transformer designs. For systems pursuing the highest level of performance, an optional 5N single-crystal silver output transformer upgrade is also available.

The CR10 employs no global negative feedback, allowing the direct-heated tube stage and transformer network to define the amplifier’s character without corrective feedback loops. A fully analog signal path, ALPS RK27 dual-gang carbon-film volume control, custom coupling capacitors, EIZZ RCA connectors, and NEUTRIK silver-plated XLR connectors complete a design focused on purity, immediacy, and musical expression.

Noise control is equally fundamental to the design. The power supply is housed in a completely separate chassis and uses tube rectification with a linear power architecture to isolate sensitive signal circuitry from power-supply interference. Tube vibration isolation, chassis shielding, floating-ground implementation, soft-start circuitry, and output protection further reduce mechanical vibration, electromagnetic interference, and ground-loop noise—particularly important when working with highly sensitive direct-heated tubes.

Available in white, grey, or military green, the CR10 combines its technical architecture with a distinctly purposeful aesthetic. The military-green version features a durable baked finish, complemented by a brass nameplate and CNC-machined brass/POM control knobs. Three RCA inputs and one balanced XLR input provide flexible source connectivity, while both RCA and balanced XLR outputs allow seamless integration into a wide range of reference systems.

Specifications

• Product Type: Fully Analog Tube Preamplifier

• Model: CR10

• Circuit Architecture: Direct-Heated Tube, Fully Transformer-Coupled Input & Output

• Feedback: Zero Global Negative Feedback

• Main Tubes: 2 × STC 3A/110B

• Alternative Main Tube Compatibility: WE101 family with appropriate socket configuration

• Driver Tube: 1 × WE420A / 5755

• Regulator Tube: 1 × 6C19

• Rectifier Tube: 1 × GZ34; compatible with 5AR4, 5U4G and 274B

• Voltage Gain: 12dB at 1kHz / 600Ω load

• Voltage Gain: 16dB at 1kHz / 10kΩ load

• THD: ≤0.6% at 2V output / 600Ω load

• THD: ≤0.15% at 2V output / 10kΩ load

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 88dB

• Input Impedance: 100kΩ

• RCA Output Impedance: 600Ω

• Balanced XLR Output Impedance: 150Ω + 150Ω

• Frequency Response: 5Hz–6.35kHz, ±3dB at 2V*

• Transformers: 5N Single-Crystal Copper Fully Coupled EI Transformers with Japanese EI Cores

• Optional Upgrade: 5N Single-Crystal Silver Output Transformers

• Volume Control: ALPS RK27 100kΩ × 2 Carbon-Film Potentiometer

• Inputs: 3 × RCA, 1 × XLR

• Outputs: 1 × RCA, 1 × XLR

• Connectors: EIZZ RCA / NEUTRIK Silver-Plated XLR

• Power Supply: Separate Tube-Rectified Linear Power Supply

• Phase Control: Switchable Phase

• AC Input: 220–230V

• Power Consumption: 44W

• Insulation Resistance: 200MΩ at DC 2000V / 1 min

• Preamplifier Chassis: 410 × 170 × 235mm

• Power Supply Chassis: 410 × 170 × 235mm

• Preamplifier Net Weight: 7.1kg

• Power Supply Net Weight: 8.1kg

• Available Finishes: White / Grey / Military Green