MicroTAP
Resistor Passive Pre-amp
Innovation With Purpose.......
Introduction
The MicroTAP is a single input resistor based passive pre-amp system for high end audio applications.
MicroTAP Two Channel Resistor based passive Pre-amp
The MicroTAP is a resistor based passive pre-amp done right. With all resistor based passive pre-amps the output cable from pre-amp to the amplifier input must be kept short for best performance. The MicroTAP with it's 'Bent Unit' architecture takes this fact to it's logical conclusion - with an extremely short integral output lead to your amplifiers input jack. It makes a great low cost remote controlled passive pre-amp for single input systems.
MicroTAP Features:
- 61 1dB Level Steps from mute then -60db all the way up to unity gain
- Remote Control of Level, Balance, Mute, and Display
- Front Panel Control of Level up and Level Down
- 100% passive signal path
- Short Integral cable to amp input - eliminates one pair of interconnects
- Second output on rca jack for local sub or bi-amp applications
- Custom Remote Control Handset
- Display Dark setting for HT or dark listening
- Trim up and Trim down function on Bent Units
- Expansion Ports to allow for multichannel expansion
MicroTAP Performance:
- 'Teflon like' Arlon PCB Material used for Signal Path Circuit Boards
- Extreme quality relays rated for billions of operations
- OCC Copper internal wiring
- Modular Design for minimum internal wiring keeping the signal path very clean
- Bent Units connect via fiber optic cables - NO chance of ground loops
- Entire Control System enters sleep mode after each command - NO clock noise
MicroTAP Endurance
- A Minimum of Mechanical Parts - Maintenance free operation
- All switching via sealed relays rated for billions of operations
- Fiber Optic Expansion ports - easily add unlimited additional channels
MicroTAP Pre-amp Specifications
- Bandwidth: Below 10 Hz to over 100 Khz ( +/- 1db)
- Channel to Channel Matching: Closer than +/-.15db
- THD: < 0.002%
- 61 Level Steps
- Step Size: 1db
- Maximum Input Level: > 10V rms
- Maximum Channels: Unlimited
- Each Enclosure Size: 3-1/2"diam x 4-1/2"H
Modular Design
The MicroTAP pre-amp system consists of a controller unit and 2 Bent Units. The controller unit can be located anywhere in your listening room and it connects via fiber optic cables to the Bent Units.
MicroTAP Controller
MicroTAP Controller - Rear View
Bent Unit Attenuation Modules
Your source component (ie CD player or phono stage) plugs directly into the Bent Units and then the short output lead from each Bent Unit in turn plugs directly into your amp inputs. Only a single pair of interconnects is required and the signal path is VERY clean and direct.
The RCA type Bent Unit uses one Hybrid Resistor PCB per channel. The XLR type Bent Unit uses two of these boards per channel for true balanced operation.
RCA Bent Unit
XLR Bent Unit
The MicroTAP pre-amp was designed from the ground up to be fully remote controlled. This ground up design allows the remote to be integrated into the system without any sonic compromise.
Remote Handset
MicroTAP Models and Pricing
- RCA Type MicroTAP System....$990
Each MicroTAP system includes the MicroTAP Controller, Two Bent Units, Power supplies, Remote Handset, and fiber optic cables to connect the controller to the Bent Units.
- True Balanced XLR Type MicroTAP System....$1400
Why Only One Input?
To add input switching and still keep the signal path optimized would drive the cost of the modular MicroTAP system up very close to the price of our single enclosure TAP-X pre-amp. Since the one box TAP-X is a better option for almost all multi-input systems we don't offer a standard multi-input resistor based passive pre-amp. If a multi-input resistor based passive is required we can produce one using out MOD series of modular components. Please contact us for details and system pricing.
A Note About Resistor Types
Recently (thanks to Goldpoint) we discovered a very good sounding surface mount resistor. In blind testing using several systems this resistor beat out both our tantilum film and our Naked Vishay options - a bit of a surprise! This resistor type is now used in all our resistor based products. We still can do Vishay based Bent Units on special request.
The Output Cable
The output cable is an unshielded version of the cable used on the highly regarded MU Moving Coil Step-up. This custom cable is made from OCC copper with a natural wool wrap and is of MUCH higher quality than the internal wiring found inside even very high end pre-amps. Think of it as very high quality internal wiring that you happen to be able to see!
The MicroTAP system is a particular combination of our MOD Modular Pre-amp system parts. Because the MOD System (with it's many - some might say too many - options) can be a bit confusing to understand we package this particular combination of components here as the MicroTAP Pre-amp System.
Please e-mail or call for pricing on configurations not listed here. See the MOD Modular Pre-amp pages for other Bent Unit and system controller options.
MicroTAP Manual Download
Payment
All Prices are in US funds. We accept Paypal, Wire transfer, money orders or personal cheques (must clear before shipment). For paypal we must add the 3% fee they charge as we do not build it in to our pricing.
Shipping
Prices do not include shipping. We ship via expresspost (trackable and insured). MicroTAP shipping to USA destinations costs $50. The Components are all double boxed to make sure they arrive safely and ready to enjoy. Please call for shipping rates to other destinations.