There is something very special in German audio engineering from the 50’s. One thing is the use of pentodes in the first stage of sensitive electronics. Telefunken EF804S tube combined with high step-up ratio transformer performs well in this use.
The Knif V804 Pre uses only two amplifier stages, only one pentode and one triode per channel and the absolute minimum of other components. There are no electrolytic capacitors in the signal path (since 2014). The are no other tube preamps on the market with this degree of sophistication and minimalism. The performance is flawless.
Thanks to high step-up ratio input transformer and the EF804S tube self-noise is very low, comparable to the best solid-state amps and maximum gain is high. Gain is adjusted in 4 dB increments with Elma rotary switches and -20dB pad is automatically switched on for the lowest gain settings.
The sound is transparent with a hint of thickness and smoothness in the top from the steel core output transformers.
Knif V804 Pre is now available with optional DI inputs. They provide extremely low capacitance, only 15pF (equivalent to one feet of the best cable you can get), to squeeze the last bits of treble juice from Hi-Z sources like guitars.
