Tangent PreAmp III

The Tangent PreAmp III is a compact stereo preamplifier designed to bring together and control several audio sources before sending them on to a power amplifier or active speakers. It combines analogue and digital inputs with a built-in converter, making it a single hub for a hi-fi system built around varied sources, from turntable to smartphone.

The CS4344 analogue-to-digital converter, in 24-bit, 192 kHz stereo, handles conversion of digital signals received via the optical Toslink input or Bluetooth 5.1 aptX-HD, the latter allowing wireless streaming with a quality level above standard Bluetooth codecs. The frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz and a signal-to-noise ratio above 92 dBA point to a design geared towards accurate reproduction. An adjustable equaliser from -8 dB to +8 dB in 2 dB steps at 120 Hz, with an inflection point above 1 kHz, allows bass response to be fine-tuned according to room acoustics or the speakers in use.

The built-in phono input, compatible with an MM cartridge and fitted with RIAA equalisation, allows a turntable to be connected directly without a separate phono preamp. The RCA and balanced XLR analogue outputs offer compatibility with amplifiers fitted with balanced inputs, while a 6.35 mm headphone output allows individual listening. A dedicated subwoofer output, with a crossover at 250 Hz and a slope of 12 dB per octave, makes it easy to add an active subwoofer to the system.

This preamplifier is aimed at hi-fi enthusiasts wishing to build or update a system around several sources, particularly those with a turntable fitted with an MM cartridge, while retaining the option to stream via Bluetooth from a mobile device. Its compact size, 200 × 65 × 200 mm for 1 kg, suits smaller spaces or discreet placement within a hi-fi cabinet.