The new Delta PRE Mk II, Classé’s top-tier preamplifier, launches with substantial circuit improvements, an enhanced digital section, and an upgrade path for its previous generation.
The new flagship preamplifier retains its predecessor’s wide compatibility with analogue sources while expanding its digital capabilities. Now, the Delta PRE Mk II features built-in HEOS streaming which opens doors to a wide variety of music service providers and multi-room sound.
Streaming is available for Tidal, Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, Qobuz (latter half of 2024), and a whole lot more, while the unit is also Roon Ready, DNLA supported, and Airplay 2 compatible. File format compatibility is comprehensively wide, with the Delta PRE Mk II accepting WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC and much more. DSD and MQA are also catered for. The Delta PRE Mk II can stream music from a NAS storage device and via the USB-B connectivity provided on the rear panel and the USB-A on the unit’s fascia.
The built-in digital-to-analogue converter features dual 32-bit/384 kHz AKM4497EQ DAC chips which are configured to run in ‘Differential Mono’ mode. The on-board DAC is capable of handling PCM resolutions at up to 32-bit/384 kHz, DSD512 and the aforementioned MQA format. An optional HDMI board supports 4K via four inputs and a single output.
Connectivity includes two balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue inputs, and a single Phono input via RCA which accepts Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges. Analogue outputs feature balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA, Subwoofer Out and two Auxiliaries all provided with both XLR and RCA sockets. The Delta PRE Mk II also offers a high quality headphone amplifier with a 6.5 mm jack output conveniently located on the unit’s front panel.
Digital connectivity includes USB-B for audio, an AES/EBU XLR socket, three S/PDIF coaxial RCA sockets, three optical Toslink sockets, and an RJ45 ethernet port. Further RJ45s include one RS-232 and two Can bus ports. Two 12V trigger inputs and one output, plus an IR input are provided with 3.5 mm mini-jack sockets.
Classé has looked after previous generation Delta PRE owners by providing an upgrade path to full Mk II specification. To achieve this, the company has released an ‘Upgrade Kit’ with a price yet to be determined. The Upgrade Kit will require installation by a certified Classé technician through service centres located around the world.
The new Delta PRE Mk II preamplifier is available for audition in Australia via authorised Classé dealers around the country.
Classé Delta PRE Mk II Preamplifier
Price: AU$19,900
Australian Distributor: Masimo Consumer
+61 2 9196 8990
www.bowerswilkins.com/en-au
