Merrill Audio have just announced their Pure Tape Head Preamp for Reel to Reel machines.

Merrill say that the Pure “provides a superior Tape Head preamplification that brings out the full dynamics of Reel to Reel Tape, with the details and immediacy of the live recording”.

Ampex ATR 102

On the 13th of July, 2019, Xtreme Fidelity in River Vale, New Jersey, USA will host a private event to show off the Merrill Audio PURE Tape Head Preamp, using the Ampex ATR 102 fully restored by ATR Services. Xtreme Fidelity will demonstrate the large difference between the Ampex native cards and the Merrill Audio PURE Tape Head Preamp.

Merrill Audio Pure Tape Head Preamp is the first of a series of three Tape Head Preamps. The Merrill Audio Pure Tape Head Preamp is priced at $9,000, Merrill say it is an ideal addition to the Ampex ATR 100, 102 and 104 series. Merrill Audio can provide the plug in card to access the Tape Head directly on the Ampex ATR 100 series Machines, replacing the onboard preamp cards.

Merrill Audio Pure Tape Head Preamp

The Merrill Audio Pure Tape Head Preamp takes its designed cues from the Jens Phono stage and circuit designer, Jens Waale. The Merrill Audio Pure Tape Head Preamp has 6 speed and EQ settings 3.75 NAB, 7.5 NAB, 15 NAB, 7.5 IEC, 15 IEC and 30 IEC2. The gain is selectable at 71db of 65db. All settings are saved. The display brightness can be dimmed, delayed dimmed or delay blanked. All setting and speed/EQ settings can be set using a remote. The EQ and gain settings can also be manually switched.  The low noise Merrill Audio Kratos External Power Supply (pictured) provides the first level of power filtering.

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