Lucid Labs Catalyst Phono Preamplifier
Kickstarter Link
Lucid Labs Catalyst phono preamplifier offers high performance at an affordable price. Designed, and built in the USA using high-quality components, the Catalyst levels the playing field allowing everyone the chance to hear audiophile quality vinyl playback. Utilizing a passive filter and dual gain stages we are able to achieve extremely low noise and total harmonic distortion values...the result...fantastic sounding vinyl. Clear, Crisp, Dynamic...these are all words you could use to describe the sound of the Lucid Labs Catalyst phono preamplifier.
- Available in 40dB, 45dB, and 55dB gain
- Input impedance 47K ohms
- Includes RCA cable
- Preliminary testing yields Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of .00621%
- RIAA accuracy +/-0.5dB
- Rumble filter reducing speaker movement from warped vinyl
- High quality anodized aluminum enclosure
- Made in the USA
- Includes UL rated 24v 200ma PWR supply
We are currently finishing up the last bit of testing and getting everything ready to launch on Kickstarter soon!. Join our email newsletter for Launch updates.
Lucid Labs 45dB Catalyst Phono Preamplifier
Lucid Labs Catalyst: Yellow Audio Technica AT-PEQ3: Green
Testing with a QA400 Audio Analyzer shows a Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of .00621% (left chart). When compared with the Audio-Technica AT-PEQ3, a 2010 Stereophile magazine joint budget component of the year runner up, (right chart, green) you can see that the Lucid Labs Catalyst Phono Preamplifier has less distortion and a lower noise floor.
The Catalyst Story
After being asked to recommend a sub $125.00 phono preamplifier by countless friends we decided to do some research...the results, we couldn't find a single solution we felt was worthy of a recommendation. Our Singularity Phono preamplifier sounded great but was too expensive. After some R&D work we decided that we could combine design cues from the singularity with parts carefully selected to maximize value and arrived at the Catalyst. We've been testing the catalyst for almost a year now and it sounds fantastic. If you are looking for dynamic, highly detailed sounding vinyl playback, the Catalyst is for you.
