Before powering the SCPA 1 up I remember thinking to myself a preamp is a preamp, what am I really gonna hear differently with this box than any other? Playing a few DVD-A discs made me realize that all things are not created equal. The SCPA 1 had an uncanny ability to convey all of the detail of the music with utmost precision, freedom of noise, and unsurpassed channel separation.

Graham Nash DVD-A disc sounded stellar. The low noise floor of the SCPA 1 was evident. While I cannot vouch for the audible improvements of having such precision in level trim calibration, I can comfortably state that my multi channel experience using the SCPA 1 was nothing short of immersing and non fatiguing. Audiophiles and skeptics rejoice, opamps properly implemented in analog circuit design can and do deliver benchmark performance when used for preamp duties.

Conclusions

The SCPA 1 is not an attractive preamp. Its appearance is reminiscent of the old metal project boxes from Radio Shack so many of us inspiring engineering students labored on when doing senior design projects. It is void of features found in many less costly multi channel preamps such as digital processing, decoding, bass management, switching, etc. Make no mistake however, that the SCPA 1 delivers unparalleled audio performance and adjustable channel trim precision that has no equal in this capacity. It has little to no place in consumer audio, but will likely serve a professional audio installation at a recording studio or equivalent environment requiring these attributes.

With that, I propose two scenarios for Dan to increase product appeal for the consumer audio marketplace:

• Repackage the SCPA 1 in a more appealing box with thick aluminum brushed front panel, shiny lights and fancy backpanel connectors. Jack up the price and market it to the esoteric crowd.

• Sacrifice some precision, replace the volume trims with digitally controlled analog volume pots, add a remote control, switchable inputs and reduce the price to reach a bigger consumer base.

Dan’s response was:

I like it the way it is and reserve it for the serious multi-channel enthusiast who is looking for a precision, easy to use, multi-channel preamplifier with uncompromised performance.

So be it Dan.

Manufacturer Response
I would like to thank Gene and the staff of Audioholics for taking the time to review the SCPA 1. When I did the R & D a few years ago, I went to mix down engineers and asked them what was going to be needed in a pre amp for multi channel audio, The result is the SCPA 1. I think your comments about pro audio users favoring this unit for their consumer demonstrations are well founded. Both Dave Moulton of Moulton labs, and Jon Gatski, Editor of Pro Audio Review have, or are now using them for that exact purpose. In addition I am hoping this will appeal to multichannel music lovers who would like to mate this with a unit such as the Denon DVD 5900.

I should also note that R.E. Designs does offer a two channel switchbox, the SB2, which has four stereo inputs and one stereo output to mate with SCPA 1.

Thanks again;

Dan Banquer

www.redesignsaudio.com