U48 Premium Reference
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Common name: Signal Arts Electronics U48 Premium Reference
Production Status: In production
The U48 Premium Reference features a handcrafted, historically accurate Opel Plan Recording Australian made K47 capsule, an AMI (Tab/Funkenwerk) BV8R transformer, a shielded custom-wound toroidal power supply transformer made by Avel Lindberg, cleaned, burned in, and selected NOS Western Electric 408a valves fitted with Sandy Levy high-temp aerospace silicone tube dampers to eliminate micro-phonics. The signal path is handmade and hand-wired from end to end featuring a hospital-grade IEC power cable, premium Sommer tube microphone cable, Gotham microphone cable, and all silver-plated teflon OFC hookup wire internally, lab grade custom PCBs, all soldered with Cardas tri-eutectic silver solder. The power supply features a toroidal supply transformer fed by an over-sized and shielded Corcom AC input EMI filter, and made with laboratory-grade ’48 PSU PCB and premium Nichicon and other long-life components. Includes an extra selected (noise graded, cleaned, and tested) pair of 408a tubes, and a handmade 6ft. IEC power cable using shielded Gotham AC cable and Wattgate audiophile connectors. Also included is a custom made wood box especially in Germany by a master box maker. Available as an “historic switch” version or a modern one with polar pattern selection available via the power supply.