When I first got interested in audio, I wanted more than anything else to own separate components. The problem was that separate components are more expensive than receivers or integrated amplifiers. For most people, owning separate components is only dream. My first components was a Hafler preamplifier. The preamplifier was sold as a kit. I had to solder all the parts myself. Over 20 years ago, the kit cost about $300.00 USD. I spent two days putting together my preamp. The money I saved building the preamp myself allowed me to buy a Soundcraftman 5002 amplifier. My first high end system took me years of saving and hours of soldering. At the age of 25, I didn't think life could get any better.

Times have certainly changed in 25 years. Today, a budget preamplifier can cost well over a thousand dollars. The dream of owning separate audio components is more elusive now than it was when I was 25. When I was 25 years old, I put my entire system together for under $3,000.00. These days, people will spend more than that on interconnect cables.

We are getting many questions about the ACA 2b so I will try to answer these questions here:

How often will I need to change the tubes?

Low power tubes should last a very long time. The estimated life is about 10,000 hours or five years of continuous use. The 6922 tubes are inexpensive and easy to replace -- much easier than replacing aging capacitors or solid state components.

Won't the ACA 2b use a lot of electricity?

The ACA 2b only uses about 35 watts of electricity. The integrated soft start will allow you to turn the ACA 2b on and off without degrading the life expectancy of the tubes.

Can I use the ACA 2b with a solid state amplifier?

Absolutely. In fact, some people will find that their amplifiers sound much smoother and more refined after the signal has passed through the CLASS A triodes. Some people think that the combination of tube preamp and solid state amplifier is the best of both worlds.

Won't I get better specs with a solid state preamp?

Not necessarily. Remember, we are not talking high output. We are talking low output. Low output tubes exhibit very good performance. The ACA 2b has bandwidth from 10 Hz to 100,000 Hz. The ACA 2b has a THD of about .07%. Every audiophile knows that you can not judge how an audio product will sound based only on its specifications.

The ACA 2b is an outstanding sounding preamplifier. It is one of the least expensive preamplifiers available in any format. The ACA 2b features three inputs and two outputs (as well as a record output).

The ACA 2b uses the 6922 tubes. These have more drive than the 12AX7s so it is possible to run longer wires. In fact, the ACA 2b can output up to 67 volts.

The ACA 2b opens up the opportunity for some tweaking as well. The volume control can be replaced with a DACT C2 or other high quality volume control. There are a varsity of tubes on the market that allows the user to custom tune for the sound they like best.

ACA 2b rear - 3 inputs, 1 Record Output, 2 Main Outputs

I believe that the nOrh ACA2b is a groundbreaking product. I do not think that any preamplifier today offers better sound anywhere near this price. I put the ACA 2b into my reference system. I have been listening to it for two weeks. I believe the sound is better than the reference system I had been using in every aspect. Bass is better. There are more dynamics. So, I have replaced my reference preamp that sells for $4,500.00 USD with the ACA2b and I am not going to switch back. The ACA2b might be inexpensive but it will blow away many much more expensive preamplifiers. Discover the magic of single ended triode sound for less money than many passive switch boxes.

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