The Herron Audio HL-1 solid state preamplifier is designed to take the listener as close as possible to the original live musical performance. State-of-the-art components and design are combined using a purist approach that provides utmost clarity and reproduces the emotion, dynamics, and passion of the musical performance without adding or subtracting any colorations or distortions of its own. The clarity of its performance is true to the source.

The HL-1 employs a volume control system very similar to the highly-rated Herron Audio VTSP-1A/166 with the addition of a remote control and level display. The HL-1 volume control provides 100 steps of discrete and precise channel-to-channel matched level control. The electronic stepped attenuators provide distortionless volume control that will not degrade with time or use.

The front-panel displays on the HL-1 are powered from individual latches and are not sequentially flashed (multiplexed) as in most display designs. This more-expensive approach means that each relevant display element is continuously illuminated, and no audio signal path interference is generated from the display.

The HL-1 front-panel input controls (and remote control) operate individual sealed gold-contact relays located at the input connectors to insure pure connections, short signal paths, and long life.

Herron HL-1 Features

Multifunction remote control

Volume level display (0-100)

Switchable absolute polarity

Stereo/mono switch

Full-range balance control

Unity gain pass-through function

Mute control

Display brightness control

Low noise design

Two main outputs

One tape output

Tape out/in loop

Super low noise

Six inputs including tape

100K input impedance

High input-signal capacity without overload

Automatic muting at startup and shutdown

Gold plated, Teflon-insulated RCA connectors

Hand-picked components for accurate response

Reversing power line (AC) polarity switch

Each unit hand crafted, burned-in, and given rigorous bench and listening tests

Available in black or silver with optional MM/MC switchable phono section

Herron HL-1 Specifications

Frequency response: 1Hz to beyond 100kHz, 20Hz to 20kHz ±0.1 dB

Output impedance: 250ohms nominal at 1kHz

Input impedance: 100,000ohms

Gain: 14dB

Volume control: 100-position electronic stepped attenuator, maximum differential 0.1dB channel to channel

Distortion: <0.01% THD+ noise @ 1V RMS output

Absolute polarity: switchable

Dimensions: 18"Wx3.5"Hx10.5"D

Warranty: 3 years, parts and labor

Hi-Fi Review of Herron HL-1

The HL1 majors on getting stuff in the right place at the right time . . . The HL1 represents that rarest of beasts, a full-facilities preamplifier that manages to sound excellent without costing a fortune.