Crown IC 150 // Vintage Solid-State Preamplifier / With Cabinet

Description

A simply stunning preamp. Not only does it draw less power while running than most others use while off, it's renown as one of the cleanest, most transparent preamps. Ever.
PRODUCTION
1971-77
CONDITION
8/10
SERIAL NO.
IC539E
ORIG. MSRP
9 (add walnut cabinet)
RESTORATION
Full 30-point service check
Cleaned controls, switches, and chassis
SPECS
Frequency response
3Hz to 100kHz
Total harmonic distortion
0.01%
Gain
50dB (MM), 20.8dB (line)
Signal to noise ratio
80dB (MM), 90dB (line)
Inputs
Five line-level inpputs (one tuner, two aux, two tape); Two equalized phono inputs
Input Gain & Impedance
20.8bB ± 0.2dB, 100KΩ (Line); 50-70dB adjustable, 47KΩ (Phono)
Sensitivity
1mV @ 1KHz for rated output
Line Out
Main 1, Main 2, Tape 1, Tape 2
Output
2.5V (Pre out)
Semiconductors
2 x IC, 12 x transistors, 1 x FET, 3 x zener diodes, 7 x diodes
Dimensions
17"W x 5.25"H x 8.25"D
Weight
10 lbs., 16 lbs. with walnut cabinet
THE HISTORY OF CROWN
In 1947 an Elkhart, Indiana minister named Clarence C. Moore founded the International Radio and Electronics Corporation (IREC) which, over the years, has become better known as Crown Audio Inc. Moore started by building open-reel tape recorders out of a chicken coop but today, Crown Audio is an industry leader in...
LINER NOTES
The Crown IC 150 was a state-of-the-art preamplifier when it came out in 1971. It offered an unheard of level transparency due to its ultra-low noise levels. This was a top-quality preamplifier, American-made to commercial standards, listing for the equivalent of over ,500 when new. The separate phono preamp board, mounted right at the phono input connectors, has several discrete transistors. It's also a gem, using 1% resistors and 2.5% capacitors for precise adherence to the RIAA curve. It also has rear-panel adjustable gain for each channel from 30 ~ 50 dB so your turntable's level and balance can match your other components.
-Ken Rockwell