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The Threshold NS 10 was Nelson Pass first preamplifier bearing the
Threshold name. And was one of those early over the top products from
the mind of Nelson Pass.
While the cosmetics of this unit were more like a laboratory audio
preamp as opposed to the next generation preamp from Threshold being the
SL 10. The SL 10 cosmetics were very good with its lower profile,sculptured
control knobs and separate power supply and remains to this day a
stunningly beautiful preamp.
It is clear from the outset that the NS 10 was built as a pure no
nonsense,no holds barred preamp,that could pass signals with zero
degradation to the original signal. The build quality of this preamp
immediately set an industry standard as no other before it and that few
today can match. While its cosmetics are somewhat austere, the true
beauty of the NS 10 is in its execution of its design. Built during the
time that analog was in its prime exceptional detail was lavished upon
the phono section of the NS 10 and two inputs for turntables is provided.
The phono inputs are for MM, however an optional accessory for MC was
available.
The NS 10 was the match for the first amplifiers from Threshold the CAS
1,CAS 2,400A,4000, Stasis 1,Stasis 2 and Stasis 3, were benchmarks not
only for Threshold but the industry as well. Truly breakthrough products,
that firmly established high end audio as we now know it.
Listed below are the design parameters and specifications for the
Threshold NS 10.
The Threshold NS 10 preamplifier embodies design concepts and empirical
performance that set new boundries for the classification" state of the
art". The NS 10 utilizes a signal path so simple,so distortion free and
so extraordinarily fast that it is virtually incapable of degrading any
information passed through it which is in the range of human perception.
The model designation NS 10 is derived from the unprecendented
propgation capability of the active circuitry expressed in
nanoseconds.With its active circuit bandwidth of 50 mHz and
through-the-system bandpass capability in excess of 1 mHz the Threshold
NS 10 simply removes the realm of possibilty any chance for transient
and phase anomalies to affect the signal. In fact the active circuitry
of the NS 10 will introduce less alteration to high frequency waveforms
than passing the signal down a 3 foot length of top quality audio
cable.This lunatic fringe performance assures that the high frequency
roll off of the system as a whole consists only of those passive losses
caused by cable and input capacitances and not but undesireable
limitations in the action of the amplifying circuits themselves.
A new level of resolution for the NS 10 has been achieved through
biasing the active input devices to current levels an order of magnitude
beyond those normally applied to solid state preamplifiers. These very
large bias currents radically reduce the distortions in the gain
transistors, yielding a " super Class A " operating mode where the
idling currents are many times larger than the current called for in
active operation. In addition to high linearity,the large bias increases
the magnetic phono input transistor overloand point to approximately 2
volts measures at 100 kHz so that the only possible overload occurs when
the output swing reaches the supply voltage of 24 volts.
The Threshold NS 10 is a component of extraordinary performance that
will radically surpass the capability of any source equipment or
amplifier and loudspeaker with which it may be associated.
Specifications:
Description: Two channel,low signal level processing component having
selectable input facilities for two velocity characteristics phono
cartridges, four constant amplitude preamplified sources and
record/monitor facilities for two tape recorders. Two pair of
preamplifier outputs are provided as well as front panel controlled
power for the Threshold preamplifier accessory modules.
Frequency Response: 1Hz through 50mHz
Rise Time: 25 nanoseconds
Propgation Time: Input to output propgation delay,approximately 10
nanoseconds.
Through the System Specifications:
Frequency Response: +0,-3dB 1Hz through 1 mHz
Distortion: Total harmonic and intermodulation distortion less than .005
percent at 1 volt output for both phono and high level stages.Below test
equipment residual for distortion components higher than 3rd harmonic.
Maximum output before clipping: 10 volts peak
Magnetic phono input stage overload point: 1 volt peak at 20 kHz, 2
volts peak at 100 kHz
Slew capability: Maximum voltage slewing rate 100 volts per microsecond.
Impedance: Magnetic phono inputs 47 kohms, high level inputs 225 ohms,
preamplifier outputs 1 kohm
Gain factor: Magnetic phono stage + 40 dB at 1 kHz, high level stage
variable to + 20dB
Hum & Noise: -70dB unweighted through magnetic phono stages,reference to
1 volt output 20Hx through 20 kHz
No doubt these are indeed lofty aspirations and the resulting
specifications where totally unheard of for the time.
Although time and technolgy may have surpassed the NS 10, it remains to
this day as one of the finest preamplfier designs built to date.
Virtually a service free preamplifier with only the power supply caps
that need attention some 25 years down the road. Equipped with gold
plated RCAs, which was also unheard of for the time.
The one I recently acquired was in very pristine condition and
functioned as intended. It has been sent to Jon Soderberg of Vintage Amp
Repair, for a complete check out and to have new caps installed, which
will give another 20 plus years of service.
These are becoming somewhat hard to find now as the NS 10 was replaced
early on by the SL 10. If memory serves me correct the NS 10 had only
about a 18 month production run.Used prices for these in operational
condition range from $300 to $450.00 and those with box and manual
command higher prices.
Without question Threshold under the leadership of Nelson Pass knew that
in the final analysis, that the true endeavour was the music and the
accurate reproduction thereof. This total dedication to music remains
the essence of all Nelson Pass designs, from Threshold to Pass Labs.
Few products one buys have enduring value. Look at how many cars or
homes we have owned in the last 25 years, all in search of something
better or so we think at the time.
But here with Threshold was and is products that stood the test of time
and continue to deliver the promise, many years since they were new. The
reason for this is quite simple. Extraordinary design, coupled with
great craftsmanship and a build quality that was and is second to none,
even today.
After 47 years in this hobby and owning more gear than I can remember
and a lot of it Threshold/Forte/Pass Labs here I am back in the
beginning of high end with the NS 10 and 400A. Once again I have that
super silly grin on my face, that has not been there for sometime and
once again I am discovering the true joy of high end and its promise.
The Threshold NS 10 is a visionary preamplifier from one of audios most
gifted designers and after all these years continues to deliver the
promise as intended.
So now my system is basically back to the beginning, or back to the
future in some ways. The Threshold NS 10 Preamp is driving a Threshold
400A amp with Alon Model 1 speakers. With all this Threshold recently
serviced and
sounding as good as ever, it appears that I have returned home and thats
a very good feeling for once. Now at 62 I
can finally get off the train, the trip is complete.
by
Ferrari on 10-14-05
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