The preamplifier is the heart of the ‘system, as well as the component whose performance has the greatest influence on certain parameters of the Hi-Fi system: transparency, detail, dynamic boost at low levels. In addition, the preamplifier acts as a link between the sources and the power amplifiers.

The increase in the performance of an M2Tech system when the Tosh Rev.b is inserted between the Young MkIV DAC (which also has a preamplifier section) and the Larson Class A power amplifiers speaks volumes about the importance of the preamplifier: not always “less is more.”

The Tosh Rev.b is a preamplifier for high-level sources only (turntable owners can use the Nash Rev.b to connect between the turntable and the Tosh Rev.b preamplifier), with fully balanced discrete-component circuitry borrowed from that of the Marley Rev.b headphone amplifier and adapted for driving high-impedance users (the inputs of power amplifiers).

It is equipped with three single-ended inputs on RCA connectors (whose signal is converted to balanced via a special circuit) and three balanced inputs on 7-pin composite connectors (one per channel) to which the two supplied adapter cables are attached, each equipped with three 3-pin female XLR connectors.

It provides the output signal in both single-ended format on RCA connectors and balanced format on XLR connectors.

The Tosh Rev.b uses, for volume control, two MUSES 72320 integrated resistor network attenuators, the best on the market. They also allow balance control (+/-6 dB) and muting (-20 dB).

All circuitry in the audio path is fed through an M2Tech-designed discrete-component dual regulator characterized by a very low noise floor. This achieves incredible signal-to-noise ratio performance (up to 130 dBA) that makes the Tosh Rev.b as absolutely transparent to the signal (gain aside) and allows it to transfer the musical message to the power amplifiers intact in its dynamic components and with all its details.

Its very low output impedance makes the Tosh Rev.b insensitive to the parameters of the signal cable used to connect it to the power amplifier. Its maximum output voltage of 8.6 Vrms on the single-ended output and 17.3 Vrms on the balanced output allows it to best drive even the least sensitive power amplifier.

A trigger output allows the Tosh Rev.b to automatically turn on a power amplifier connected to it.

The Tosh Rev.b can be controlled via the front panel encoder and via the supplied infrared remote control .