Kaitaki Preamplifier

While the Kaitaki preamplifier mates aesthetically and musically with the Plinius P10 power amplifier this exciting preamplifier is the perfect partner for the Plinius SA103 power amplifier used either as a stereo amplifier or in a monoblock configuration.

Visible controls on the Kaitaki are the rotary volume knob and source selection buttons with all other functions driven from the distinctive Plinius remote control. LED indicators on the front panel display demonstrate the source selected and status of the mute, phase and HT bypass functions.

The Kaitaki will allow the connection of up to 5 source components including both balanced and single ended connection for CD. A processor loop allows integration with a home theatre system and output is available from RCA or XLR connectors. The optional adjustable phono stage model allows enjoyment of vinyl at a sophisticated level without the need to purchase a specialised phono preamplifier.

The electronics topography is derived in part from development work done on circuits for our later generation integrated amplifiers and source components, and  a power supply with extremely low impedance allows the audio circuitry to deliver its best.

Kaitaki Front Panel
Kaitaki
Kaitaki
Kaitaki
Kaitaki
Kaitaki
Kaitaki

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

20Hz to 20kHz +/- 0.2dB

SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO

-80dB at rated input level, A weighted

DISTORTION

<0.05% THD at rated input level

INPUT SENSITIVITY FOR RATED OUTPUT

125mV RMS Unbalanced Inputs
62mV RMS Balanced Inputs

INPUT IMPEDENCE

50k ohms

RATED PRE OUT LEVEL

500mV RMS into 10k ohms or higher

PRE OUT MINIMUM RECOMMENDED LOAD

47k ohms

LINE OUT LEVEL

190mV at 200 ohms

OUTPUT SOURCE IMPEDENCE

Typically 100 ohms

GAIN

Line Ampilfier: 12dB

POWER/CURRENT CONSUMPTION

40W
0.10A (23W) idle/standby

INPUT CAPACITANCE

100pF

ADJUSTABLE GAIN

60dB, 66dB

ADJUSTABLE LOAD

47k ohms, 470 ohms, 100 ohms, 47 ohms, 22 ohms

DIMENSIONS

Height: 105mm (4")
Width: 450mm (17.5")
Depth: 400mm (15.75")
Weight: 9kg (20lbs)

Optional Phono Stage
The preamplifier can be fitted with an optional phono stage based on the Hautonga design. The Phono has two gain settings and five loading settings to allow for suitable cartridge matching.

Line Out
The Line out provides a line level output, carrying the selected source signal. The Line Out allows for the signal to go on to recording equipment, headphone amplifiers or sub-woofer speakers.

Remote Trigger Input and Output
Terminals for remote trigger connection allow a processor signal to bypass the preamplifier stage or instigate the power amp to come out of standby.

RC5 input
The RC5 input allows for connection to wired remote interfaces so it can be used as part of an automated system.

Ground Lift Switch
This allows for the signal ground to be isolated from the main chassis earth. This can assist in resolving unwanted ground loops or hum due to duplicate ground paths in some systems.

Auricap capacitors
Audience AV supply the Auricap XO capacitors used in key areas of the circuit. The Auricap was chosen for its superior clarity and dynamic ability.

Auric Wiring
Audience AV supply the Auric OFC wire used in the input stage of the amplifier. The Auric was chosen for its high workability and natural sound.

Aluminium Construction
The aluminium lid and panels provide a non-magnetic cover to reduce unwanted magnetic fields that can interfere with the sensitive audio signals.

Secrets of Home Theatre and High Fidelity

"The Plinius Kaitaki enabled me to hear the most lucid, transparent sound I’ve ever experienced in my system. It also made me realize that the rest of my system is capable of a quality of fidelity I didn’t know it was capable of. It is an attractive, solid, and well-built component that’s built to last a very long time. If I could easily afford it, I would buy it without reservation. The Plinius Kaitaki is a preamplifier I will miss quite a bit after I return it."
By Rick Schmidt