Reference M-10 Preamplifier

The Reference M-10 is an entirely new, fully discrete, dual mono preamplifier, designed from the ground up. It is the culmination of decades of experience and the constant pursuit of excellence in electronic design.

The Reference M-10 is testament to Plinius’ relentless quest to produce a preamplifier that reveals extraordinary audio detail. At this crucial beginning of the signals journey low value, audio grade resistors are used to minimise noise and, when combined with the adjustable gain feature result in sound without distortion or unnecessary colour, this is pure, powerful sound.

Plinius’ signature aesthetic is still ever present in the external styling of both the dual mono preamplifier and it’s remote. As always, form follows function resulting in the ultimate in design sophistication.

Lovers of high-end audio reproduction will be impressed with the Reference M-10’s uninhibited ability to supply pure detail to the matching Reference A-300 power amplifier. We believe the Reference M-10 can hold its head up amongst the world’s best performing preamplifiers.

CONNECTIVITY

2 x Trigger Out, 1 x Trigger In, 1 x RC5 In

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

20Hz to 20kHz +/–0.1dB

DISTORTION

<0.001% THD+N

INPUT

3 x XLR/RCA selectable, 3 x dedicated RCA, 1 x HT Bypass XLR/RCA selectable

INPUT IMPEDENCE

7.5k ohms RCA/Unbalanced, 47k ohms XLR/Balanced

PRE OUT SOURCE IMPEDENCE

10 ohms RCA/Unbalanced, 20 ohms XLR/Balanced

OUTPUTS

2 x XLR/RCA Pre-Out, 1 x RCA Line Out

MAXIUM OUTPUT LEVEL

7V RMS RCA/Unbalanced, 14V RMS XLR/Balanced

GAIN

High: 12dB (4x) Low: 0dB (1x)

DIMENSIONS

Height: 170mm (6.75")
Width: 510mm 20")
Depth: 480mm (19")
Weight: 16kg (35lbs)

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
In order to integrate more effectively into a home theatre system, the Reference M-10 has a remote trigger input socket on the rear panel. By connecting a processor or source component with a remote trigger signal to this socket, the Reference M-10 can be switched between HT Bypass and standby modes. When in standby the preamplifier draws less current and will operate at minimum temperature. This may be of advantage in multi-amplifier and/or remote installations.
The Reference M-10 also features two remote trigger output sockets. By connecting this trigger output to other system components, the entire system can be put in and out of standby by the source component.

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.

WBT and Neutrik connectors
High quality WBT RCA and Neutrik XLR input and Output connectors are fitted to ensure a high performance, low distortion interface between your cables and the preamplifier.

Balance Control
The balance control adjusts the volume level between left and right. This can assist with equalising channel balance where a recording or speaker placement is not optimal.

Gain Switch
The gain switch allows adjustment of the Lineamp amplification factor. High gain offers a similar level to most preamplifiers, while low gain allows further improvement in distortion levels and can assist where multiple instances of XLR connections result in too much gain in the complete system.

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.

 

Witchdoctor Review

'The Plinius Reference amplifiers are fast and snappy and, I believe, have the enviable ability to please both audiophiles and music lovers alike. Even with all that beefy power and deep, tuneful bass, the A-300 and M-10 pairing have a very delicate and discerning touch so any little details and vocal or instrument inflections can be easily distinguished. Nothing I heard sounded exaggerated, not even the lower frequencies – everything was natural and unforced, elegant and neutral.'

Read the full review by Andrew Baker - witchdoctor.co.nz

Adirondack Audio & Video

'I might as well start right out and say it... I am in awe. My staff are in awe. Random customers walking in during this busy Christmas season are in awe. Even the UPS and FedEx delivery people are in awe. Within seconds of hitting 'play', our jaws dropped to the floor and they haven't come up since.  These new Reference pieces from Plinius are absolutely brilliant! The soundstage, the imaging, the ease of low bass output, the speed and transparency... in all these areas the new Plinius pieces are second to none. They are downright seductive. Everyone here is fighting over who gets to choose the next album we hear. And as if the sound quality wasn't enough... the style, the build quality, and the obvious attention to detail are all evident from the moment the pieces are unboxed. Congrats to the Plinius team for making top-end separates that are truly world class.'

- Jason Tavares
Adirondack Audio & Video