Audio Analogue Bellini Anniversary Preamplifier, Black

The Audio Analogue Bellini Anniversary is a purely analogue line preamplifier that accepts up to five sources, controls the level, and passes the signal on to the power amp balanced or unbalanced, as you choose. A preamp is the least conspicuous component in a system and, at the same time, the most consequential: whatever it does to the signal, the power amp can afterwards only make louder. The Bellini therefore takes the path of restraint, consistently.

Why the Bellini Anniversary?

Because it brings the connection panel a serious chain needs: three RCA and two XLR inputs, plus two RCA and two XLR outputs. That lets you feed two power amps in parallel, or add an active subwoofer, without adapter gymnastics in the rack. It's built without global negative feedback, with a bandwidth up to 200 kHz and output noise of roughly 9 µV A-weighted at the RCA output. The resulting signal-to-noise ratio of about 107 dB is a figure you don't hear — and that's exactly the point.

What you hear

Ideally, nothing that wasn't there before. The Bellini doesn't sharpen and doesn't warm anything up; it opens up the space because it clears the noise out of the way. That's most obvious at low levels: reverb tails don't cut off, breath sounds stay breath sounds instead of turning into background noise. Paired with the Donizetti Anniversary you get the combination both units were developed for — same signature, same stubbornness about the power supply.

Who is the Bellini Anniversary for?

Plainly put: if you want a system without cable clutter, you're better off with an integrated amplifier — the Bellini absolutely needs a power amp behind it and makes no sound without one. Streaming, a converter and phono aren't on board either. It makes sense where preamp and power amp belong separated: with long cable runs, with fully balanced wiring throughout, and with chains meant to grow over years rather than being replaced wholesale every three.

Our verdict

The Bellini Anniversary is a device for people who've understood that the preamp isn't an accessory. It does little — and does it very precisely. Whether the step from your integrated amplifier to a separate solution is worthwhile depends on your speakers and your room; talk to us before you shift the money around. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Technical specifications

• Device type: analogue line preamplifier, without global negative feedback
• Inputs: 3 × RCA unbalanced, 2 × XLR balanced
• Outputs: 2 × RCA unbalanced, 2 × XLR balanced, gold-plated
• Input impedance: 47 kΩ
• Maximum input voltage: 7 Vrms
• Gain: 5 dB unbalanced / 11 dB balanced
• Bandwidth (−0.5 dB): up to 200 kHz
• Output noise unbalanced (0 Hz–8 kHz / A-weighted): ≈24 µV / ≈9 µV
• Output noise balanced (0 Hz–8 kHz / A-weighted): ≈37 µV / ≈14 µV
• Signal-to-noise ratio (ref. 2 Vrms, A-weighted): ≈107 dB unbalanced / ≈103 dB balanced
• Standby consumption (230 V): 0.5 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 450 × 140 × 380 mm
• Weight: 12 kg
• Included: Bellini Anniversary preamplifier, RC10000 remote control with two AAA batteries, mains cable, trigger cable, instruction manual and warranty certificate

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a separate power amp for the Bellini Anniversary?

Yes, absolutely. The Bellini is a pure line preamplifier: it selects sources and controls the level, but doesn't amplify to speaker level. The partner Audio Analogue intends for it is the Donizetti Anniversary. Tell us which speakers you're running, and we'll match preamp and power amp to them.

How many sources can I connect to the Bellini Anniversary?

Five. Three unbalanced RCA inputs and two balanced XLR inputs are available, each with 47 kΩ input impedance and up to 7 Vrms input voltage. On the output side there are two RCA and two XLR outputs — enough for a second power amp or an active subwoofer.

What does the balanced XLR connection give you?

It keeps interference out of the signal path, because common-mode noise cancels itself out at the end. That pays off especially over longer cable runs between preamp and power amp. The Bellini delivers 11 dB gain balanced at around 103 dB signal-to-noise ratio, and 5 dB unbalanced at about 107 dB.

Does the Bellini Anniversary also suit power amps from other brands?

In principle, yes. Thanks to RCA and XLR outputs it can be combined flexibly; what matters is just a matching input sensitivity and impedance on the power amp. It plays most coherently with the Donizetti Anniversary, since both were developed for each other. We're happy to check your existing power amp against the figures.

Why buy the Bellini Anniversary from HD Zürisee?

Because a separate preamp/power-amp chain needs matching, not just two boxes. We work through levels, impedances and cable runs before you order, deliver and install at your home, and stay reachable afterwards. We answer questions by phone, WhatsApp or email — in as much detail as needed.

Pairs well with

A preamp needs company: find the matching power amp under All Amplifiers, the speakers to go with it at Speakers, sources under All Sources, and the necessary connections at Cables & Connectors. The whole range stands in the Audio Analogue Collection.