KECES S4 Preamplifier

The KECES S4 is a full-fledged stereo preamplifier with a built-in phono stage for MM, MC and even optical DS Audio cartridges – plus line inputs and its own headphone amplifier, built as two units with an outboard linear power supply.

From KECES' Superior Series: a purely analogue, fully balanced build with zero negative feedback and discrete volume control. Supplied as a preamp plus separate power supply with connecting cable and remote control.

Why the KECES S4?

Because it unites preamp, phono stage and headphone amplifier at a high level in one concept. The outboard linear power supply keeps transformer vibration and magnetic fields away from the tiny phono signals, the R-2R volume control via discrete resistors keeps the channels exactly matched, and the fully balanced, feedback-free signal path stays clean. The phono stage handles MM, MC and – as a world first – optical DS Audio systems.

What you hear

A lot of calm around the music and a precise, dynamic stage: thanks to the low-noise power supply, even the high MC gain stays clean. From the front you can select inputs and finely adjust volume; the built-in headphone amplifier passes the preamp signal directly and unaltered to your headphones.

Who is the S4 suited for – and who isn't it for?

Plain talk: the S4 is for listeners who want a serious preamp with a first-class phono section – ideal if a DS Audio system is or will be in play. As a pure, standalone phono box, the KECES Ephono+ is the more targeted (and cheaper) choice. And honestly: in pure Class A operation the S4 gets noticeably warm – a closed cabinet without airflow is not its friend.

Can I connect two turntables or several sources?

The S4 offers an MM/MC phono input, a separate optical DS Audio input as well as line inputs (1× RCA, 2× XLR). So you can flexibly combine a turntable and other sources on one preamp.

Our verdict

A versatile high-end preamp with an exceptionally good phono section including the DS Audio option – cleanly built, honestly tuned. The trade press agrees: hifitest.de rated the S4 in issue 8/2024 with the top mark 5/5 and the verdict "reference class". At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we set gain and impedance exactly to your cartridge and advise you on the right combination.

Technical Data – KECES S4

• Type: stereo preamplifier with phono stage & headphone amplifier (two-piece, external linear power supply)
• Circuit: fully balanced dual-mono build, single-ended, zero negative feedback, pure Class A operation
• Volume: discrete R-2R resistor control (128 steps)
• Inputs: MM/MC phono, DS Audio optical, 1× RCA (line), 2× XLR (line)
• Outputs: 2× RCA, 1× XLR, 4-pin XLR headphone (front)
• Phono input impedance MC: 56 / 100 / 220 / 470 Ω / 47 kΩ; MM: 47 kΩ
• Signal-to-noise ratio: MM 78 dB, MC 70 dB, Optical 75 dB, Line (RCA/XLR) 110 dB
• Included: preamplifier, external linear power supply, 4-pin XLR connecting cable, mains cable, remote control
• Housing: brushed aluminium (per unit)
• Dimensions per enclosure (W×D×H): 300 × 279 × 66 mm
• Weight: 3.5 kg (preamp) + 4.5 kg (power supply)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the S4 a preamplifier or a phono stage?

Both: it's a full-fledged line preamplifier with RCA and XLR inputs and additionally a high-quality phono stage for MM, MC and optical DS Audio cartridges. A headphone amplifier is also built in.

What does DS Audio support offer?

Optical cartridges from DS Audio need special equalisation and power. The S4 provides both – you save yourself a separate DS Audio box and can use this technology directly.

Why buy the KECES S4 from HD Zürisee?

Because a preamp with phono only shows its potential once properly set up. We adjust gain and impedance to your cartridge and tune the chain – in Wädenswil, with our own technician. Free shipping from CHF 190.

Goes well with

A power amplifier like the KECES S300+, your turntable and good cables.