{"product_id":"kecess4","title":"KECES S4 Preamplifier","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy the KECES S4?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat you hear\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho is the S4 suited for – and who isn't it for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlain talk:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I connect two turntables or several sources?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Data – KECES S4\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: stereo preamplifier with phono stage \u0026amp; headphone amplifier (two-piece, external linear power supply)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCircuit: fully balanced dual-mono build, single-ended, zero negative feedback, pure Class A operation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVolume: discrete R-2R resistor control (128 steps)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInputs: MM\/MC phono, DS Audio optical, 1× RCA (line), 2× XLR (line)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutputs: 2× RCA, 1× XLR, 4-pin XLR headphone (front)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhono input impedance MC: 56 \/ 100 \/ 220 \/ 470 Ω \/ 47 kΩ; MM: 47 kΩ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSignal-to-noise ratio: MM 78 dB, MC 70 dB, Optical 75 dB, Line (RCA\/XLR) 110 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncluded: preamplifier, external linear power supply, 4-pin XLR connecting cable, mains cable, remote control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHousing: brushed aluminium (per unit)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions per enclosure (W×D×H): 300 × 279 × 66 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 3.5 kg (preamp) + 4.5 kg (power supply)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the S4 a preamplifier or a phono stage?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat does DS Audio support offer?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOptical 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy buy the KECES S4 from HD Zürisee?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/endstufen\"\u003epower amplifier\u003c\/a\u003e like the KECES S300+, your \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/plattenspieler\"\u003eturntable\u003c\/a\u003e and good \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/kabel\"\u003ecables\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Keces","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52989536108880,"sku":null,"price":4300.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/3262\/8048\/files\/keces-s4-vorverstaerker-frontansicht.jpg?v=1785424294","url":"https:\/\/hdzuerisee.ch\/en-ch\/products\/kecess4","provider":"HD Zürisee AG","version":"1.0","type":"link"}