Merrill Audio Master Tape Head Preamplifier

Welcome to the MASTER Tape Head preamplifier! Designed for reel-to-reel decks with direct head outputs, the Merrill MASTER preamp has been a huge hit in the market since it's been introduced, arguably the finest sounding, quietest, and most dynamic tape preamp now on the market.
The Master studio-quality preamplifier is designed for the highest possible reproduction of reel-reel tapes, offering an amazing degree of realism with the lowest noise floor and exceptional dynamic range. The Master-series include a capacitive full color 5" touchscreen display with electronic, response-configurable VU meters. Additional features include output level control; high frequency level adjustment; VU meter level adjustment; channel balance; and display dim. 
Maximum gain is 71dB, and output level is adjustable from 0dB to 71dB. There are six tape speed and equalization settings provided: 3.75ips/NAB, 7.5 IPS/NAB, 7.5 IPS/IEC, 15IPS/NAB, 15IPS/IEC and 30IPS/AES. The Master will accept tape output levels from 0.3mV to 6mV and has a maximum peak to peak output range of 24 volts, allowing for superb dynamics. Other features include silver plated Teflon sleeved wire and fully balanced XLR inputs and outputs. Custom Merrill Audio XLR connectors with gold plated pins with Teflon body in metal housing are used exclusively.

While all Merrill Audio Tape Head preamplifiers are an ideal addition to any reel-reel deck with a direct-head wired output, Merrill Audio can provide custom plug in cards to access the tape head directly on the Ampex ATR 100 series Machines, replacing the onboard preamp cards and avoiding custom wiring inside the deck for an order of magnitude increase in performance.

The included new Merrill Audio outboard KRATOS II external power supply gives the Tape Head Preamplifier an ultra-low noise floor with great immediacy in reproduction. 

SN ratio better than 110dB; Balanced Input & Output. Maximum Output Voltage 24 V.  Adjustable display brightness.   
The Master comes in a stunning, thick rose gold front panel and black chassis with Isoacoustics GAIA III Footers. 
Purchase from an expert! We are an authorized Merrill Audio Dealer and Tape Specialist! There exists no other Dealer to audition the Merrill Audio Tape Head preamplifiers like XtremeFidelity. We have an ATR Services fully remanufactured Ampex ATR-102 deck with a system including top-of-the-line Merrill Audio and VAC reference electronics into Tidal Audio of Germany Agoria loudspeakers. Make an appointment and listen to the state of the art in tape playback. Home auditions available for serious buyers.   Shipping / insurance and PayPay fees are additional. Sorry, no trades.  
ALSO- the New Trident Master Tape Head Preamplifier with 3 inputs- retail price $19,000