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Also on this Page :  Series 3 / 3A  Series 1 and 2  
 
The new DNM 3D Pre-Amplifier is now available.

Demonstrations of this exciting DNM product are now being arranged. Please contact DNM Design on 01480 457989 to book your demonstration.

(Thank you for all your responses to our enquiry about Remote Volume Control - we will include more information about this here soon.)


Previous DNM Preamp Details



The Series 3C Preamplifier

The 3C is a true DNM product incorporating the philosophy of non-metal construction, implemented with great attention to detail, resulting in a reference preamplifier.

Unlike many preamplifiers, the 3C can cope with CD signals perfectly. Most active preamplifiers degrade the sound quality of CD, whilst passive preamplifiers cause dynamic compression of the CD signal.

The control system built into every DNM 3C preamplifier avoids these limitations and allows the required level for each input to be set automatically by the source selector. This selector switches signal and ground connections simultaneously, isolating the ground lines of equipment not in use, to keep the preamplifier's performance optimal at all times.

The unit features plug-in circuit boards for every active input stage. Auxiliary and line inputs are routed through the independent volume controls into an extremely high quality line amplifier. LP replay is passed through two high precision RIAA stages for equalisation.

DNM's experience in advanced circuit design has created unparalleled control of the electrical loading and impedance characteristics of the PCBs.

Like all DNM electronics since 1982, the 3C makes extensive use of star earthing in order to ensure that every point in the amplifier has its own dedicated earth reference - rather than the more conventional bus-bar system used by many manufacturers. In subjective terms, star earthing helps to improve the resolution, clarity and imaging properties of the entire DNM preamplifier range.

Upgrade Path

The DNM 3C preamplifier models described below are 3C Primus, 3C Twin and 3C Six.


The DNM 3C Primus  

Primus PSU
3C Primus Preamplifier
The DNM Primus preamplifier is based on the same chassis as the more expensive models. The materials technology advantages are therefore fully expressed in the Primus making it extraordinary value for money. The boards are fitted with more cost-effective components. Despite its lower price, the Primus is still 100% DNM.

The Primus power supply features a smaller non-acrylic plastic case with a single pair of regulators being supplied by a pair of 1,100µF slit foil reservoir capacitors. Even with the basic power supply, the DNM 3C Primus package gives outstanding sonic results.

Read the Stereophile review of the 3C Primus




The DNM 3C Twin3C Twin Preamplifier
Our intermediate-priced preamplifier is the DNM 3C Twin. This unit uses more expensive components than the base model. The result is a much closer tolerance set-up procedure for the plug-in boards. The external power supply uses a full-size acrylic case to match the control unit visually. This houses a larger transformer featuring electrostatic shielding and a low noise core. A pair of 10,000µF slit foil reservoir capacitors feed a matched pair of regulators, giving a considerable performance improvement over the base model.


The DNM 3C Six
3C Six Preamplifier
The DNM 3C Six is simply the best we make. Features additional to those in the DNM 3C Twin include the extensive use of tight tolerance resistors and decoupling capacitors in the control unit.

The full-size acrylic power supply case houses a carefully selected screened low noise transformer. A pair of DNM 10,000µF slit foil reservoir capacitors feeds three pairs of matched regulators which allow individual power supply drive to each amplification stage in the DNM 3C Six control unit, effectively giving 24 separate on-board power supply stages.

The DNM 3C preamplifier uses advanced technology in truly imaginative and lateral ways to bring the listener closer than ever before to the live sound. Such attention to detail in our amplifier designs results in a preamplifier which is refreshingly different, one which can sound delicate and at the same time convey the weight and gravitas of the performance. The DNM 3C Six will continually surprise listeners with its expansive dynamics and expressive resolution.

Technical specifications for all Series 3C preamplifiers :

Preamplifier Specifications
 Specifications 3 Start 3A Start 3C Primus 3C Twin
3C Six 
 Moving Coil input
 MC sensitivity
 MC load
 MC capacitance
 Moving Magnet option
 MM sensitivity
 MM load
 MM capacitance
 Maximum output
 Output impedance
 3 Line inputs
 1 Tape out
 (or for headphones)
 Optional 2 extra
 line inputs
 Line sensitivity
 Line Input impedance
 Frequency response

Yes
0.7mV
1kOhms
6.8nF
No
N/A
N/A
N/A

± 19V
75Ohms
Yes
Yes

No

150mV
5.6-47kOhms
20Hz-20kHz
± 1.5dB
Yes
0.7mV
1kOhms
6.8nF
Yes
5mV
27kOhms
220pF

± 19V
75Ohms
Yes
Yes

No

150mV
5.6-47kOhms
20Hz-20kHz
± 1.5dB
Yes
0.7mV
1kOhms
6.8nF
Yes
5mV
27kOhms
220pF

± 19V
75Ohms
Yes
Yes

Yes

150mV
5.6-47kOhms
20Hz-20kHz
± 1.0dB
Yes
0.7mV
1kOhms
6.8nF
Yes
5mV
27kOhms
220pF

± 19V
75Ohms
Yes
Yes

Yes

150mV
5.6-47kOhms
20Hz-20kHz
± 1.0dB
 Specifications
 (continued)
3 Start 3A Start 3C Primus 3C Twin
3C Six 
 Signal to noise (MC)
 Signal to noise (MM)
 Signal to noise (line)
 Crosstalk
 Distortion
 Switchable gain
 Switchable coupling
 (for PA1/PA2)
 Control unit height
 Control unit width
 Control unit depth
 Control unit weight
 Power supply height
 Power supply width
 Power supply depth
 Power supply weight
 Input connections
 Output connections
GT or EQ 60dB
N/A
GT or EQ 75dB
GT or EQ 65dB
LT or EQ 0.1%
No
No

130 mm
270 mm
163 mm
1.6 kg
70 mm
235 mm
125 mm
1 kg
5 pin DIN
5 pin DIN
GT or EQ 60dB
GT or EQ 70dB
GT or EQ 75dB
GT or EQ 65dB
LT or EQ 0.1%
No
Yes

130 mm
270 mm
163 mm
1.6 kg
70 mm
235 mm
125 mm
1 kg
5 pin DIN
5 pin DIN
GT or EQ 60dB
GT or EQ 70dB
GT or EQ 75dB
GT or EQ 65dB
LT or EQ 0.1%
Yes
Yes

130 mm
270 mm
163 mm
1.6 kg
70 mm
235 mm
125 mm
1 kg
5 pin DIN
5 pin DIN
GT or EQ 60dB
GT or EQ 70dB
GT or EQ 75dB
GT or EQ 65dB
LT or EQ 0.1%
Yes
Yes

130 mm
270 mm
163 mm
1.6 kg
130 mm
270 mm
163 mm
4/4.1 kg
5 pin DIN
5 pin DIN



 
The DNM Series 3 and 3A Preamplifiers  

Series 3A, front and top view. Click here for a larger image in a new window.
Front and top view : the DNM 3A Preamplifier

DNM Design recently located in their archives an original set of DNM Series 3 and Series 1/Series 2 preamplifier Operating Notes. These have been photographed and converted to 3MB PDF files to assist Series 3/3A preamplifier owners :
Series 3 / 3A Operating Notes
(The main difference between the Series 3 and 3A was a change of motherboard connectors for the plug-in pcb's.)

Series 3A, front and top view. Click here for a larger image in a new window.
Top view : the DNM 3A Preamplifier


The DNM Series 1 and 2 Preamplifiers  

DNM Design also found in their archives an original set of Series 1/ Series 2 preamplifier Operating Notes. These too have been photographed and converted to a 3.3MB PDF file for Series 1 / Series 2 preamplifier owners :
Series 1 / Series 2 Operating Notes

Further photos plus notes on the Series 2A preamplifier will be added later.





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