next The heart of the next beats digitally!
We originally developed the next to provide the perfect preamplifier for our neo, ava, and alex active speakers. To achieve this, we relied on a unique digital circuit design capable of optimally addressing the heart of our speakers: the 32-bit signal processor. After several years of development, we can proudly claim that our digital preamplifier outperforms even significantly more expensive competitor products in terms of sound quality. A/B comparisons with renowned classic preamplifiers showed that next is even sonically superior to them in analog terms, thereby inspiring both transistor and tube power amplifiers to deliver peak performance when driving passive speakers! This is actually not surprising, as we designed our preamplifier to pass on digital and analog signals without compromise or distortion – both balanced and unbalanced. Whether it’s a CD player, phono stage, streamer, or computer/laptop: next adds nothing to the signal and leaves nothing out!
Signal Purity
Without exaggeration: The A/D-D/A converter built into the next performs at an absolute reference level: It was designed to preserve the purity of the incoming signal and thus not distort the sound character of your source devices in any way. To achieve this, the built-in sample rate converter uses an extremely clean, programmable, and switchable oscillator. A/D conversion takes place at 24-bit/96 kHz, while D/A conversion is 32-bit and automatically adapts to the output sample rate. The level for the A/D converter is switchable up to +6 dB!
Sophisticated Power Supply
next is equipped with an oversized 250-watt toroidal transformer and can be operated (switchable) at 230V/115V and 50/60Hz AC. A separate power supply with a power consumption of < 0.5W handles standby mode. The analog power supply operates with an impressive additional capacitance of 84,000 µF!
Exceptional Filtering Design
The internal power supply is equipped with a mains filter and DC voltage suppression, both of which can be individually enabled or disabled – a very useful feature that prevents interference with external filtering solutions and ensures the highly effective filtering performance of the next remains uncompromised. The mains filter suppresses line-borne common-mode and high-frequency interference such as that now generated by power supplies, routers, powerline connections, or, for example, photovoltaic systems and other sources of interference. Unlike conventional filters, the next’s filter design allows for absolutely no loss of dynamics!
Highly Effective DC Blocking
next is designed with highly effective DC blockers to eliminate DC voltages in the 230/115-volt AC mains supply, such as those generated by standard household small appliances or USB chargers. It also eliminates interference voltages of up to +/- 1.2 V DC. Thanks to the sophisticated circuit design, any mechanical hum – which is often observed in preamplifiers with toroidal transformers – is completely eliminated!
Extensive Features and Modular Expandability
With three digital inputs, four digital outputs, and balanced and unbalanced analog inputs and outputs, the next offers an extremely comprehensive feature set. It also comes standard with an excellent adjustable headphone output that mutes all other outputs when in use – making our preamp the ideal control center for any high end setup. The latter can be significantly reduced thanks to the modular expandability of the next: Optionally, our preamplifier can be equipped not only with USB and/or HDMI interfaces, but also with a world-class streaming module and a phono board based on our award-winning pearl phono preamp. A total of six additional slots are available for these expansions. This smart concept ultimately means fewer devices, fewer cables, greater ease of use, and, last but not least, a more homogeneous, benchmark-setting sound across all levels!
Technical Specifications & Features
| Inputs | – 3 digital inputs: AES/EBU, optical, coaxial (sampling rate 30–200 kHz) Analog inputs: either XLR (balanced) & RCA (unbalanced) or 3 x RCA (input impedance 51 kOhm, max. level 4 V) |
|---|---|
| Outputs | 4 digital outputs: 2 x AES/EBU (parallel), optical, coaxial (switchable sample rates: 48 kHz, 96 kHz, and 192 kHz) 4 analog outputs: 2 x XLR (balanced), 2 x RCA (unbalanced), level-synchronized to the digital signal 1 headphone output (16–600 ohms, adjustable volume) |
| Optional future expansions (analog) | “Voltage Mode” phono board: XLR (balanced), RCA (unbalanced) “Current Mode” phono board: XLR (balanced), RCA (unbalanced) Phono board for DS Audio systems: RCA (unbalanced) Additional XLR and/or RCA inputs available upon request |
| Optional future expansions (digital) | USB interface HDMI interface Streaming module |
| Features | Digital volume control Integrated A/D-D/A converter Mains filtering (can be switched on and off) DC suppression (can be switched on and off) |
| Included in delivery | Remote control User manual |
| Dimensions (height x width x depth) | 438 x 399 x 127 mm |
| Weight | 13 kg (max. 15 kg with additional plug-in cards) |
| Finishes | Black (available with black or silver front panel) |