Vintage / Cello Etude // Passive Solid State Preamplifier

SOLD , now part of a Private Collection
The Cello Etude is like the luxury car of preamps—but instead of leather seats and heated cupholders, you’re getting mind-bending sound purity with none of the fluff. Designed by Mark Levinson, the Etude doesn’t bother with flashy features or modern-day conveniences because, let’s face it, if you’re buying this thing, you probably think audio gear should be as serious as quantum physics. It's a solid-state preamp that promises to deliver your music with absolutely zero color, warmth, or fun—just raw, unadulterated "truth" in every note.
Production
1987
Condition
9.5/10
Restoration
  • Full functional bench test
  • Detailed & ready to sing
Factory Specs

The input impedance of the Etude is approximately 10K ohms. The input impedance of the power amplifier will affect this specification. Dimensions are: 9 1/2" width, 3 1 / 2 " height, 10 3/4" depth 

*NOTE: Some source units (many CD players for example) may sound better when terminated with high impedance preamp inputs (100k Ohms — 1 Meg Ohm). In this case, please audition Cello's Audio Suite or Encore preamplifier with balanced inputs set to high input impedance (factory-set) position.

Liner Notes
The Etude is a passive line level selector and attenuator. Designed to last, this compact and practical unit is an ideal audio component for systems having up to four line level inputs. A power amplifier/speaker combination with adequate input sensitivity is required because no line gain is provided. Custom-made heavily gold plated Cello RCA connectors are used throughout and a grounding lug is provided. On the front panel a heavy-duty precision rotary switch with gold plated contacts selects the desired input. A Cello 59 position control precisely adjusts output level in increments of one dB from full volume to -50dB, then provides eight increments to full off. Steps are accurate when power amplifier input impedance is not less than 100K Ohms, although the minimum required power amplifier input impedance is 10k Ohms.* As with other Cello designs, the Etude employs durable aluminum bar and plate construction. This allows any panel to be replaced easily if damaged and eliminates chassis screw stripping. 
Stock No.
8799884148957
The Cello Etude is like the luxury car of preamps—but instead of leather seats and heated cupholders, you’re getting mind-bending sound purity with none of the fluff. Designed by Mark Levinson, the Etude doesn’t bother with flashy features or modern-day conveniences because, let’s face it, if you’re buying this thing, you probably think audio gear should be as serious as quantum physics. It's a solid-state preamp that promises to deliver your music with absolutely zero color, warmth, or fun—just raw, unadulterated "truth" in every note.

Production

1987

Condition

9.5/10

Restoration

  • Full functional bench test
  • Detailed & ready to sing

Factory Specs

The input impedance of the Etude is approximately 10K ohms. The input impedance of the power amplifier will affect this specification. Dimensions are: 9 1/2" width, 3 1 / 2 " height, 10 3/4" depth 

*NOTE: Some source units (many CD players for example) may sound better when terminated with high impedance preamp inputs (100k Ohms — 1 Meg Ohm). In this case, please audition Cello's Audio Suite or Encore preamplifier with balanced inputs set to high input impedance (factory-set) position.

Liner Notes

The Etude is a passive line level selector and attenuator. Designed to last, this compact and practical unit is an ideal audio component for systems having up to four line level inputs. A power amplifier/speaker combination with adequate input sensitivity is required because no line gain is provided. Custom-made heavily gold plated Cello RCA connectors are used throughout and a grounding lug is provided. On the front panel a heavy-duty precision rotary switch with gold plated contacts selects the desired input. A Cello 59 position control precisely adjusts output level in increments of one dB from full volume to -50dB, then provides eight increments to full off. Steps are accurate when power amplifier input impedance is not less than 100K Ohms, although the minimum required power amplifier input impedance is 10k Ohms.* As with other Cello designs, the Etude employs durable aluminum bar and plate construction. This allows any panel to be replaced easily if damaged and eliminates chassis screw stripping. 

Stock No.

8799884148957

Vintage / Cello Etude // Passive Solid state Preamplifier
Vintage / Cello Etude // Passive Solid state Preamplifier
Vintage / Cello Etude // Passive Solid state Preamplifier
Vintage / Cello Etude // Passive Solid state Preamplifier
Vintage / Cello Etude // Passive Solid state Preamplifier
Vintage / Cello Etude // Passive Solid state Preamplifier
Vintage / Cello Etude // Passive Solid state Preamplifier

May We Suggest

Accuphase E-3000 / NEW // Integrated Amplifier

Accuphase E-3000 / New // Integrated Amplifier

MSRP $8,975
Aragon 4004 MKII // Vintage / Dual Mono Solid-State Amplifier / Recapped (051094)

Aragon 4004 Mkii // Vintage / Dual Mono Solid-state Amplifier / Recapped (051094)

$1,499
Aragon Palladium // Vintage / Solid-State Monoblock Amplifiers / Balanced Inputs / 030206/030207

Aragon Palladium // Vintage / Solid-state Monoblock Amplifiers / Balanced Inputs / 030206/030207

$2,999
Aragon Palladium // Vintage / Solid-State Monoblock Amplifiers / Balanced Inputs / 030322/030323

Aragon Palladium // Vintage / Solid-state Monoblock Amplifiers / Balanced Inputs / 030322/030323

$2,999
Aragon Palladium // Vintage / Solid-State Monoblock Amplifiers / Balanced Inputs / 030324/030325

Aragon Palladium // Vintage / Solid-state Monoblock Amplifiers / Balanced Inputs / 030324/030325

$2,999
Aragon Palladium // Vintage / Solid-State Monoblock Amplifiers / Balanced Inputs / 030446/030447

Aragon Palladium // Vintage / Solid-state Monoblock Amplifiers / Balanced Inputs / 030446/030447

$2,999
Audio Hungary Qualiton A75i // New / Integrated Amplifier / Silver

Audio Hungary Qualiton A75i // New / Integrated Amplifier / Silver

$9,250
Audio Innovations 500 // Vintage Integrated Tube Amplifier

Audio Innovations 500 // Vintage Integrated Tube Amplifier

$1,599
Audio Refinement Pre 5 // Vintage Solid-State Preamplifier

Audio Refinement Pre 5 // Vintage Solid-state Preamplifier

$899