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Only those keen on the blackest of electric basses in certain house music productions might find this deck's bass not dark and mighty enough. Everyone else should rest assured that in 99% of all cases a silly grin will be the result. When Keith Jarrett takes violinist Michelle Makarski on a classical spin, it's micro detail and small-scale dynamics which are tasked hardest. With J.S. Back's Six Sonatas for Violin and Piano Jarrett is purely about serving the composer to eschew virtuoso fireworks. Both musicians concertize without getting too serious and particularly the Jazz pianist seems to tap his toes here and there. Whilst this fare lacks the macrodynamic swings of Hugh Masakela, it's chock full of nuance. At times it's the tempi which get subliminally tweaked, at others Jarrett accentuates a repeat motif whilst Makarski responds with a skoch more bow pressure. This only comes off alive and spontaneous when a preamp doesn't brush such micro data under the carpet. Here the Accustic Arts showed itself to be an explicit guardian of minimalist structures.

Particularly Makarski's violin left no doubt about playback excellence. None of my other preamps is quite as adept at recreating the full colour breadth of the violin's sound. It was rather astounding how unpretentious and nearly as an aside the deck from Lauffen covered this. Whilst I'm leery to invoke 'analytical', it does fit where the multitudiousness of discrete information is concerned which here gets clarified. That of course has nothing in common with unnatural hardness or a glassy treble which are often invoked in tandem with analytical. This formidable level of magnification power without any sense of sharpness I've rarely encountered before and then sadly only with rather pricier preamp specimens. I can't report on the 1/4-inch jack in detail since I don't own a headphone. A short-term Sennheiser loaner suggested brilliant results which had me think of getting used to nightly large-scale orgies à la Bruckner. The sonic scenery felt charged, substantial and exceptionally transparent.


Which returns us to the power screwdriver. The tool whose reliability and perfect adaptation to the task at hand won over my heart. Which is exactly how an owner might feel about the Accustic Arts Tube Preamp II. It's put together soundly and at high quality. At first glance the circuit doesn't appear extraordinary despite its part density and robust power supply. One wonders where the secret hides, the shot of voodoo or wrinkle of the esoteric which certain costly gear promises. There's no top-secret potted module. If that's what you need, this Schwabian preamp clearly is not for you.

It's about engineering know-how and plenty of experience which arrives at highly natural results without miracle parts. With acoustic music the Tube Preamp II then really reaches for the stars. But it'd be wrong to pigeon hole it for specific music genres or styles since its flexibility makes it so interesting. Add the generous i/o options, the liberty to decide between AC or DC coupling and a quality headphone socket and you'll be hard pressed to find as universal a machine of equivalent sonic prowess.

That like my Makita the Tube Preamp II Mk2 doesn't appear in the discount pages could be cause for reluctance. But consider its purely domestic manufacture of a quality that should promise reliable operation year in and year out and at a very high performance plateau. Now reality kicks in. Those interested in giving this a whirl should note that the machine's special virtues might not translate over a quickie audition. It's during lengthier involvement that its special engagement in the service of serious playback comes to the fore. Should my wife wonder what to get me next Xmas, I really hope she reads this. Such a fine tool is the dream of any ... er, handiman.
redaktion @ fairaudio.de

Psych profile of the Accustic Arts Tube Preamp II Mk2...
• The sound is characterized by a high degree of naturalness. Despite a small infusion of warmth this preamp doesn't stray from the path of tonal virtue.
• For a valve hybrid the bass is exceptionally deep, firm and articulate. This combines the quality of very good transistors without sacrificing the typical tube strengths of colour richness and inner structuring.
• As expected for a tube preamp, the Accustic Arts clocks high with a lively midband and very realistic vocal reproduction.
• The treble is detailed and very resolved.
• Soundstaging is particularly believable. Be it chamber music or large orchestral, the dimensions are always appropriate.
• Dynamics show up impressively.
• Balance is a more overriding concern than gold medals in particular disciplines. The everyday usefulness of this machine is admirable.
• Concomitant with its price fit'n'finish exhibits quality and the user interface has no issues. Plenty of i/o. AC and DC coupling is up to the owner.
• The headphone output adds value. The remote sadly won't switch inputs or absolute polarity.


Facts.
• Weight & dimensions: 100x482x375mm (HxWxD),12kg
• Inputs: 3 x XLR, 2 x RCA, 1 x RCA surround bypass
• Outputs: 2 x XLR, 2 x RCA (one each AC coupled, the other DC), 1 x fixed out, 6.3mm headfi socket
• Other: Absolute polarity switch
• Warranty: 2 years
Accustic Arts website