TB Audio Model 23N

TB Audio Model 23N is a pre-amp for the 500 series, manufactured by TB Audio.

History
The TB Audio Model 23N was released in 2014.

Official description
The Model 23N Microphone Preamplifier is designed to be a very high quality, yet affordable and easy to use preamplifier for 500 Series racks.

The 23N is comprised of a very low noise transistor based input stage. Following the input stage, and driving the output, are NOS Phillips (Signetics) 5534 op amps. These original 5534s are widely considered to be the best 5534 variant ever made. Not wanting to believe that out of hand, we conducted extensive listening tests against alternative modern versions and the conclusion on blind comparisons is that these op amps have more than earned their reputation. Additionally, all of these parts add up to a quiet preamp. This is usually the very first comment from anyone upon hearing the 23N for the first time.

This simple, yet well devised architecture, with carefully selected components, provides everything we wanted in the original design goal: high quality, affordability, and ease of use.

Features:


 * 500 Series module
 * Hard gold plated card edge connector
 * High quality and durable aluminum bracket and front panel
 * No cost saving construction shortcuts
 * Gain range 20-55dB, 0-35dB with pad enabled
 * Phase invert switch
 * 48V Phantom power with LED indicator
 * Clip indicator
 * Clean gain to +18dBu