Hattor Pre-amp Inbound

**Randy Myers** · February 29, 2020, 10:30 AM

I finally got notice (UPS Tracking) that my new Hattor pre-amplifier has been shipped from Poland. I have no idea how long it takes to ship from Poland to California, but at least I know it is done and on its way

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**Shadowfax** · February 29, 2020, 11:08 AM

I had a chance to spend an afternoon with the Hattor Integrated driving Pure Audio Projects, awesome little combo.

Congrats

**joeinid** · February 29, 2020, 12:05 PM

Congratulations Randy!

Can’t wait for your opinion on it.

**UltraFast69** · February 29, 2020, 12:06 PM

Not familiar with Hattor - I found their web-site.

Nice design, with options.

Not clear though if it’s a two box solution?

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**Randy Myers** · February 29, 2020, 01:36 PM

I believe the Hattor use separate power supplies for all of their pre-amps!

From what I have researched they are supposed to be very pure uncolored gear to the max. Cosmetically it should be a great match to my T+A.

I guess my system is going to mainly European design

.... T+A, Germany; Hattor, Poland; KEF & Rega, England

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**puroagave** · February 29, 2020, 02:29 PM

The Khozmo stepped attenuators they use are a thing of beauty.

**Randy Myers** · February 29, 2020, 02:46 PM

Arek Kallas owns and runs both Khozmo and Hattor. Hattor is his higher level product line! Hattor "The Big" uses two in a dual mono configuration!

**Shadowfax** · February 29, 2020, 05:49 PM

Originally Posted by UltraFast69

Not familiar with Hattor - I found their web-site.

Nice design, with options.

Not clear though if it’s a two box solution?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

**Kuoppis** · March 1, 2020, 05:39 AM

Looks nice, congrats.

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**Randy Myers** · March 4, 2020, 09:26 AM

A bit frustrated waiting, but I guess that is how it goes with small companies. Arek said he was shipping and created UPS label on Saturday; I did receive an e-mail yesterday from him saying he was finishing it up and would be shipping today.

Oh another note, the new Rega table arrived and is setup and waiting

. Unfortunately I cannot listen to it until the Hattor arrives (no analog inputs on the T+A DAC).

UPDATE:
It is finally listed as being picked up by UPS. So it is actually on its way.... yeah!!!

**Kuoppis** · March 4, 2020, 09:51 AM

Painful situation, bummer

. Know the feeling.

Audiophiles waiting for delivery are like kids who know there is candy in the cupboard, but mommy has the key.

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**shadowlight** · March 4, 2020, 10:49 AM

Congratulation, you will enjoy it. I had a passive version and how own an active version which I can change from active to passive on the fly.

**Randy Myers** · March 4, 2020, 03:53 PM

I just checked the tracking. Shipped today, scheduled to be delivered on Friday.... really? I can't even get things from LA in 2 days but I can get it from Poland in 2 days

.

**Randy Myers** · March 5, 2020, 06:16 PM

The pre-amp is finally travelling

. It is in Germany now, but delivery is now not until Monday

.... I was hoping to have it for the weekend but what can you do

.

**Randy Myers** · March 9, 2020, 02:14 PM

The Hattor was just delivered at work! So I will hook it up tonight and if all goes well, will actually be able to also listen to the new turntable that has been sitting there taunting me for the past week

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**joeinid** · March 9, 2020, 02:48 PM

Sounds so nice you had to say it twice!

Congratulations!

**Randy Myers** · March 9, 2020, 04:08 PM

Hehe... once in a while the forum glitches

... Any chance you can delete that duplicate? Can't wait to listen to it!

**Randy Myers** · March 9, 2020, 06:13 PM

Listening to it now. So far I am very impressed. It definitely needs a little break in. Just a very little brightness that smooths with a little time (with every new piece I have had). Very accurate, amazing sound stage! I hear digital sounding with improved sound stage and very very tight bass. With new Rega table... it is just plain holy shit!!!

**uncola** · March 10, 2020, 12:05 PM

Nice, I loved my hattor mini active preamp when I had it. The fast response of the remote for volume changes was so good it was addictive

**Randy Myers** · March 10, 2020, 12:24 PM

I like the back to basic design. The remote functions work perfect and it appears to give me everything I want in a pre-amp. Just letting it settle in a bit more. I really like that it uses an external power supply. It also cosmetically matches my T+A gear. It pretty much is checking all the boxes so far!

**Randy Myers** · March 13, 2020, 02:09 PM

The Hattor appears to be smoothing out nicely. I was noticing last evening just how smooth and accurate it was sounding. Sound stage is to die for!!! Over all sound performance, at this point, seems to be very similar to the Stage 2. Smooth, uncolored, accurate, fantastic sound stage, great bass control!

I really like the hook ups and controls. You can get any configuration of XLR and RCAs that you like from the five inputs. I have three XLR and two RCA inputs, and two outputs each for both XLR and RCAs for the four that are included.

The control knobs are large and nice. The volume numbers are large and easy to see from across the room. I like that the remote is metal and can control both left and right in unison or individually (balance control). Also input up or down, mute, power, and a display dim (4 levels) all from the nice little metal remote.

I also love that a separate power box is utilized!

So far all good with the Hattor!

**Randy Myers** · March 29, 2020, 01:29 AM

I have now had the Hattor for a long enough time to get a good feel for it. At this point I would say it is a keeper. Flexible hookups, easy controls without adding extra nonsense. Sounds beautiful and adds nothing. Exactly what I loved about the Stage 2 but matches my system better. Very nice unit, highly recommended for anyone looking for a preamp that does what it is supposed to and nothing else!

**joeinid** · March 29, 2020, 02:10 AM

Congratulations Randy, great news.

I still love my Wyred stage 2. I’m sure your Hattor is amazing too.

**CPP** · March 29, 2020, 09:10 AM

Awesome Randy

**Randy Myers** · March 29, 2020, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by joeinid

Congratulations Randy, great news.

I still love my Wyred stage 2. I’m sure your Hattor is amazing too.

Yup, more similarities than differences accept the Hattor does not have the active stage standard (but that is available as an option including a tube active stage). I would say the Stage 2 and the Hattor are the best sounding pre-amps I have owned! Everything that I loved about the Stage 2 but it matches the T+A in my system much better, and I really love the little remote and separate power supply!

**Randy Myers** · April 6, 2020, 04:34 PM

Well I decided to go all out. Arek is allowing me to trade up so the AMRG Trans resistor version which will be sent by the end of the week!!! According to Arek the Takman REX and REY resistors are a bit more detailed then the standard Vishay resistor version. He told me the AMRG is warmer, richer sounding which is right up my alley. All around a very nice improvement which I think should make this as good sounding pre-amp as I could want!!!

I know quality, solid case (Arek offered for me to look inside) is as solid as I have seen. Nicely made metal, nice metal remote, top quality parts, external power supply, etc. Very good stuff!

**Randy Myers** · April 16, 2020, 12:40 PM

So Arek built a new AMRG version of the pre-amp and burnt it in over the weekend. He shipped it out from Poland on Tuesday. I just got word that it is being delivered today. Two days to deliver from Poland to California. I can't even get something from LA in two days

.... amazing

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**Randy Myers** · April 17, 2020, 01:32 AM

The step up Hattor did arrive today. This is Arek's top of the line piece with the AMRG Trans resistors. I listened for a couple hours tonight. I know it has some run in to do (like 100 hours or so), but my initial impressions are very positive. The standard model impressed me, this one even more so.

Listening a bit longer tonight I got a clearer picture of some of the things I am hearing. Very detailed but not analytic, if that makes sense. More air around the instruments, really really solid and consistent sound stage. I did not hear the typical image wandering that some equipment does. It seemed like a very deep depth to the sound stage. Very impressive indeed. I think if you like other highly rated passives such as the Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE Stage 2 then you will be very happy with this. Probably to early to say but I think I might like this better than the Stage 2! Very musical, even more so then the standard Vishay model. I can only look forward to it getting even better. If it does continue to improve this will be my go to pre-amp for sure!

Pretty awesome pre-amp; all of the inputs and outputs I could possibly want. Arek custom builds whatever configuration of XLR/RCA you want. I had mine built with 3x Stereo XLR and 2x Stereo RCA inputs; 2x XLR stereo and 2x RCA stereo outputs. External power supply, nifty metal remote, very nice solid metal case, dual mono, shipped in a flight case... and what a deal. Under 2 grand for the top model and in my view I would put the sound against virtually anything out there... the Stage 2 is commonly consider one of the best giant killers out there... at half the price this is simply amazing.

I also had Arek put black knobs on this one. It looks much better with the T+A gear! Very nice match... and it literally took two days to ship it from Poland.... holy cow that surprised me. Oh, it took him about a week to build it.

**PavelDosko** · April 18, 2020, 02:09 PM

Ahoj Randy,
děkuji za váš příspěvek, Big Hattor duální mono AMRG Trans pasivní / aktivní právě teď Arek budovy pro mě, který jste obdrželi příští týden, těším se na poslech

**PavelDosko** · April 19, 2020, 04:30 AM

Randy, what type of xlr cables with hattor are you using ?

**Jozua** · April 21, 2020, 06:24 PM

Congratulations Randy- hope it meets all your expectations !!

Enjoy.

A Picture would be nice...

**Randy Myers** · April 21, 2020, 06:33 PM

The upgrade one looks the same other then I had him put black knobs on. It looks a bit better with the T+A with the black ones

.

So far I am loving it. The best pre-amp I have ever owned in my view!

**Jozua** · April 21, 2020, 06:48 PM

Very impressive looking !!

**joeinid** · April 21, 2020, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by PavelDosko

Randy, what type of xlr cables with hattor are you using ?

Welcome to the forum

**Randy Myers** · April 21, 2020, 06:59 PM

The photo does not do it justice

... I might have to take some others... it is very heavy metal casing... I also love the separate power supply (lower shelf) and really nice feeling metal remote. Shipped in the flight case is a nice touch. It is much smoother than the lower model, with amazing sound stage both in width and depth. The clarity is simply stunning. I guess a passive pre-amp is the way for me... really like the W4S Stage 2, so far am liking the Hattor even more!

**Randy Myers** · April 21, 2020, 07:00 PM

Originally Posted by PavelDosko

Randy, what type of xlr cables with hattor are you using ?

I have AudioQuest top of the line just prior to when they went to the battery system.

**PavelDosko** · April 22, 2020, 02:33 AM

děkuji za odpověď, co aktivní fáze - is it useful ? My Hattor will come tomorrow :-)

**joeinid** · April 22, 2020, 04:03 AM

Welcome Pavel.

**Randy Myers** · April 22, 2020, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by PavelDosko

děkuji za odpověď, co aktivní fáze - is it useful ? My Hattor will come tomorrow :-)

Nice... it is an awesome pre-amp. I am 100% happy with it at this point. I hope you enjoy it as well!

Not sure what you wrote out prior to the "is it useful" however if you are referring to the cables, I do like AudioQuest but there are other very good ones as well. A lot of personal preference. Not sure I would claim one brand better than another but I definitely hear the differences with good cables!

**PavelDosko** · April 22, 2020, 09:45 AM

Ahoj, otázka byla o aktivní fázi, díky

**PavelDosko** · April 22, 2020, 09:47 AM

Hi, my question was what do you think about active phase, thank you. I've bought Hattor with OPA

**Randy Myers** · April 22, 2020, 12:59 PM

I previously owned the Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE Stage 2 which is passive and has an active stage that automatically kicks in at a certain level. I never approached the level needed to kick in the active stage.

I did not get the OPA because I felt I did not need the active boost. I have never heard it therefore I cannot give an honest opinion. What I can say is the pure passive version is amazing. I do not know which resistors you choose for your unit but what I can say is that unless you purchased the AMRG Trans version, I would feel that is more important. In my view, the higher level resistors are vastly more important than adding the active stage option. Now if you got both then it certainly can't hurt since you have the option to use the active stage or not to.

**PavelDosko** · April 22, 2020, 01:58 PM

Thank you for your reply, yes my Hattor will be dual mono with AMRG AMTrans rezistors and OPA buffer.

**Randy Myers** · April 22, 2020, 02:57 PM

Very nice! Enjoy it. I love mine so far. I cannot imagine finding a better sounding pre-amp.

Let me know what you think after you have had a chance to let it run in a bit.

**puroagave** · April 22, 2020, 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

I previously owned the Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE Stage 2 which is passive and has an active stage that automatically kicks in at a certain level. I never approached the level needed to kick in the active stage.

I did not get the OPA because I felt I did not need the active boost...

Steve McCormack who is the father of the Mod Squad Line Drive used to say, you don't choose passive preamps they pick you. Passives can leave a lot of performance on the table if you have a low gain amp driving low-sensitivity speakers. Add to that a LOMC and you could be losing all dynamics and drive your system is capable of.

presently i have a few pairs of speakers about the house, one that's around 100 db sensitive and running the Freya full passive is sufficient for capturing everything. when I insert my 83 db sensitive speakers it sounds anemic running the pre' in passive mode, it lacks punch and room filling volume.

**PavelDosko** · April 22, 2020, 03:33 PM

I'm sure I'll get back to you, I'm looking forward to it, it should be delivered by Friday

**Randy Myers** · April 22, 2020, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by puroagave

Steve McCormack who is the father of the Mod Squad Line Drive used to say, you don't choose passive preamps they pick you. Passives can leave a lot of performance on the table if you have a low gain amp driving low-sensitivity speakers. Add to that a LOMC and you could be losing all dynamics and drive your system is capable of.

presently i have a few pairs of speakers about the house, one that's around 100 db sensitive and running the Freya full passive is sufficient for capturing everything. when I insert my 83 db sensitive speakers it sounds anemic running the pre' in passive mode, it lacks punch and room filling volume.

That actually makes a bit of sense to me. I could see how those factors might come into play. I don't have oodles of power and my speakers are not low efficiency but certainly not high either. The amp is about 100 WPC and the speaker are 89 dB. I am definitely a subscriber of quality power versus quantity.

I know, to me, my system is very dynamics and inviting sounding! I do like that Arek has active stage, either sold state or tube, that can be added if I ever decide that passive is no longer doing it for me. As it is I am thrilled with the sound!

I certainly can say, without reservations, that the parts being used inside makes a very big difference. Going from the Vishay resistors to the AMRG Trans was a real eye opener!

**PavelDosko** · April 23, 2020, 08:29 AM

So, HATTOR was delivered, it seems to be really perfect preamp !

**Randy Myers** · April 23, 2020, 12:56 PM

Awesome... enjoy it. I pretty much believe mine is about as perfect as I could ever hope for in a pre-amp!

**PavelDosko** · April 23, 2020, 01:48 PM

my Hattor - https://ibb.co/KsNrzX7

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