+ TAX
3590,00 EUR
Proteus Black - balanced XLR line preamplifier
Product description premiera: Audio Video Show 2026 Warszawa
BONAWATT Proteus is a high end hybrid tube preamplifier designed as a flexible centrepiece for a stereo system. In its standard configuration, it is a high performance analogue line preamplifier, but thanks to BAX™ technology, its functionality can evolve together with the owner’s system.
It is the ability to change and expand its functionality that sets Proteus apart from conventional preamplifiers.
Without a BAX™ expansion card installed, Proteus remains a pure analogue tube preamplifier with three RCA inputs, a balanced XLR input and RCA and balanced XLR outputs. With the appropriate expansion card installed, it can also become a high performance digital source with a DAC, a MM/MC phono preamplifier or a preamplifier equipped with a wireless audio receiver. Users therefore do not have to decide at the time of purchase what their system will look like several years from now. They can start with a simple analogue signal path and expand Proteus when a turntable, digital transport or another source is added to the system.
This ability to evolve is also reflected in the mythological name Proteus. The device can take on different functions without changing its fundamental architecture.
The analogue signal path is built around a 12AX7 tube operating as an active preamplifier gain stage. This is not a simple tube buffer used merely to give the device a tube character. The tube genuinely amplifies the signal and establishes the tonal foundation of the preamplifier.
Following the tube stage, BONAWATT’s proprietary low noise buffer circuit uses JFET and MOSFET devices, based on solutions originally developed for our current flagship hybrid amplifier, the Triton. It provides an effective interface between the tube voltage gain stage and the preamplifier outputs, ensuring low output impedance and effortless control even over long connections leading to a demanding power amplifier. As in the Triton and Tamesis, volume control is based on Japanese signal relays with silver plated contacts. The logarithmic resistor ladder, using hand matched MELF resistors, provides uncompromising precision and control over stereo volume.
Proteus features both unbalanced RCA outputs and balanced XLR outputs. This allows it to work with virtually any power amplifier, although its natural partner is the Pallas, a power amplifier designed in parallel as part of the same product family.
The analogue circuits are powered by ultra quiet, regulated power supplies. The design does not use the tube rectifier employed in the larger Triton, making it possible to house a complete active tube preamplifier in a new generation low profile chassis.
Like Bythos and Pallas, Proteus features the distinctive front panel with strongly chamfered corners and three point IsoAcoustics support. The three isolators always create a stable three point plane of support, eliminating the possibility of the lightweight chassis rocking while reducing the transmission of vibrations between the device and the supporting surface.
Proteus has been designed both as a standalone preamplifier for an existing high end audio system and as the heart of a complete BONAWATT Proteus + Pallas separate component system.
Technical specifications
Front panel color and finish: Black, brushed aluminium.
Device type: Hybrid tube line preamplifier.
Vacuum tube: 12AX7.
Preamplifier: Active tube voltage gain stage.
Output buffer: Low noise JFET / MOSFET circuit.
Analogue inputs: 3 × RCA + 1 × balanced XLR.
Input impedance: 22 kΩ.
Analogue outputs: 1 × RCA + 1 × balanced XLR.
Output impedance: 250 Ω.
BAX™ expansion slots: 1.
Available BAX™ expansions: DAC, PHONO MM/MC, WIRELESS and additional modules currently under development for the BAX™ system.
Analogue section power supply: Ultra quiet regulated discrete power supplies.
Isolation: 3 × IsoAcoustics audio vibration isolators.
STANDBY power consumption: < 1 W.
Optional equipment in the configurator
► Remote control:
RC 2 (aluminium). Supported functions: ON / STANDBY, volume control, input selection, mute / unmute and display dimmer. Built in rechargeable battery with USB C charging. Power supply: 4.7 V DC, Li Po. Dimensions: 178 mm length × 48 mm width × 28 mm height.
► Installation of the selected BAX™ expansion card in the EXT1 slot, included in the base price plus the price of the selected card.
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