Assemblage L-1

This Assemblage L-1 line stage is in excellent condition both cosmetically and operationally. The rating of 8/10 is for age only.

As most of you are aware, Assemblage was a subsidiary of Sonic Frontiers and the L-1 preamp is basically the same circuit as the very well regarded and reviewed Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 line stage. The L-1 is actually a refinement of the SFL-1 with a better board layout and a few upgrades. This preamp is very resolved and open sounding, having a big wide open soundstage along with great rhythmic drive. Being a hybrid pre, it possess just a pinch of tube warmth, but I wouldn't go so far as to describe it a warm sounding unit. Just enough tube bloom to slightly spice/liven things up as configured. The choice of the 6922 tube will definitely affect the preamps sound, so there's room to somewhat tailor the sound to taste, or to balance things out as the case may be. For this reason it will be equally at home in either a tube based system or a solid state one. I've paired it with both SS and tube amps with equally great results.

In addition, with a removal of a jumper located on the board inside the unit, the L-1 can be configured to accept the 12AT7 in place of the 6922/6DJ8 triode for an even wider array of choices in tube rolling. It also has a direct input that bypasses all switches and controls, except the volume adjustment.

At some point, Assemblage offered the L-1 as a kit but this particular unit was purchased factory built. This line stage has seen very light use in a bedroom system for most of its life and looks and performs just great. It was and very much still is, a reference level component at its price range.

Unit will be shipped in its original box. I am not sure if I can include the manual - I will try to locate it prior to shipment. Buyer is responsible for shipping charges and Paypal fees if any.