Hector
from $14,500 Made to order
Request a build slot Deposit, lead time and warrantyAll units in the photos are real. Some photos are AI-enhanced to improve image quality.
Two versions
Tube or solid-state
Hector is built with a tube or a solid-state active stage; the tube version takes vintage EL8, AL4 or ML6 tubes. The version is chosen at order time.
Transformer volume control
Volume, set by transformers
The level is set by the transformers of the TVC on a Swiss stepped mechanism; inputs are selected by an Elma rotary switch.
Passive mode
The active stage switched out
Built dual-mode, either version switches its active stage out by relays: the TVC then works alone, with nothing powered in the signal path. A passive-only TVC is built too.
Made to order
Built by hand
Balanced XLR inputs and outputs are optional. Each Hector is built by hand to order and numbered on its nameplate.
Hector
Numbered unit — Opus No. on the nameplate
- Model
- A transformer-volume preamplifier in two versions: tube or solid-state
- In brief
- A preamplifier in two versions, tube and solid-state, on one platform: a transformer volume control on a Swiss stepped mechanism.
- Queue deposit
- 50% · from $7,250
- Lead time
- Seven pieces of gear a year, each built by hand to order. Current lead time: six months or more.
- Origin
- Made in Kazakhstan by Dmitriy Gubchenko
- Warranty
- 1 year (extra warranty available: +1 or +2 years)
- Music it suits
- Any — it is designed to add nothing of its own
-
- Inspired by the Stevens & Billington TX-103 passive volume control
From the atelier
Hector is a preamplifier built in two versions: tube and solid-state. Both share one platform: a Demograf Audio transformer volume control (TVC) on a Swiss stepped mechanism in a wooden chassis, with inputs selected by an Elma rotary switch.
The tube version is built with vintage EL8, AL4 or ML6 tubes; the tube type is chosen with you at order time. The solid-state version has no tubes. Either suits sources and amplifiers that need more level or drive.
Either version can be built dual-mode, with relays that switch the active stage out: the TVC then works alone as a passive preamplifier, with nothing powered in the signal path. A passive-only TVC, with no mains connection, is built too. The version is chosen at order time; both come with remote control, and balanced XLR inputs and outputs and an external power supply are options. The transformer volume control is inspired by the Stevens & Billington TX-103.
Inputs are selected by an Elma rotary switch; the output selector is a toggle switch.
- Tube version: vintage EL8, AL4 or ML6 tubes
- Solid-state version: no tubes
- Dual-mode (either version): relays switch the active stage out, the TVC works alone (passive)
- Passive-only TVC: 1 × RCA in, 1 × RCA out, no mains connection
- Balanced XLR inputs and outputs optional
- External power supply option for the tube and solid-state versions
| Component | Manufacturer | Country of origin |
|---|---|---|
| Transformer volume control (Swiss mechanism) | Demograf Audio | Own manufacture |
| Input selector | Elma | Switzerland |
| Connectors (option) | Neutrik | Liechtenstein |
| Internal wiring: Proprietary “RareCoreFusion” Alloy | Demograf Audio | Own manufacture |
Photo {n} of {total}
Tube
Solid-state
Simplified diagram of the stock configuration. The exact circuit for your options is confirmed with the atelier.
Specification
Download the brochure PDF · EN · 0.6 MB
Measured on the stock configuration; options may change the figures.
- Preamplifier type
- Two versions: tube (vintage EL8, AL4 or ML6 tubes) or solid-state; dual-mode switching to a passive TVC optional; passive-only TVC available
- Inputs & outputs
- RCA — one pair in, one pair out (balanced XLR optional)
- Output selector
- Toggle Switch
- Volume control (Attenuator)
- Custom-built Demograf Audio TVC with Swiss Mechanism (fully customisable per client's choice)
- Selector mechanism
- Premium Elma rotary switch
- Internal wiring
- Proprietary “RareCoreFusion” Alloy wire (other options available)
- Mains
- Not required for a passive-only version; tube and solid-state versions: 100 / 120 / 230 V — set at order time, plug to match (NEMA, Schuko, BS 1363 / type G)
- Weight
- From 2 kg
- Dimensions (W × D × H)
- From 350 × 250 × 110 mm
Custom options
Stock items are included in the price. Every option is agreed with the atelier before the build starts.
Preamplifier type
- Passive Transformer Volume Control (TVC) — no Remote Control Suite Stock
- Passive Relay-Switched TVC Preamplifier — with Remote Control Suite
- Active Solid-State Preamplifier — with Remote Control Suite
- Active Tube Preamplifier — with Remote Control Suite
- Dual-Mode Relay-Switched TVC — Switchable Active Solid-State Stage & Remote Control Suite
- Dual-Mode Relay-Switched TVC — Switchable Active Tube Stage & Remote Control Suite
Component upgrades
- Premium Global-Brand Connectors
- Reliable High-Quality Neutrik Connectors
- AMRG Resistors & Cardas Solder / Wiring Kit
- Additional RCA Inputs
- Additional RCA Outputs
- Additional XLR (fully balanced) Inputs
- Additional XLR (fully balanced) Outputs
- External Power Supply (PSU) for Enhanced Audio — Active versions only
- Vintage EL8 Tubes — Tube Preamp versions only
- Vintage AL4 Tubes — Tube Preamp versions only
- Vintage ML6 Tubes — Tube Preamp versions only
Mains inlet, outlets & contacts (active versions)
- AC Input: Standard Spec — IEC C14 Chassis Input Stock
- AC Input: Heavy-Duty Spec — IEC C20 High-Current Inlet
- AC Output: European Standard — Schuko (Type F) Stock
- AC Output: US / Japan Standard — NEMA 5-15R (Type B)
- AC Output: British Standard — BS 1363 (Type G)
- AC Output: Universal Interface — Direct IEC C13 Outlets
- Contacts: Pure Copper Unplated (Organic & Balanced Tone) Stock
- Contacts: Gold Plated e.g. Furutech FI-09(G) (Warmth & Rich Midrange Texture)
- Contacts: Rhodium Plated e.g. Furutech FI-09(R) (Fast Transients & Fine Detail)
Finish & chassis
- Standard Configuration (Classic Custom Wood Chassis) Stock
- Priority build
- Precision-Milled Metal Chassis (CNC milling)
- Contoured Bent-Metal Enclosure
- Exotic Hardwood Chassis
- Glass-Integrated Aesthetic
- Premium Wood Inlays & Accents
- Solid-Billet Metal Enclosure
- Advanced Galvanic Finishing
- Custom Dimensions & Form Factor
- Parameter Status Display
Regional version
- 230 V — Schuko plug (Europe) Stock
- 120 V — NEMA plug (North America)
- 100 V — NEMA plug (Japan)
- 230 V — BS 1363 / type G plug (UK · Middle East)
Pairs well with
Is the Hector tube or solid-state?
Both: Hector is built in a tube version, with vintage EL8, AL4 or ML6 tubes, and in a solid-state version; you choose at order time. In passive mode (a dual-mode unit with its active stage switched out, or the passive-only TVC) there are no tubes and no power supply in the signal path.
How is the Hector serviced?
Each unit ships with its own measurement report. The circuit is kept simple and serviceable, and Demograf Audio gear is serviced for as long as parts exist.
How is it delivered?
Shipping and insurance are paid by the buyer and shown as a separate line in your quotation. Every unit is packed for long-distance transport in heavy-duty flight cases and a wooden crate.
Which mains voltage and plug?
A passive-only Hector does not connect to the mains. The tube and solid-state versions are built for 100 V, 120 V or 230 V mains with the matching plug (NEMA, Schuko or BS 1363 / type G); the voltage is fixed at order time.
How long does the Hector take to build?
Build time is six months or more from the queue deposit, depending on the configuration and the queue; delivery takes from one month after completion. The atelier builds seven instruments a year. A priority build is available for an extra 50% of the price: your unit is moved ahead in the build queue.
* Photos are taken from real systems and show the specific configuration of a particular customer; your unit can look the way you want — all our equipment is fully customisable.
