The Auralic Taurus Pre was conceived as a high-performance, fully balanced line-stage preamplifier, drawing inspiration from the design philosophies of classic analog recording equipment while embracing modern aesthetics. It was designed to be an ideal partner for power amplifiers like the Auralic Merak, aiming to create a fantastic audio playback system for discerning audiophiles. Key design elements included Auralic's ORFEO Class A output module, inspired by the Neve 8078 analog console. This module utilized carefully selected small signal components, thermally balanced and biased into Class A, to achieve very low open-loop distortion and a warm, natural sound reminiscent of the Neve console. The Taurus Pre also featured a low-noise input buffer, specifically engineered for preamplifier use. This buffer offered excellent linearity and a high maximum undistorted input level, making it suitable for various source components. It also boasted an exceptionally low noise floor, contributing to a wide dynamic range and the ability to capture fine musical details. Auralic implemented their Advanced Purer-Power™ Solution in the Taurus Pre to minimize noise. This included a custom-made, triple-shielded main transformer by Plitron, designed to significantly reduce electromagnetic interference. This power solution aimed to isolate the audio circuitry from both internal and external noise, ensuring greater stability and sound purity. In terms of functionality, the Taurus Pre offered multiple input and output options, including both single-ended RCA and balanced XLR connections. It also featured high-quality headphone outputs, allowing for private listening. A remote control was included for ease of use.
