The Enhancer

THÖRESS presents
the Parametric Phono Equalizer Series...

These exceptional tube phono enhancers allow on-the-fly selection of the entire range of phono equalization curves used by the prominent record labels throughout history.
In addition, we have implemented subtle tone control facilities to compensate for sound degrading artifacts
which may have been introduced during the recording
or cutting process of a given record. The Enhancer’s
unique tone control circuitry shapes the playback deemphasis curve itself, within wide limits, without
the use of any clumsy conventional tone control circuitry. Bass, mid-bass and treble are independently variable by means of rotary knobs.

more...

The Enhancer will allow you to hear much more deeply
into the grooves of any kind of record than a common
phono preamplifier restricted to RIAA deemphasis,
and optimum tonal balance and “good sound” may be
restored even to poorly mastered or manufactured discs.

It is well known that tone control is especially beneficial with the reproduction of early monophonic records. Interestingly, most (early) stereophonic records and even poorly produced modern records will benefit considerably from these features too. A more detailed description of the tone control facilities can be found in the manual. Tone control of the kind used in our Enhancers proves to have a much stronger impact in restoring a satisfactory overall tonal balance than simple adjustment of the phono deemphasis curve in accordance with the origin and vintage of the record.

more... back...

Our Parametric Phono Equalizer is available in 5 versions
to suit all kinds of stereophonic and monophonic cartridges,
with one version dedicated to single channel mono reproduction. This version is specifically designed  to cover
all possible de-emphasis curves associated with 78 rpm records, in addition to the tone control functions provided by the stereophonic versions. A detailed description of these versions and other useful information concerning cartridges and vinyl reproduction in general may be found
in the manual.

Thanks to an outstanding circuit topology, amplification
of the phono signal is purely active without the aid
of a step-up transformer on any input of any version.
Nonetheless, the Enhancer offers an extraordinary
signal-to-noise ratio, despite the built-in power transformer
which is produced in-house to the highest possible
standard. Even the slightest residual transformer vibrations
are prevented from reaching sensitive parts of the amplifier
due to the mechanical decoupling of the unit from the case.

more... back...

Importantly, the output resistance of the Enhancer is low
enough to drive long interconnect cables and power
amplifiers with input impedances as low as 10,000 ohms
without compromising sound quality. Moreover, enough
amplification is provided by the Enhancer to drive our
F2A11 Integrated Amp directly (avoiding the need
of additional line amplification) provided the speaker
efficiency is sufficiently high, as is the case with both
of our speaker models, and the cartridges used on
any MC or MM level input will output not less than
0.35mV or 1mV respectively.

more... back...

As with our full function preamplifier, the Enhancer
is entirely hard-wired, and much care has been taken
in arranging each aspect of the internal construction
to ensure the highest reliability, low-noise performance
and ease of service. The stereophonic versions of the
enhancer are equiped with five NOS tubes, one PCC88,
two 12SN7GT and two PC86, whereas in the
single channel mono version one PCC88, one
12SN7GT and one PC86  are in service.

back...