FS: Audio Valve Sunilda SE Phono stage, excelelent sound and condition

[AJSki2fly]

Recently I was given a low end guitar which got me playing again after 10 years away, and I am really enjoying it, stupidly I sold my guitar gear when I had a neck injury which stopped me playing, after an operation all was good but I never went back to playing guitar. Having had my musical journey rekindled I want to replace my guitar, so I need to raise some cash.

After a great deal of thought and mind ringing I have decided to part with this wonderful phono stage, my Krell Pre-amp has its own which is pretty good, a slightly different tone but acceptable to my older ears.

The Sunilda is one of those audio hidden gems which gives superb rendition at an affordable price. I have owned it for 3 years and it has performed wonderfully, it opens up the music, producing a clear and accurate soundstage, with clear and musical detail across all frequencies. It is very versatile with two inputs, each can be configured for Moving Magnet or Moving Coil cartridges independently. It runs extremely silently which gives a wonderful silent background and lets the dynamics of a recording sing.

This is the SE model, distinctive in black and as can be seen from the internal photo it is the Diamant version, which as I understand it only the best components were used for these. As can be seen from the photos is is in excellent condition and unmarked. It currently has a matched pair of Electro-Harmonix 6922EH (gold pins) and a matched pair of PSVANNE 12AX7-S art valves.

The mains transformer in the separate power supply failed a year ago and was replaced by and Alan Kendal(Firebottle) and it has been fine since.

These rarely come up for sale, I am asking £2495 inclusive of insured courier for delivery in the UK, if from outside the UK then delivery costs will need to be considered separately.

I do not have the original packaging but it will be very securely and safely packed.

If you have any question please PM or email me. Apologies for the reflections in the photos, it is very hard to not get these.

"AudioValve Sunilda Tubes Phono Stage
A view of the compact and absolute wireless electronic – riaa modul from SUNILDA. There is no hum, bee or any noise – only music. The design on a double side pc board is constructed in double mono technology, use best and selected components and guarantee high stable and highend vinyl re – productions.
Sunilda is a three stage phono-preamplifier, based on 6922 (ECC88) and 12AX7 (ECC83) frame grid tubes, suitable for two MM- and MC-cartridges at the same time. Independently for the two phono inputs, impedance and capacitive load can be set separately and ‘on-the -fly’ while listening. Thus the user can easily configure the unit to match the features of the cartridge by selecting the optimal input resistance and capacitance for each input separately!
Switches in front are found for: MM/MC mode for each input; input 1 or 2; selectors are used to select different resistor and capacitive input loads.
In MM mode the gain will be 23 dB lower than MC and at a fixed input-impedance of 47 K.
In MC mode the preamp will have 20 dB higher gain and switchable input resistors and condensers. The RIAA de-emphasis is passive and split between the first and second stage. Dividing the RIAA network over two amplification stages lowers the insertion losses of the passive network dramatically. Furthermore, the design holds a total absence of feedback, thus increasing the overall dynamics.
Power supplies are solid state regulated. This is the best way to obtain a low noise and supply line with a very low impedance that will increase the performance in the lower frequency range. The power transformer is housed in a separate aluminum case.
Technical Specifications:
Gain: MM 41dB, MC 63dB ( 1Khz )
Input LOAD resistors: 47 R, 100 R, 220 R, 470 R, 1 K, 47 K
Input LOAD capacitors: 0 p, 100 p, 220 p, 470p, 1000p
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 65 KHz +/- 3 dB
Subsonic filter roll-off: 20 Hz
Max output amplitude: 14V pk
RIAA accuracy max.: +/- 0,18dB
Distortion: MM 0,24 %, MC 0,32% (1Khz – 2V out)
Noise: MM – 63dB, MC – 73dB
Circuit type: 3 stages single ended, buffered ouputs
RIAA network: passive
Tubes: 2 x 6922 (6N1P), 2 x 12ax7
mode functions: Stand – by and mute
Power supplies: high accuray solid state regulated
Power transformer: outside housed
Power requirements: 115/230 – 245 Ac – 50/60Hz
Power consumption: Watts: 40 VA
Dimensions in cm: 42 B x 32 D x 14 H
Weight: 20 kg"

[Kember]

Having had the Audiovalve Assistent in the past, may I just say that they sold wonderfully sounding and well built kit? If this is half as good as my amp, this will be a sweet deal for someone.

GLWTS!

[AJSki2fly]

Some informative reviews:-

REVIEWS:

Michael Fremer of Stereophile:
"...Germany's AudioValve is building some of the finest and affordable tubed products available today. The Sunilda is a great example. Loaded with features, beautiful sonics, and a price that makes this phono stage a veritable bargain in the context of its' competition. The Sunilda uses 2 (two) 12AX7 and 6922 each making it a tube roller's delight. Personally, I've used Telefunken, Siemens, Mullard, Amperex, and RCA among others. The many different combinations of tubes make for an unlimited number of possibilities you might find satisfying. I've been listening your Sunilda you'll be hard pressed to buy more for its' price and perhaps even a couple thousand more. Inputs for 2 MC or 2 MM cartridges at the same time; ideal for the enthusiast with a 2 tables or a table with dual tonearms. Front panel controls for loading and capacitance. External power supply for superior isolation and on and on. The Sunilda is one terrific value...."

"...the AudioValve Sunilda is one of the most enjoyably tube-based phono preamps I’ve heard..."

Ken Kessler for Hi-Fi News:
"...the Sunilda pours forth the detail, the air, the sense of a 3-D space and the kind of control that's hard to fault..."

"...as you can imagine, competition in this sector is tough: really tough. I recently bought the AR PH5, and - love it though I truly do - I have to admit that it's shy of adjustability, and lacks the facility for a second turntable; this makes a pain in the arse if you like to fiddle about with cartridges and decks. Conversely, it's the choice if you don't fiddle around. EAR's phono offerings are always magical, from the least expensive to the sublimely dear; Quad's new valve phono amp is even more of a bargain than the Sunilda; Sutherland's PhD is the quitest phono stage I've ever heard. AS any show-goer will tell you, there are countless other superb phono amps to consider as well. The Sunilda however is genuienly special. It manages the combine the best balance of all of the above phono amps' virtues, sonically and practically, then doubles them up and sells them to you for a sane price...."

[AJSki2fly]

Price reduction. I am quite surprised that no one has snapped this up, this really is one of the best sounding phono stages around at this price and you could easily spend two or three times more and not better it.

I have decided to reduced the price by £200 to £2295 including delivery in the UK as indicated in the original post, elsewhere in the world will have to be assessed separately.

Hopefully this will tempt someone and allow me to move on with my guitar adventures.

By the way if any prospective buyer would like to hear it then I am happy to demo it at my home.

[rocking kid]

i thought this would of sold by now , GLWS ,

[AJSki2fly]

i thought this would of sold by now , GLWS ,

So would I. Whoever buys this will not regret it.

[AJSki2fly]

SOLD