{"id":42592,"date":"2026-03-01T22:53:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-01T20:53:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/?p=42592"},"modified":"2026-03-29T17:35:35","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T15:35:35","slug":"halcro-equinox-preamplifier","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hifi-advice.com\/blog\/amplifier-reviews\/preamplifier-reviews\/halcro-equinox-preamplifier\/","title":{"rendered":"Halcro Equinox Preamplifier"},"content":{"rendered":"

Review organized by Marc Loubeau \/ Prestige Audio Diffusion<\/a>
\nReview sample kindly supplied by Terrason Audio<\/a><\/h4>\n

Retail prices in the Benelux, France, Monaco, and Switzerland incl. VAT:
\nEquinox Standard Preamp \u20ac54.900 (powder-coated finish) (as reviewed)
\nEquinox Signature Preamp \u20ac63.900 (premium high-quality painted finish)<\/h4>\n

Technical Details<\/h3>\n

The Halcro Equinox is a new preamplifier design, based upon the unique topology used in the acclaimed Halcro Eclipse power amplifiers. The Equinox preamp uses a proprietary, complex switch-mode power supply that switches at over 100kHz, well outside the audio band.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

To ensure optimal performance and minimize interference with the delicate audio signal, the Equinox is a two-box design, with the power supply and control circuitry in one enclosure and all audio circuitry isolated in a separate chassis. The enclosures are machined from solid metal. Care has been taken to minimize resonance with internal bracing at strategic points within the chassis by using complementary materials selected for their damping properties. Both units are fitted with custom, height-adjustable, coned isolation feet and surface-protecting discs, designed to minimize structural resonance and reduce interference with delicate audio signals.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Equinox’s Gain stages are derived from lessons learnt over many years of developing the current-generation Eclipse power amplifiers. In particular, the Equinox active gain stages are based on a new amplifier topology developed for the input stage of the new Eclipse power amplifier. Active components are configured to operate at the optimal point on the I-V (current-voltage) curve, resulting in negligible distortion (THD+Noise: 0.0002% @ 1 V\u00a0output), high slew rate, fast transients, and an extremely linear response.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Equinox preserves the signal’s phase integrity, a critical factor in reproducing music. If needed, for instance, to counteract out-of-phase recordings, there is a phase-inversion feature. Finally, there is a ‘ground-lift\u2019 isolation switch for noisy systems.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The sharp, high-resolution OLED screen is also touch-enabled, making it easy to select and adjust settings directly. It operates very intuitively.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Balanced, Unbalanced, and Current Outputs<\/h3>\n

There are four balanced inputs and three unbalanced inputs per channel. Each channel has four balanced outputs, four unbalanced outputs, and two current outputs, a very rare option in audio. Current-loop interconnects are highly immune to environmental RF noise and can deliver significant performance improvements in noisy environments.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

With its ship-like shape and rotary dial, the Remote Control is also rather unique. The buttons are touch-sensitive. The volume control works intuitively and offers fine control.\u00a0 The remote code overlaps with that of the CH L1 preamp, leading to a few confusing first moments as both preamps respond when either remote is used. Naturally, it is unavoidable that remote codes sometimes overlap, and this is a non-issue unless one owns both preamplifiers.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Next: Bridging and Bi-Amping<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Bridging and Bi-Amping<\/h3>\n

The Equinox preamp has a Halcro-special bridged-drive mode that enables it to drive a pair of power amplifiers per channel without requiring special cables or reconfiguring the power amplifiers. To clarify Halcro’s Bridge-Drive-Mode, let me first provide some background on Bridging and Bi-Amping. To ensure the accuracy of the information, I consulted Halcro Lead Engineer Lance Hewitt.<\/p>\n

Bi-Amping<\/h3>\n

Bi-Amping is the practice of connecting two power amplifiers to a single loudspeaker, with the amplifiers driven in phase. The speaker is split into 2 or more sections, most commonly high- and low-frequency, with each power amp driving one section. There is no interconnection between the power amps’ outputs, so each amp delivers its maximum voltage and current. This will provide more power when a single power amp is current-limited by the speaker’s low impedance. Driving each section of the speaker should result in a higher impedance seen by each power amp, therefore allowing an overall power increase.<\/p>\n

Bridging<\/h3>\n

Bridging typically is the practice of connecting two power amplifiers to a single loudspeaker, with each amp driving the transducer in opposite directions. To achieve this, the two amplifiers are driven in opposing phases. Compared to using two amplifiers in Bi-Amping mode, this effectively doubles the available voltage across the loudspeaker and halves the current and damping factor, while maintaining the same damping factor and available current as a single amp. It’s important to note that the Halcro Eclipse power amp has an extremely low output impedance, and even doubling a tiny value yields a still small number.<\/p>\n

Parallel<\/h3>\n

Parallel wiring is a lesser-known and rarely used form of Bridging. With this method, two power amplifiers are driven in phase, and their outputs are combined to drive a single loudspeaker. In this configuration, the output voltage remains constant, but the output impedance is halved, and the available current and damping factor are doubled. While this may sound like a theoretically ideal method for difficult speakers, Halcro recommends against it because there will always be a slight output variation between the power amps. If the outputs are connected, a circulating current will flow between the power amps, which is undesirable and can cause internal heating. This can be reduced by adding resistors in series with the speaker from each power amp to balance the currents, but this would defeat the purpose of the connection from a Hi-Fi standpoint.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Super-conveniently, the Equinox indicates the active input with a red LED on the back, right next to the physical input.<\/em><\/p>\n

Halcro Bridged-Drive Mode<\/h3>\n

The Equinox preamp includes a bridged-drive mode that enables it to drive a pair of power amplifiers per channel. The preamp inverts the signal, so custom cabling is not required, and the existing high-quality interconnects can be used. The Equinox can drive bridged amplifiers in balanced, unbalanced, or current-output modes.\u00a0Bridge-mode amplification uses two power amplifiers operating in Push-Pull mode to quadruple the output power.<\/p>\n

Bridge-Drive-Mode can be used with any mono or stereo amplifier, but the ideal partners for the Equinox are Halcro’s Eclipse stereo<\/a> and mono power amplifiers that are specifically designed for this purpose. This flexibility is particularly interesting because it allows starting with a single stereo Eclipse power amplifier and adding another when funds allow or when a speaker change requires more power. When using Bridge-Drive-Mode, the second amplifier makes the system even more powerful than a pair of mono amplifiers would and further improves sound quality.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

What to expect with a multi-amp setup<\/h3>\n

The Equinox can drive multiple power amplifiers in bridged mode, right up to bridging both channels of a bi-amped speaker system, which would require 8 power amps for a stereo pair! Here’s a summary of what to expect when upgrading to 3 of the most popular bridging modes, along with the “ultimate” option.<\/p>\n

Option 1 – Equinox + 2 bridged stereo amps<\/h3>\n

This enables the customer to easily upgrade from one stereo amp to two bridged stereo amps and is ideal for high-impedance speakers. This configuration will provide more voltage swing across the speakers than a pair of monos. Compared to using a single stereo amp, the current remains the same while the voltage doubles.<\/p>\n

Option 2 – Equinox + pair of mono amps<\/h3>\n

This will provide more current but less voltage swing than the bridged stereo setup, making it a better option for low-impedance speakers.<\/p>\n

Option 3 – Equinox + four bridged mono amps<\/h3>\n

In this configuration, two mono amps are used in bridge mode to power each speaker. This will provide more voltage swing than the bridged stereo amp and twice that of the mono amp configuration. This configuration usually offers the best of both worlds.<\/p>\n

If the speakers are the same and not low-impedance, the bridged stereo configuration should sound better than a single stereo configuration. There will be more headroom for loud transients. The Bridged mono amps will be even better as there is even more headroom and additional current for ultimate loudspeaker control.<\/p>\n

Ultimate Option<\/h3>\n

For the “ultimate” setup using Bridged Mode and Bi Amplification (using speakers with Bi-Wire terminals), this would require either 8 Eclipse Monos power amps for a pair of stereo speakers (4 pairs of Monos amps), or 4 Eclipse Stereo power amps for a pair of stereo speakers (2 pairs of Stereo amps).<\/p>\n

As Halcro puts it, Bridge-Drive-Mode allows Power Without Compromise!<\/p>\n

Next: Review Context, Listening<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Review Context<\/h3>\n

The Halcro Equinox was listened to in the main system<\/a>,<\/span>\u00a0with the <\/span>CH Precision L1<\/a> preamplifier, <\/span>CH Precision A1.5<\/a> power amp, and recently refurbished Apogee Duetta Signature speakers. <\/span>Digital sources are the Antipodes Oladra<\/a> and Grimm MU1<\/a> music servers. All interlinks are Driade Flow Link Reference 808<\/a>, and the speaker cables are Driade Flow Reference 808<\/a>. All components, including the Equinox preamp, are powered by the PS Audio P20<\/a> PowerPlant.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Because the Equinox was available to me for only a short time, I couldn’t make as many comparisons as I usually do. However, I have thoroughly compared it with my CH reference preamplifier and gained a solid understanding of how it compares and performs in my system.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Support<\/h3>\n

The Equinox’s two enclosures are both fitted with custom, height-adjustable, coned isolation feet and surface-protecting discs. These discs are fitted with thin felt undersides. When stacked, these discs should be used underneath each component.<\/p>\n

The Artesania Exoteryc rack is designed to support components directly, so I initially placed the power supply unit directly on the rack’s integral Beechwood footers and then placed the preamp unit on top using the four discs.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I found that the preamp sounded best\u00a0when positioned on top of an Artesania KSH2 Krion shelf,\u00a0as intended, using its own footers and discs. This way, the sound was a bit crisper and more coherent.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Conversely, the direct placement on the Artesania rack’s footers provided an arguably more organic rendition. It’s worth experimenting with the placement, and I would also recommend trying separate shelves for each of the two components.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Listening<\/h3>\n

Contrary to what one might expect, an extremely fast, wide-bandwidth amplifier does not sound technical, dry, or staccato. As I learned when reviewing the Halcro Eclipse<\/a> stereo power amplifier, quite the opposite, in fact! Like the Eclipse power amp, the Equinox preamp’s extremely low distortion, high slew rate, and fast transient response lead to a remarkably liquid, organic, and utterly free-flowing sound. <\/span><\/p>\n

Like the power amp, the Equinox preamp is so natural and self-effacing that it encourages listening to the heart of the music rather than the technical aspects. The Equinox has magnificent resolution, but it never sounds forward, let alone “aggressive” or “in your face”. Likewise, the preamp has incredible analytical qualities, yet it never sounds<\/em> analytical and consistently presents everything you play in a stress-free and utterly natural way.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some very precise amplifiers can be overly controlled, and this often extends to the soundstaging. Such products can be highly focused at the expense of flow and expansion. Not the Equinox. The focus is as good as it gets, while the soundstage is as large or as intimate as the recording requires. There is also very good depth within the stage, with precise instrument placement.<\/p>\n

Volume control is a hot topic, with manufacturers swearing by one technique or another. It’s not clear how the Equinox handles volume leveling, but what is clear is that it operates extremely evenly. No matter the volume setting, whether whisper-quiet, very loud, or anywhere in between, the soundstage maintains a cohesive unity, and the music simply flows effortlessly.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Equinox also operates 100% silently. First, and foremost, there is no audible hiss or switching noise when using any of its controls, from the tweeters. Secondarily, there is zero mechanical hum from the case. This may sound like a normal request for an ultra-high-end audio component, but as I know all too well, mechanical silence is by no means guaranteed, regardless of the component’s cost.<\/p>\n

The preamp’s quietness is also reflected in the music. There’s a calmness and unforced quality to everything you play, yet nothing sounds the same. There is no forwardness or a tendency to sound laid-back; the sound is neither fast nor slow, and there is never a sense that the preamp is trying to be impressive. The preamp “simply” relays the recordings. This supposedly simple task is actually one of the hardest aspects to achieve with a preamp.<\/p>\n

Next: Listening continued and Conclusion<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Like the CH Precision L1, the Equinox has extremely little character. However, even with two world-class components that are both extremely neutral, there can still be a significant difference in sonic presentation.<\/p>\n

Both preamplifiers deliver an incredibly detailed sound with immense refinement and superb resolution. The Equinox, however, offers fuller, rounder bass and a richer, more organic midrange. By contrast, the L1 sounds a little brighter and airier. This is a strange and relative phenomenon, given that both preamplifiers measure extremely linearly. The L1, on its own, never sounds overly bright to me. Likewise, the Equinox, on its own, does not sound dark. While the L1 does not convey more detail, it presents it more explicitly and with a subjectively more open treble, which can make it sound a little more exciting, while the Equinox is slightly more relaxed. On the other hand, while I already regard CH Precision equipment as possessing vanishingly little in the way of a solid-state signature, the Equinox sounds even less like a transistor component.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

For many years, I was a huge fan of Jeff Rowland equipment. Now, listening to the Equinox reminds me of some of the unique aspects I valued highly in the brand’s best preamplifiers, the Coherence II, Criterion, and Corus. The Jeff Rowland magic is best described as a delicate balance of sweetness, resolution, flow, and refinement, and at the time, this balance was rare in the world of transistor amplification. I was not aware of any downsides until I heard better preamplifiers, such as the CH Precision L1, Spectral 30SV, and Aries Cerat Impera II, which made me realize what could be further achieved in dynamics and timbral realism, among other areas. Well, leave it to the Equinox to retain all these desirable qualities while further elevating precisely these points of attention.<\/p>\n

Essentially, the Equinox provides a perfect middle ground between the neutrality of the CH L1, the refined sweetness of the best Jeff Rowland preamplifiers, and the liquidity and harmonic richness of tube products.<\/p>\n

Honestly, I never believed that all these traits could be distilled into a coherent whole within a single product without introducing serious drawbacks elsewhere. But the Equinox achieves it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Current Mode<\/h3>\n

In addition to the regular XLR outputs that I used for this review, the Equinox also offers two current outputs, a very rare option in audio. As Halcro indicates, current-loop interconnects are highly immune to environmental RF noise and can deliver significant performance improvements in noisy environments. Alas, I did not have a Halcro power amplifier to test this with, but from experience with other equipment, I know that current mode can sound further elevate the naturalness and “un-electronic nature” versus traditional connections.<\/p>\n

In addition to offering native compatibility with Current-Mode connections and Bridge-Mode, Halcro power amplifiers share the same balance of virtues as the Equinox, making a strong case for choosing the system approach.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

The Equinox transcends the transistor-versus-tube debate and is one of the best preamplifiers I have heard. It joins the CH L1, Spectral 30SV, and Aries Cerat Impera II preamplifiers in my top five. At this exalted level, personal preference becomes a huge deciding factor, but the Equinox most definitely deserves a Magnificent Masterpiece award.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Associated Equipment<\/a><\/p>\n

External Links<\/h3>\n

Manufacturer: Halcro<\/a><\/p>\n

Terrason Audio<\/a>
\nDistributor for Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg<\/p>\n

Prestige Audio Diffusion<\/a>
\nDistributor for France & Monaco & Switzerland
\n<\/u><\/u>Contact: Marc Loubeau
\nTel: +33(0)6 49 89 68 88
\nEmail: contact@prestigeaudio-diffusion.fr<\/a><\/p>\n

\r\n
Related Posts<\/div>\r\n
\r\n\r\n
\r\n
\r\n \r\n\r\n \"\"\r\n\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n Halcro Equinox Preamplifier <\/a>\r\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n
\r\n \r\n\r\n \"\"\r\n\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n LAiV Verse DAC\/headphone AMP <\/a>\r\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n
\r\n \r\n\r\n \"\"\r\n\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n Musetec MH-DA006 DAC and MH-SA001 Pre-amplifier <\/a>\r\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n
\r\n \r\n\r\n \"\"\r\n\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n LAiV Harmony uDAC <\/a>\r\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n
\r\n \r\n\r\n \"\"\r\n\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n WestminsterLab Quest preamp and Rei mono power amps <\/a>\r\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n
\r\n \r\n\r\n \"\"\r\n\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n Playback Designs MPD-8 Dream DAC <\/a>\r\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n
\r\n \r\n\r\n \"\"\r\n\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n LAiV Harmony HP2A and Harmony LExt IN2 <\/a>\r\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n
\r\n
\r\n \r\n\r\n \"\"\r\n\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n \r\n Wattson Audio Madison and Madison LE <\/a>\r\n\r\n <\/div>\r\n \r\n <\/div>\r\n\r\n