Marsh Sound Design P2000 High Performance Line Preamplifier
Marsh Sound Design's logo comes from an ancient Native American petroglyph pecked in
stone, high in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Long ago, small, selfsufficient
groups of people moved about the mountains, hunting and
gathering, and celebrating rituals. Leaving behind little about themselves, except for
these rock figures and a few stone tools.
The mark Marsh Sound Design's found, created a thousand years
ago, could have been a sun sign, a map, or a symbol of focus and concentration-or yet
some mystery we cannot imagine today.
Just as a great performer spends years learning his or her instruments, so a master designer spends years
understanding the complexities of audio circuitry and the science of electronics.
For more than 30 years, Richard N. Marsh, author, lecturer, engineer, and inventor, has shared the art of
perfecting audio circuits with other designers. Now, his goal is to bring you his accumulated experience in the
service of music.
The Marsh Sound Design team builds its products to the most exacting standards of design and construction, for
simplicity of use, long life and timeless performance. Your investment in a Marsh product means that you can
forget about the hardware and focus on years of enjoyment.
So - set your course for the music . . .and leave the rest to Marsh Sound Design.
Marsh Sound Design P2000 High-Performance Line Amplifier features
Pure Class A circuitry is built from advanced bipolar and Field Effect Transistors,
Wireless Remote,
“Tracking” regulated power supplies for maximum detail and
Direct-coupled signal paths employing Richard’s “Servo-Control” Technology.
Marsh Sound Design's P2000 line stage preamplifier delivers gorgeous sound and effortless performance from a solid state dual mono design that even incorporates wireless remote control operation. The P2000 is essentially identical to the P2000B, but it is intended for users who don't require the P2000B's balanced connections. You save money by skipping the balanced connections, but you still get the full sonic benefit of Marsh's uncompromising engineering excellence.
The P2000's advanced circuitry runs in pure "Class A" for uncompromising performance. Bi-polar and FET field effect transistors are used in a folded cascade configuration for linear, low noise operation.
The signal path is "direct-coupled" from input to output for musical signal purity, employing Richard Marsh's popularized concept of Servo-Control. The circuits are stabilized for optimum resolution of musical detail, using special balanced "tracking" regulated power supplies.
Simplified controls on the front panel of the P2000 belie the elegant, complex electronics inside. A true dual mono design from the separate dedicated power supplies to external connections isolates left and right channels for the best possible resolution and precise imaging. The power supplies are fitted with high-tech components designed by Richard Marsh, including advanced AudioCap and Exotica capacitors, which are used in fine AV products worldwide. Built-in Monster Clean Power AC power filtration helps eliminate local power line noise for clearer highs and deeper bass through elimination of RFI (radio frequency interference) and EMI (electromagnetic interference) effects.
The Marsh Sound Design P2000 also includes a wireless remote for easy armchair control of major functions. The hand picked components used in the internal remote circuitry does not compromise the sound quality of the preamp. Premium ALPS controllers, known for their high quality and compatibility with most fine audio components, are used. The ALPS components deliver the lowest distortion and noise, which has made them a favorite in professional level studio controls and mixers. Internal wiring utilizes Monster Cable for optimum performance.
Complex? Yes, but elegant and effective.
Marsh Sound Design P2000 Performance Specifications
Preamplifier Section
- FrequencyResponse, 20-20,000Hz +/- 0.1dB
- THD+noise at 2 Vrms, 20-20,000Hz <0.025%
- Input Impedance 50kOhms
- MaximumGain 14dB
- Signal to Noise ratio, Aweighted 98dB
- MaximumOutput at 1kHz 6 Vrms
- Cross talk at 1 kHz -92dB
- Cross talk at 10 kHz -92dB
Remote Turn On/Off Section
- Remote in Voltage +12V,-2V,+5V
- Input resistance 4.7kOhms
- Remote outVoltage +12V+/-2V
- Current 5mA max.
- InputPower AC110-120V, 60Hz
Weight, Dimensions & Power
- Power consumption 14W
- Size 19”W x 3 5/8”H x 13”D
- Weight Net 10.3 lbs (4.6 kgs), Shipping 13.9 lbs (6.2 kgs)
About Marsh Sound Design
Marsh Sound Design, Inc. is dedicated to bringing you extraordinary components that are true, above all, to the art of music.
Just as great performers spend years learning their instruments, so a master designer spends years understanding the complexities of audio circuitry and the science of electronics.
Marsh Sound Design: Not Just another Hi-fi Electronics Company
After 30 years of building his own High End systems (from preamp all the way to speakers, including wire), and designing and consulting for other companies, Richard Marsh started his own firm in 1999. Marsh Sound Design is dedicated to developing electronics that represent the distillation of his years of experience and research in audio.
The Marsh Sound Design Philosophy
“Marsh Sound Design, or MSD, has two aims,” Richard Marsh says. “The first is to build the best, simplest, and most reliable line and power amplifiers possible, using top-quality modern parts and the most elegant circuit designs. Our second aim is to offer these products at prices all music lovers can afford. This is a challenge today, when fine audio products cost as much as a small house, and the ‘trickle down’ designs are either not well built or hopelessly compromised to reduce cost.”
Marsh Sound Design ’s motto is: Complex on the inside; simple on the outside. The complexity, Richard explains, reflects his decades of circuit design (he invented the popular Servo Control circuit and many innovations in the concepts of power line conditioning, some patented by other companies). Simple on the outside reflects the choice of elements the listener really needs in his audio and video systems. “We believe in performance, not gimmicky features,” Richard says. “A good preamp and amp form the heart of a long-term system. An MSD amplifier will allow the listener’s system to grow. It will bring out the best not only in small speakers and inexpensive front end units, but in the finest associated equipment.”
“The most important aspect of any new business is the team,” Richard goes on. “It has taken me 20 years to find the right team: Pongtorn Malakul of Bankok is our manufacturing partner. He brings us years of experience in building fine components, and a construction crew that is, in my experience, without peer. Vern Smith is our marketing partner, with years of experience at Monster Cable Products, Inc., where I have also worked for a number of years.”
“I’ve always wanted to represent products by a single top-flight designer,” Smith says. “This is a sure way to bring fine sound to a broad base of customers.”
“For me, this is a dream come true,” writes Pongtorn Malakul from his offices in Bangkok. “In the world of hi-fi, American products are the Thai's dream. I have spent 12 years building audio products and selling them in the East, but never the US and European markets. I knew we would need something special there. I made the acquaintance of Mr. Smith through Monster Cable, and when he told us he knew Mr. Marsh, I was very excited. . .we knew his work, you see! I admire the American's creativity. I want to make good products for everybody, more than I want getting rich. Though I don't mind both if they happen at the same time!
“We are trying to make the best product at the most modest price,” Mr. Malakul continues. “When I was young I dreamed of having Audio Research or Krell or Jadis in my home. But I couldn't afford them. Now is my chance to help my kind of young people - who appreciate the virtues of music - to afford the best products: Japanese price/American quality! That makes me happy.”
Marsh Sound Design’s first products were a tube-hybrid line amplifier, Marsh Sound Design P2000t; a solid-state line amplifier, P2000; a 400 watt stereo power amplifier, A400s; and a 200 watt power amplifier, A200s. The Marsh Sound Design line now includes a the new five channel HT750 power amplifier for the most demanding of home theater applications!
Complex? Yes, but elegant and effective.
