DIY Preamp Components

The ePot.V4 is a software driven electronic stepped attenuator and preamp controller, that together with our OLED display module and infrared remote, enables you to build a  full featured, remote controlled passive preamplifier, and when equipped with an optional solid state buffer board, can functions as an active preamplifier. Like all Tortuga Audio preamp controllers, the V4 employs light dependent resistors (LDRs) as the sole means for for audio attenuation (volume control). No mechanical potentiometers or switched mechanical attenuators are used. The V4 represents the 5th generation of Tortuga Audio LDR based passive preamp attenuator and controller and builds on work that began over 15 years ago.

The SSPB.V4 Solid State Preamp Buffer is an optional add-on daughter board for the ePot.V4 LDR preamp attenuator/controller board that turns the passive V4 into an active preamp with adjustable gain. The buffer board gives the V4 more sonic authority via a robust current drive while the adjustable gain provides the option of boosting the loudness of the unity gain passive V4. The SSPB plugs into the V4 using the same sockets normally occupied by the plug-in LDR module. The LDR module plug plugs into the SSPB instead such that we end up with a 3-layer cake of printed circuit boards. The SSBP is a direct coupled solid state buffer with an op amp input stage with adjustable gain followed by a discrete class A JFET output stage. The output stage is direct coupled with a manually adjustable trim pot to achieve near-zero DC offset.

The OLED display assembly is a high contrast 256 x 64 pixel white-on-black graphic OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) display for use with Tortuga Audio’s V25, V3 and V4 series preamp attenuator/controllers and related Tortuga Audio preamps.

The OLED display assembly provides an easy and intuitive user control experience through an interactive menu driven control interface designed around  the 7-button Apple remote.

The display assembly includes a custom adapter board with installed infrared (IR) receiver module and a header for connecting an encoder module. All cabling is included. The unit is fully tested and ready to go and requires no assembly per se.

Please note however that mounting hardware is not included and is entirely up the buyer.

The plug-in LDR attenuation module is an essential part of the V4 LDR attenuator & preamp controller and contains 2 pairs of LDRs used as voltage dividers for controlling volume. An LDR attenuation module is usually purchased as an add-on item at the same time as the V4 board itself but can also be purchased here separately.

The Function remote was designed as an alternative infrared remote for the Apple TV streamer and other TV brands. Tortuga Audio has adopted the Function remote to replace the silver Apple remote that is no longer in production. In the event the Function remote interferes with your Apple or non-Apple equipment, it can easily be re-configured to use a different non-interfering configuration. The Function remote is easy to use, is well constructed, has a high quality feel, and is very responsive. The Function remote works only with the V4 but not the V3 or any earlier preamp controllers.