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DRP-1 | Differential Reference® Stereo Preamp

Black audio amplifier with digital display and Emotiva branding on a white background
DRP-1 | Differential Reference® Stereo Preamp
Black Friday Deal
  • Black audio amplifier with digital display and Emotiva branding on a white background
  • Black audio interface with multiple ports on a white background
  • Electronic amplifier with visible circuit boards on a white background
  • Black audio amplifier with digital display on a white background
  • Back panel of audio equipment with various connectors on a white background
  • Black remote control with buttons on a white background
  • Audio equipment with various connectors on a black background
  • Close-up of audio equipment with various connectors on a black background
  • Stack of audio equipment with visible brand name on a black background
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$399.00
$399.00
$699.00
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If you are ordering from Emotiva Europe, the product cost includes all taxes and free shipping. It is higher than our USA product price which does not include any taxes. USA customers pay taxes as a separate line item fee added at checkout.

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Product Overview

Meet the DRP-1 Differential Reference® Preamplifier. It makes your system feel bigger and more dynamic while taking very little space. At 10.5 inches wide, 10.25 inches deep, and 2.25 inches tall, it fits tight shelves and stacks cleanly. A fully balanced Differential Reference signal path keeps the route short and clean so detail stays intact. Hermetically sealed instrumentation relays route signal paths and keep sources pristine. A studio-grade resistor ladder precision volume control locks in left and right channels balance. Use its internal bass management at 80 hertz to add a subwoofer for improved headroom and dynamics. A balanced and summed XLR sub output with a robust output stage makes subwoofer integration easy. 

Make it one system.
Shop Differential Reference® Stack -->

Go with the full Differential Reference® Stack for one-tap control and cleaner, more balanced audio. Plus, built-in savings and a free performance Cable Kit ($100 value) for easy wiring.

Product Features

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Fully Differential

Our Differential Reference signal path keeps things short and clean, lowering noice floor and preserves micro-details, so you hear lively dynamics at any volume.

Close-up of a circuit board with 'Emotiva' branding

Sealed Relay Switching

Hermetically sealed relays isolate unused inputs and stop crosstalk, so the source you select stays isolated, pristine, and true to the recording.

Electronic amplifier with visible circuit boards on a white background

Resistor Ladder Volume

A high-voltage precision resistor ladder delivers exact steps, ultra-low noise, and rock-solid left/right channel tracking you can hear at low levels.

Black audio amplifier with digital display on a white background

Smart Bass Management

Select 80 hertz, 12 dB per octave filters to send lows to your sub and highs to your speakers, or choose Straight-Through for full range.

Specs & Downloads

Complete Your Audio Solution

These products work great with DRP-1 Preamplifier
Black Friday Deal
Black audio equipment with 'Emotiva' branding on a white background
$499.00
$499.00
Black Friday Deal
Black audio equipment with 'Emotiva' branding on a white background
$499.00
$499.00
Black Friday Deal
Black audio component with 'Emotiva' branding on a white background
$399.00
$399.00
15% Off Holiday Sale
Black audio cable with XLR connectors on a white background
$19.99
$19.99

FAQ

The DRP-1 is a pure analog stereo preamplifier. Its controls manage the component electronically, but your music remains in the analog domain through the audio signal path. Digital sources need to be converted to analog by a DAC before connecting to the DRP-1.

phono input for Moving Magnet or Moving Coil cartridges.

Yes. Its phono stage supports both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges. Select the appropriate cartridge type in the DRP-1 menu. If your turntable already has a built-in phono preamp and provides a line-level output, connect it to one of the standard RCA line inputs instead.

Yes. The DRP-1 includes a summed balanced XLR subwoofer output and built-in analog bass management, giving you a clean way to integrate a powered subwoofer into a two-channel system.

The DRP-1 includes independently switchable 80 Hz high-pass and low-pass filters, each with a 12 dB-per-octave slope. Enable both to send frequencies above 80 Hz to the main outputs and summed bass below 80 Hz to the subwoofer output. You can also disable the low-pass filter and use the crossover controls built into your subwoofer.

Yes. The high-pass and low-pass filters can be enabled independently. That lets you tailor bass management to your speakers, subwoofer, and preferred crossover setup instead of forcing a single configuration.

Yes. The XLR and RCA main outputs are active at the same time and follow the same volume setting.

No. The DRP-1 uses a digitally controlled analog resistor-ladder volume system. You get precise adjustment and excellent left-to-right channel tracking while keeping the audio signal in the analog domain.

Yes. The front-panel control handles volume, mute, and menu navigation, while the metal remote provides convenient control from your listening position. The same remote can also control the DRD-1 DAC.

Yes. Its 12V trigger input and output let it participate in a trigger chain with the DRA-1 and other compatible components, helping the system power up and return to standby together.

The DRP-1 is covered by Emotiva's five-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Coverage begins on the original retail purchase date and may be transferred to another owner during the original five-year term. See Emotiva's warranty terms for complete coverage details.

Product Reviews

  • 5 stars: 9 (64%)
  • 4 stars: 4 (29%)
  • 3 stars: 1 (7%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
E
Eric H.
An amazing desktop Pre_Amp!

I love this preamp. I have been searching for a balanced input and output preamp, and this was perfect. I am running a Eversolo streamer, and a Geshelli Labs J3 Dac into the DRP-1. I wanted bass management and volume control, and the DRP-1 has both! My only request is please allow us bass level control on device, not just the Highpass and Lowpass filters. I want my main speakers, XB2's, playing bass at lower volumes, I don't need the sub at that level. If you are on the fence I would highly recommend the DRP-1 for a desktop pre amp. I am using the BasX A2+ as my amplifier, it pairs well with this setup.

Eric H. review photo
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Anonymous

Appearance and usability of the unit is great. Very happy with one exception. The amplification level of the phono input required a significant increase in the volume control setting compared to the auxiliary input. This requires the user to be very careful when switching from phono input to auxiliary input to avoid overloading my speakers inadvertently.

G
Gary H.
Quality in you can hear.

I first purchased the Airmotiv XB2 bookshelf speakers and was extremely happy with the high detail and hard hitting bass. I had a Fosi ZP3 pre-amp that had static in the right channel that I tried to warranty with Fosi and got the complete run around and decided to trash the Fosi and looked for a reasonably priced and high quality pre-amp. I was so happy with the XB2 speakers I decided to go with the Emotive DRP-1 for its small foot print and reasonable price. Since I received the DRP-1 I now see what a quality pre-amp can mean for your system. The Fosi would only go so low in volume and would just cut off like you muted it so low volume listening was not possible. The studio-grade resistor ladder precision volume control in the DPR-1 allows for low level listening without losing the detailed sound. I am so happy with the DRP-1 that I am now setting my sights on the DRA-1 amp, most likely 2 bridged.

N
Nelson
DRP-1: a compact and excellent analog preamp

As an audio enthusiast, I trust Emotiva for excellent products at reasonable prices. Indeed, I have purchased a BASX-2, a BASX-2+, a BASX-3, and an XDA-3 differential reference preamp/DAC. My experience with these products has been excellent! In particular, I enjoyed the sound quality produced by the streamer/DAC - the XDA-3 preamp and BASX-2+ combo. The Xda-3 sounds transparent over XLRs, and the unit includes the necessary digital inputs (coax, opt, USB). However, the Xda-3 does not have HP/LP filters or dedicated subwoofer outputs. For these reasons, I purchased the DRP-1 because, as a compact analog preamp, it includes XLR inputs/outputs and HP/LP 80Hz crossovers for a subwoofer. After setting up the unit in a 2. 1 system, I found that the sound was slightly brighter in the midrange than that produced using the Xda-3. Indeed, after slightly adjusting for these frequencies (250-1. 2KHz) with the Eversolo T8 streamer EQ, the sound quality improved to the level of that generated with the XDA-3. I also enjoyed the functional volume knob and the ability to turn the HP/LP filters (crossovers) on/off independently. Indeed, I have the HP filter to my ELACs-db3 while controlling the LP crossover of the subwoofer with my Android app. This allows for excellent integration and convenient use of the subwoofer output. Overall, the DRP-1 is a compact and excellent analog preamp, delivering a transparent, low-noise sound. I think that a future upgrade of this unit should include additional crossovers (ie, 40, 60, and 120 for better speaker/subwoofer integration. Finally, thanks to the friends at Emotiva for superb, fast service and high-quality audio products.

K
Kevin H.
Need more customer based customer service

The product itself is acceptable. The customer service I I would rate a C-. I’ve never worked with a company that wants me to pay an exorbitant amount to return an item. This is not the anything I expected. Please look into how almost every retailer would do this. I’ve been a Crutchfield customer for over thirty years and never had I had to pay for retuning a defective product, so unacceptable. I’d think if you are trying to build a new company like Emotiva you would do anything to build a good reputation. Not so. Be better with customer relations if you want a good reputation.

A
Alejandro

great little preamp. think I got a refurbished or the packing was just open, still great

A
Alejandro

great little preamp. think I got a refurbished or the packing was just open, still great

V
Villy
Bought for the Phono Stage & Pre-Amp blew me away

It's been decades since I owned a turntable and when recently I decided to get back into vinyl I looked around and found SL-1200MK2 locally in a fantastic condition. But it needs a Phono Stage and my search for a decent one to start with - one that can handle both MM and MC carts - lead me to DRP-1. Further research revealed that DRP-1's Phono Stage is identical to the one implemented in higher-end XSP2, and that alone sealed the deal for me - honestly, the Pre-Amp section was not an actual consideration, and if it happens to be a decent or a good one it would be a bonus. Well, the Pre-Amp section is not just decent or good, it is as fantastic as the Phono Stage!

I plugged DRP-1 between my Topping's D900 and A900 and immediately noted an impact to the sound fullness and stage presentation - nothing drastic but nonetheless notable. 20 or so hrs later the improvement was even clearer, and after 50 I knew there's no going back. Now with about 150 hrs on the Pe-Amp I no longer consider getting Pre900 a priority. One of the absolute best audio purchases I've made, hands down especially considering price to quality ratio. Fantastic, well done Emotiva, well done!

P
PC L.
Perfect Set of Features

Finally someone created a quality desktop preamp with the PERFECT set of features. Quality analog HPF with no noise... YES, FINALLY! And then the LPF to boot? Awesome. No silly, limited tone controls in the circuit path? Good, WHO NEEDS THEM! Balanced and single ended... quality volume control that has plenty of steps and goes really low... trigger in/out.... remote control... quiet as a mouse... yes to all of it. All the essentials and nothing else for bloat. This is such an upgrade over my previous Fosi ZP3, which had noise issues. Bravo Emotiva.

T
Todd Y.
DRP -1

Quality piece for the money. It didn't work out for me. I guess my vintage speakers need tone controls. I kept the Emotiva XPA -2 that I bought at the same time. Good value for the money. Highly recommend at the price.

W
WAYNE G.
Eazy Buy

I started out with the DRD-1. Then got the DRP-1. Next up will be the DRS-1.
My system gets more open and detailed with each componet. I would recommend 100%. I like the way the stack looks too.

D
David R.
Love This Preamp.

I'm running my DRP-1 fully balanced between a Denafrips Ares II dac and Bryston 3B ST amp. I'm using WBC-PRO-Quad xlr cables as Emotiva cables were out of stock.
My turntable is a Debut Carbon Evo with Sumiko Ranier cart into a Zen Phono 3 preamp.
My experience, now that I have over 60 hours on this setup, is that you need to give this preamp about 50 hours of runtime before you start critical listening as mine was a little rough right out of the box (your mileage may vary).
I like to listen to my classic rock albums/cd's so I have a Lokius eq (balanced) between the DRP-1 and the Bryston to relieve the shortcomings of a lot of that music, otherwise, I just flip the bypass switch.
This is a very revealing preamp and I'm really starting to love it!

A
Anthony G.
a nice upgrade in sound

I bought this pre-amp mostly for the sub bass management but was pleasantly surprised how much it improved the sound overall from the onboard pre-amp in my audiolab 9000a, clearer sound, better separation and less sibilance, I really love this little pre-amp

A
Antonio L.
Awesome unit

So far I am very happy with the performance of this preamp. At first I had it connected using unbalanced rca inputs. As with most new gear it sounded kind of flat and lifeless. When I got my new XLR cables for my Geshelli dac and my new opamps everything changed. The drp-1 is not fully broken in yet and the opamps need more time but so far it sounds fantastic. I'm looking forward to it being completely broken in. The only I wish is that it would be a full size component. Other tan that I am very happt.