Sherwood S-6020CP preamplifier (Equip. Report, Jan 1983)

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Pretty as a Preamp

Sherwood S-6020CP preamplifier, in metal case.

Dimensions: 17 1/2 by 2 1/2 Inches (front panel), 14 1/2 Inches deep plus clearance for controls and connections AC convenience outlets: three switched max.). Price: $250. Warranty: “limited," three years parts and labor.

Manufacturer: made in Korea for Sherwood (Division of Inkel Corp.), 17107 Kingsvlew Ave.. Carson, Calif. 90746, USA.

LINKING "PRETTY" TO "PREAMP--seems at first glance an odd thing to do. As the first choice of audiophiles seeking high performance and maximum operating flexibility, preamps have traditionally been all-business, eschewing cosmetics in favor of dour functionality. So by its strikingly handsome faceplate, Sherwood's S-6020CP asserts its nonconformity.

For example, the absence of a traditional rotary volume knob is fairly heretical in a preamp. In its place are two touch-pads that activate a motor-driven potentiometer.

An altogether clever adaptation to prevailing design trends in integrated amps and receivers (though not in Sherwood's own), this electromechanical control introduces none of the hiss we have found in most microprocessor-mediated VOLUMES. More over, it works quite nicely, though some may miss the speed and tactile feedback one gets with a manual control. A ten-segment lighted display is a fairly effective indicator of relative volume settings.

As in the S-9600CP receiver (test report, January 1982). Sherwood manages bidirectional dubbing with a single button.

When depressed, the switch routes the Tape 1 output to the Tape 2 input and, simultaneously, the Tape 2 output to the Tape 1 input. It's such a simple and economical alternative to separate one-way switches that we wonder why it has not been adopted by more manufacturers. (A very careless user could induce feedback, but only by trying to dub between two three-head decks with both in record.) Another feature discussed in the receiver report is Sherwood's ULTRA-LOW BASS EQ control. Designed as a complement to the company's own loud speakers, the circuit can be used to rein force the low-frequency output of many small and medium-size speakers, while providing substantial attenuation of infra sonics. Its effectiveness is confirmed by Diversified Science Laboratories' measurements, which show that the control introduces a 5-dB boost at 35 Hz with a steep cutoff below.

The phono section's input capacitance is moderately low-about right for most premium pickups in typical tonearms, though perhaps on the low side for some others requiring more loading to achieve flat response. This is a sensible choice, since it's quite simple to add additional capacitance to the tonearm leads when necessary. (Removing what's already there is usually impossible.) The preamp's high filter takes a hefty chunk out of the upper treble (with a sharp cutoff above 8 kHz).

Though you would not normally use it, with scratchy discs or hissy tapes it can be a great boon.

LOUDNESS, in Sherwood's hands, reflects modern (post-Fletcher-Munson) re search on the ear's response at low listening levels, adding just a bit of compensatory bass boost and no treble boost. The TREBLE (which can be used in concert with LOUDNESS for those who miss the traditional high-frequency emphasis) begins its influence at about 500 Hz. reaching extremes of ± 10 dB at 20 kHz. The BASS begins its action between about 400 Hz and 1 kHz (depending on the amount of boost or cut) and has a range of ± 10 dB at 70 Hz and more than ± 12 dB at 20 Hz, which is more than adequate for most purposes.

If specifications are the chief criteria for preamp excellence, the S-6020CP is virtually beyond criticism. Ranging from merely excellent to superb, its performance with regard to frequency response, phono equalization, noise, and distortion (which DSL could not even measure) is at a level we've rarely seen surpassed.

Though the S-6020CP may put off die hard traditionalists with its bows to modern ism, we see it as an attractive alternative to the traditional "black boxes." In fact, we can't think of a preamp that offers more performance and flexibility for the dollar.