The Matisse Tube Preamplifier: A Deep Dive into a Hi-Fi Legend

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The Matisse Tube Preamplifier: A Deep Dive into a Hi-Fi Legend

The Matisse Tube Preamplifier: A Deep Dive into a Hi-Fi Legend

Sep 06, 2025 | 0 comments posted by Vincent Zhang

Published by IWISTAO

An Enduring Legacy: What is the Matisse Preamplifier?

When you hear the name “Matisse,” you might first think of Henri Matisse — the legendary French painter known for his bold colors, expressive forms, and revolutionary approach to modern art. But in the world of high-end audio, “Matisse” evokes a different kind of masterpiece: the Matisse tube preamplifier, a creation born not from brushstrokes, but from vacuum tubes, transformers, and the brilliant mind of American audio engineer David Berning.

Though the brand borrowed its name from the artist to evoke beauty and emotional expression, the Matisse preamp’s true legacy lies in its sonic purity — not in paint, but in electrons.

As an originally a US brand, Matisse Audio carved out a reputation for creating exceptional valve-driven (tube) audio equipment. Their preamplifiers, particularly the "Reference" and "Fantasy" models, became benchmarks for musicality and sonic engagement.

While the original company is now part of hi-fi history, its most famous circuit design lives on. The "Matisse circuit" has become a cornerstone of the DIY audio community, spawning countless kits, clones, and modern interpretations.But, Matisse products can still occasionally be found in the second-hand market (such as Audiogon, eBay, and audio enthusiast forums). Their prices remain firm, and they are regarded as collectible vacuum tube amplifiers.

This article explores the journey of the Matisse preamplifier, from its high-end origins to its current status as a beloved project for audiophiles around the globe. And a typical diagram of one channel as below.

The Heart of the System: Why Preamps Still Matter

In an era of all-in-one streaming amplifiers, one might question the need for a separate preamplifier. However, its role is far more critical than simply selecting inputs and adjusting volume. A high-quality preamp is the "nerve center" of a hi-fi system, responsible for the delicate task of managing the audio signal before it reaches the power amplifier.

"The preamp is the section more likely to affect tonality and detail - resolution if you like. The power amp, however is more about the mechanics of driving and controlling the speakers." - What Hi-Fi? Forum User

It is within the preamp that the signal's integrity is preserved, gain is properly structured, and the fundamental character of the sound is shaped. Whether it';s a tube design adding harmonic richness or a solid-state unit delivering surgical clarity, the preamp imparts a personality to the system. Ditching it for minimalism can sometimes mean sacrificing the very soul of the music.

The Original Matisse: A Study in Sonic "Fantasy"

The original Matisse Fantasy Mk II preamplifier was a masterclass in thoughtful engineering. While Matisse themselves noted that the circuit design broke no new ground, its excellence lay in execution. The design was deceptively simple, typically comprising two 12AX7 and two 12AT7 vacuum tubes in a two-stage common-cathode configuration with feedback.

The magic, however, was in the details. According to a detailed review by SoundStage! Network, the true innovation came from:

Component Quality: Meticulous selection of parts, including high-quality capacitors and resistors.
Circuit Layout: A layout designed to minimize the influence of radio frequency interference (RFI).
Power Supply Isolation: Unlike many designs that use an external power supply, Matisse housed the transformer within the main chassis, but completely isolated it inside a mu-metal protective shell to prevent noise from contaminating the delicate audio signal.

The resulting sound was widely praised. Reviewers described it as having a "robust yet defined ability to portray the music," imbuing it with a sense of ";body and bloom." It captured the "whole" of an instrument, creating what many call "tube magic" or a "palpable presence." This sonic signature is the very reason the Matisse design remains so coveted today.

A SELECT 12AT7 vacuum tube, a key component in the original Matisse preamplifier design

The Great Debate: Tube Warmth vs. Solid-State Precision

The Matisse preamplifier is a prime example of tube-based audio design. Understanding its appeal requires a brief look at the long-standing debate between tube and solid-state technologies, which use vacuum tubes and transistors, respectively, to amplify the audio signal.

The "Tube Sound": Warmth, Bloom, and Character

Tube amplifiers are often stereotyped as sounding warm, smooth, and musical. This is partly due to the way they handle distortion. When driven, tubes produce even-order harmonic distortion, which the human ear often perceives as a pleasing ";color" or richness rather than harsh noise. This effect can create a sense of three-dimensional "bloom" around instruments and vocals.

As one source notes, a tube preamp tends to have a "warmth and smoothness that a solid-state often lacks." This aligns perfectly with descriptions of the Matisse's ability to capture the "whole of the instrument" and deliver an emotionally engaging performance, especially with acoustic music and vocals.

The Solid-State Alternative: Accuracy, Speed, and Control

In contrast, solid-state amplifiers are known for their accuracy, speed, and authority. They typically offer lower distortion, higher power, and tighter control over the speakers, especially in the bass frequencies. A high-quality solid-state unit can deliver music with surgical precision, revealing intricate details and powerful dynamics.

However, this precision can sometimes be perceived as "sterile" or "flat" compared to the holographic soundstage of a good tube amp. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference and system synergy: do you prioritize emotional engagement and tonal richness, or analytical detail and raw power?

IWISTAO 2x80W HIFI Hybrid Amp Vacuum Tube Matisse Circuit Preamp Pure FET Power Tube Rectifier

IWISTAO hybrid vacuum tube amplifier with Matisse circuit preamplifier, which is a modern solid-state output with FET, showcasing a different design philosophy focused on precision and features

The Matisse Legacy: A DIY Phenomenon

The enduring fame of the Matisse circuit, combined with its relatively straightforward design, made it a perfect candidate for replication. Today, the market is filled with products based on this legendary design. Enthusiasts can find everything from bare printed circuit boards (PCBs) to complete DIY kits and fully assembled clones from various online retailers.

IWISTAO Tube Preamplifier GE5670 Matisse Circuit Upgrade Version Aluminum Chassis Scale Volume Knob HIFI Audio

These modern versions vary significantly in quality and implementation:

Tubes: While the original used 12AX7 and 12AT7 tubes, clones often substitute them with more common or affordable alternatives like the 6N3 or 6N4.
Power Supply: The sophisticated, isolated power supply of the original is often replaced with simpler, and sometimes external, power solutions. Some budget-friendly versions even run on a simple 12V DC adapter, which fundamentally alters the high-voltage operation of a traditional tube circuit.
Components: The quality of capacitors, resistors, and potentiometers can range from audiophile-grade to basic electronic parts, directly impacting the final sound quality and noise floor.

This proliferation has made the "Matisse sound"; accessible to a much wider audience, but it also means that not all "Matisse" preamps are created equal. The performance of a $50 clone will inevitably differ from the meticulously crafted original.

Is a Matisse Clone Right for You? A Balanced View

For those intrigued by the allure of tube sound, a Matisse-inspired preamp can be a fantastic entry point. However, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons.

On the plus side, these clones offer a chance to experience a classic, highly-regarded sound signature for a fraction of the cost of high-end equipment. For the hands-on hobbyist, building a kit can be a deeply rewarding experience, offering insight into how audio electronics work. The simple circuit is forgiving for first-time builders.

The primary downside is inconsistency. While some kits are well-designed and can sound excellent, others may suffer from poor component quality, noise issues, or design compromises that stray too far from the original's intent. As one user noted about a clone, it "lacked a certain richness and low end" compared to more refined designs. Success often depends on the quality of the kit and the skill of the builder.

Conclusion: An Enduring Impression on the Audio Canvas

The Matisse preamplifier';s story is a fascinating chapter in audio history. It began as a high-end British product, an object of desire for discerning audiophiles, praised for its ability to render music with emotion and life. Today, its spirit lives on not in a museum, but on the workbenches and in the hi-fi racks of enthusiasts worldwide.

Much like the artist Henri Matisse, who famously said, "While working, I never try to think, only to feel," the preamplifier that bears his name has always been about conveying the feeling of the music. Whether in its original, pristine form or as a modern DIY project, the Matisse circuit continues to do just that, leaving a lasting and beautiful impression on all who listen.