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The Horn Marsis f16 Reference Preamplifier This preamplifier is the f16 Reference, the sound quality of this preamplifier is True ref quality , class A dual mono from top to toe included dual volume , fully Balanced or single ended . known for being very Transparent with an almost infinite stage , with a rrp of 7k still in production today although the model entered production in 2012 i have no idea of the age of this particular unit , it has a slight hum in one channel through my Highley sen speakers but it is not Audible , it has full manufacturers box and packaging . if you require any mo... read more
This is a seller’s market at £1,500. Against the recent GBP comparables, that sits far above the 75th percentile of £152 and well beyond what a normal used example brings, so it looks ambitious unless this is a genuinely exceptional, rare piece with standout provenance.
If the unit is fully working and clean, the upside is in its niche appeal: older high-end preamps can sound very refined, with strong line-stage dynamics and a more characterful presentation than many modern budget units. But at this price, a buyer should want proof of recent servicing, all key functions behaving properly, and a clear explanation of why it deserves such a premium. Without that, it’s a hard pass for value-focused buyers.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Dual emerged from the Black Forest region of Germany in 1907, when brothers Christian and Joseph Steidinger began manufacturing clockwork and gramophone components in St. Georgen. The company adopted its now-iconic name in 1927 after pioneering dual-mode power supplies that allowed gramophones to operate from either mains electricity or mechanical wind-up mechanisms. This innovation marked the beginning of Dual's transition from component supplier to full-fledged audio manufacturer, establishing a foundation of engineering precision that would define the brand for decades.
Dual built its reputation primarily as a turntable specialist, becoming Europe's largest turntable manufacturer by the post-war era with over 3,000 employees across multiple factories. Beyond vinyl playback, the company expanded into cassette players, CD players, and broader consumer electronics throughout the 1970s and 1980s, demonstrating versatility across analog and digital formats. The company's focus on mechanical excellence and stable drive systems earned it recognition as a dependable, quality-focused manufacturer throughout its European heyday.
Today, Dual occupies a fragmented market position following corporate restructuring in the 1990s and subsequent ownership changes. The original German turntable line continues production in St. Georgen under Alfred Fehrenbacher GmbH, maintaining traditional manufacturing standards and appealing to vintage enthusiasts and collectors. Separately, Namsung Electronics markets Dual-branded consumer electronics in the Americas at accessible price points. The brand's legacy rests primarily on its classic turntables, which remain highly sought after by collectors and audiophiles valuing precision engineering and heritage craftsmanship.
See all Dual listings on RADAR.
