The Compact Command Centre: Exposure XM7 Preamplifier

One of the finest compact components money can buy — and it barely takes up a shelf. Hand-built in England and designed by Tony Brady, the Exposure XM7 continues a long line of award-winning Exposure preamplifiers, but reimagined for the way we actually listen today. Analogue purity, a built-in high-resolution DAC, a proper vinyl stage and a serious headphone amp all live inside one half-width case. Stereo Magazine summed it up neatly: the XM7 "combines traditional preamplifier construction with the requirements of the modern world."

Every Source, Beautifully Handled

USB, optical and BNC digital inputs feed a high-resolution onboard DAC, so your computer, streamer or CD transport all get first-class treatment. Vinyl lovers get a quality moving-magnet phono stage that reviewers called "relaxed, detailed and airy," while the discreet headphone amplifier — with both 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm outputs — has the muscle to drive demanding cans. A fixed AV input lets you fold a home-cinema system into your hi-fi, and twin pre-outs make bi-amping or subwoofer setups easy. Stereo Magazine praised its "appealingly lively, homogeneous and well-sorted sound."

Built the Exposure Way

Inside the solid aluminium chassis — finished in black or titanium — you'll find genuinely high output capability (up to 9.9 V), a low 57-ohm output impedance for easy amplifier matching, and the low-noise, low-distortion engineering that has defined Exposure since 1974. Small in size, big on musicality.

Why You'll Love the Exposure XM7

• All-in-one preamp — line stage, hi-res DAC, MM phono and headphone amp in one compact box
• Hi-res digital — USB, optical and BNC inputs into a high-resolution DAC
• Real vinyl stage — MM phono described by reviewers as "relaxed, detailed and airy"
• Serious headphone output — 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm jacks that drive demanding headphones
• Flexible system fit — fixed AV input plus twin pre-outs for bi-amping or subs
• Hand-built in England — designed by Tony Brady, black or titanium finish

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Exposure XM7 have a built-in DAC and phono stage?

Yes — both. The XM7 includes a high-resolution DAC fed by USB, optical and BNC inputs, plus a quality moving-magnet (MM) phono stage for turntables. It also has a built-in headphone amplifier.

Can the XM7 drive my headphones directly?

Yes. It has a discreet but powerful headphone amplifier with both 3.5 mm and 6.3 mm outputs, designed to drive even demanding headphones without a separate amp.

What power amplifier partners the XM7?

The XM7 is the natural partner for Exposure's XM9 mono power amplifiers, and its low 57-ohm output impedance and 9.9 V maximum output make it an easy match for most power amps.

Exposure XM7 Technical Specifications