By now, even the shortest-sighted cynic has to admit that the single-ended-triode (SET) amplifier, which reappeared on the domestic audio scene over a decade ago, represents more than just a passing fad. And while no amp of such questionable relevance to the average loudspeaker will ever be considered the norm, so is it true that the SET's charms have earned it a permanent seat at the table. There will always be manufacturers who want to build SETs, just as there will always be people who want to perform…
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"Guitar groups are on the way out, Mr. Epstein."—Dick Rowe, Decca Records, 1962
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: Single-ended, tubed integrated amplifier with three line-level inputs and one "Preamp" input that bypasses the volume control. Tube complement (two each): 300B, 5AR4, 6SN7, 6SL7. Output power: 8Wpc into 8 ohms (9dBW). Frequency range: 15Hz–30kHz. Input impedance: 100k ohms. Input sensitivity: 280mV. Output impedances: 4, 8, 16 ohms.
Dimensions: 15" (385mm) W by 7.8" (200mm) H by 16.5" (425mm) D. Weight: 55 lbs (25kg).
Serial Number Of Unit Reviewed: 06030303.
Price: $3195. Approximate number of dealers: 42.
Manufacturer: Zhuhai Spark…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Analog Sources: Linn LP12 turntable with Naim Armageddon power supply, Naim Aro tonearm; Linn LP12 turntable with Funk Firm Vector kit, Naim Aro tonearm; Linn Akiva, Miyabi 47 cartridges.
Digital Source: Sony SCD-777ES SACD player.
Preamplification: EAR 834P, Linn Linto phono preamplifiers; Lamm LL2 preamplifier.
Power Amplifiers: Lamm ML2.1 monoblocks.
Integrated Amplifier: Simaudio Moon i-7.
Loudspeakers: Quad ESL, Lowther PM2A Medallion, Audio Note AN-E Lexus Signature.
Cables: Interconnect: Audio Note AN-Vx, Nordost Heimdall &…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
Measuring the Cayin A-300B was a more complex task than usual: The amplifier offers three different output-transformer taps and two different degrees of loop negative feedback, which effectively makes it equivalent to six different amplifiers! I took a full set of measurements for each condition, but for reasons of space have reproduced here only the most significant graphs. I set the bias for each channel to the recommended 70mA and minimized the output-stage hum before performing the measurements. Halfway through the measurements the right channel failed,…
The last Classé power amplifier I reviewed, back in November 2004, was the imposing Omega Omicron monoblock ($20,000/pair), which made glorious sound with the Revel Ultima Studio speakers. But things change. First, my reference speakers are now B&W 802Ds. Second, my system now has three front speakers, supplemented by two B&W 804S speakers for surround sound. While a quintet of Omicrons would undoubtedly be dandy, five such monoliths would take up so much space that I'd be wondering about their effects on the room's sound. With so many channels, it seemed time to investigate whether…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: Solid-state three-channel power amplifier. Inputs per channel: 1 line-level (RCA), 1 line level (XLR). Outputs per channel: 2 multiway speaker binding posts. Rated output power: 200Wpc into 8 ohms (23dBW), 400Wpc at 4 ohms (23dBW). Frequency responses: 10Hz–22kHz, +0/–0.1dB; 10Hz–155kHz, +0/–3dB. THD+N: 0.004% into 8 ohms (unweighted, 1V RMS/1kHz input, 10Hz–500kHz). Signal/noise ratio: better than –120dB ref. full output, 10Hz–80kHz. Noise floor FFT: all peaks under –95dB, 10Hz–80kHz. Phase error: <10° (22kHz). Voltage gain: 29.1dB.
Dimensions…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: Solid-state, multi-chassis, integrated amplifier with remote control. Maximum output power: 280Wpc into 8 ohms (24.5dBW), 500Wpc into 4 ohms (24dBW), 900Wpc into 2 ohms (23.5dBW), 1400Wpc into 1 ohm (22.4dBW). Frequency response: 0.2Hz–500kHz, –3dB. Distortion: <0.02%, 50mW to 1dB under maximum RMS output at 1kHz; <0.1%, 20Hz–20kHz. Input impedance: 10k ohms. Input sensitivity (for 150W into 8 ohms): level "61," 2.0V; level "76," 400mV. Voltage Gain: up to 28dB in position 1, up to 43dB in position 2, depending on volume setting. Signal/Noise…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Analog Sources: Continuum Caliburn turntable; Graham Phantom, Continuum Cobra tonearms; Lyra Titan (stereo, mono), Miyabi/47 Labs, Clearaudio Goldfinger cartridges.
Digital Sources: Musical Fidelity kW DM25 and kW DM25 CD transport and DAC; Alesis Masterlink BPT-modified hard-disk recorder.
Preamplification: Manley Steelhead, Oracle Temple phono preamps; Musical Fidelity kWP preamplifier; Manley Skipjack switcher.
Power Amplifiers: Musical Fidelity kW monoblocks.
Loudspeakers: Wilson Audio Specialties MAXX2.
Cables: Phono: CrystalConnect…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
The ASR Emitter II Exclusive's battery power supply was fully charged when I began my testing. After I'd preconditioned the amplifier with both channels running for an hour at one-third maximum power into 8 ohms, the heatsinks were only just too hot to touch (around 65°C), and the THD+noise percentage was 0.0164%—not significantly different from the figure of 0.0137% with the amplifier cold. The voltage gain into 8 ohms with the volume control set to "61," the normal highest level in "Energy Saving Mode", was 27.2dB. Setting the volume control to its maximum of "…
All of a sudden, it seems there's a renaissance in in-ear monitors. Used to be there was just Etymotic, but now Etymotic, Shure, and Ultimate Ears are all producing high-performance in-ear headphones. It's almost enough to make me suspect we audiophiles have become a marketing juggernaut.
I suspect, however, that the renaissance in hi-fi in-ear 'phones is the result of a different juggernaut: the paradigm-shifting Apple iPod, which has sold in the kazillions. Apparently, some small percentage of all those consumers have noticed that the freebie earbuds sound like day-old crap.…