Reviewing new analog equipment allows me to explore this sonic corporeality and gives me a chance to hear my cherished vinyl discs anew, with a different focus. Sound patterns and song…
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Sometimes when the world shouts too loudly, I immerse myself in other sounds: in music. I escape the cacophony by diving into my stash of vinyl records (not literally, although that's a fun image) and reveling in the soundwaves they release. The soundwaves liberated from those physical grooves, combined with impressions stored deep in my hippocampus, never fail to soothe, energize, fascinate, excite.
The InPoL Remix MkII uses what the company calls "double-InPoL circuitry," in which two InPoL circuits are bridged, their inputs driven 180° out of phase, those aforementioned inductors wound in opposite directions around a single core. Double InPoL dramatically increases output-power potential. While this topology is said to be capable of up to 200W in class-A, the Remix is designed to deliver much less: a maximum of 25Wpc into 8 ohms or 38Wpc into 4 ohms.
While the Remix MkII is said to be pure class-A, the bias is variable. "Fixed bias is always at the max power, but this means a lot…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: Stereo, balanced, class-A, two-channel integrated amplifier with double InPoL technology and digital bias/gain set technology. Tube complement: 1 pair ElectroHarmonix ECC88.Output power: 25Wpc into 8 ohms (14.0dBW), 38Wpc into 4 ohms (12.8dBW). Frequency response: 2Hz–150kHz ±0.5dB. Input sensitivity: 470mVRMS. Input impedance: 47k ohms. Output impedance: 0.9 ohms. Output polarity: Selectable by remote control. Volume control: Two Burr-Brown PGA2310 (180 steps, 0.5dB). THD: 0.1% at 25W. S/N ratio: >100dB. Gain: 31dB unbalanced, 37dB balanced.…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Digital sources: HoloAudio May DAC augmented with Sonore opticalRendu, Roon Nucleus+, Small Green Computer power supply, TRENDnet switch, streaming Roon/Tidal/Qobuz via Apple iPad Mini.
Integrated amplifiers: Ayre EX-8 2.0, Parasound Hint 6 Halo, Schiit Ragnarok 2.
Loudspeakers: DeVore Fidelity O/96, Spendor BC1, GoldenEar BRX.
Cables: Interconnect: Analysis Plus Silver Apex, Shindo (RCA). Speaker: Analysis Plus Silver Apex.
Accessories: IsoTek V5 Aquarius and V5 Titan line conditioners (in for review); Salamander five-tier rack (2); IKEA…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
I tested the Pathos InPoL Remix MkII with my Audio Precision SYS2722, checking some of the results with the magazine's APx500 system.
The review sample was not fitted with the optional HiDac Mk2 digital-input board. Although the Remix MkII's output stages are described as operating in class-A, where the maximum heat dissipation is with no signal, I still preconditioned the Pathos amplifier before the testing by following the CEA's recommendation of operating it at one-eighth the specified power into 8 ohms for 30 minutes. At the end of that time, the…
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Stereophile magazine offers authoritative reviews, informed recommendations, helpful advice, and controversial opinions, all stemming from the revolutionary idea that audio components should be judged on how they reproduce music. Whether you enjoy your music on LP, CD, DVD or SACD, Stereophile enables you to get the most from it.
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