Description: Hybrid class-D monoblock power amplifier. One 12AU7 vacuum tube, ICEedge ouput module. Inputs: 1 balanced (XLR), 1 single-ended (RCA), DC trigger. Outputs: 2 pair five-way binding posts. Output power (1kHz, 1% THD): 600W into 8 ohms, 1200W into 4 ohms (both 27.8dBW). Frequency response (2.8V RMS into 4 ohms): 10Hz–45kHz, ±3dB. Voltage gain: 30.5dB, ±0.5dB. Sensitivity: 2.08V for rated output power. Input impedance: single-ended, 50k ohms; balanced, 100k ohms. Damping factor (50Hz, 2.8V RMS), 8 ohms: >1100; 4 ohms: >550. THD: <0.005% (1kHz,…
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Sidebar 3: Associated Equipment
Analog sources: Continuum Audio Labs Caliburn & Castellon turntable & stand; SAT XD1 direct-drive turntable, OMA K3 direct-drive turntable, SAT CF1-09, CF1Ti-09, Schroeder OMA, and Kuzma 4Point tonearms; Lyra Atlas Lambda SL, Ortofon MC Century, Anna Diamond, A95, A90, Grado Epoch3, Miyajima Labs Infinity (mono), Grado Epoch (mono), Aidas Audio Gala Gold LE cartridges.
Digital sources: dCS Vivaldi One SACD player DAC; Lynx Hilo A/D-D/A converter; Roon Nucleus server; Pure Vinyl and Vinyl Studio software.
Preamplification: darTZeel NHB-18S,…
Sidebar 4: Measurements
I performed a full suite of measurements on one of the PS Audio Stellar M1200s (serial no. 12-A1-0G0033), using my Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see the January 2008 "As We See It"). Because the Stellar M1200 features a class-D output stage, all the measurements other than the frequency response tests and one of the squarewave tests were taken with Audio Precision's AUX-0025 auxiliary passive low-pass filter, which eliminates much of the ultrasonic noise that might otherwise drive the analyzer's input into slew-rate limiting. Without the filter, 373mV of…
During my tenure as a Stereophile writer, I've reviewed a lot of integrated amplifiers. The mostly moderately priced integrated machines I've reviewed have included the Heed Audio Elixir ($1195), Luxman SQ-N150 ($2795) and L-509X ($9495), NAD C 328 Hybrid Digital ($549), Octave Audio V 80 SE ($10,500), Rega Brio ($995), and Schiit Ragnarok 2 ($1799 as equipped). Regardless of price, all these integrated amplifiers engaged my senses and made engaging, dynamic, colorful music from LP grooves and ones and zeros.
Decades ago, integrated amplifiers were full-featured beasts—and then there was…
Listening
As Stereophile's Recommended Components list attests, just because a product is built to a $1200 price point doesn't mean it won't pack a wallop. This held true for the CXA81, which consistently impressed me with its ability to challenge competing amplifiers in a similar price range and by how good it sounded with different speakers. The CXA81 had me uttering "wow" (several times) at its transparency to the sound of upstream electronics and recordings. When I switched between my Thorens and Kuzma turntables, for example, the difference was clear, immediate, and profound, as if…
As Stereophile's Recommended Components list attests, just because a product is built to a $1200 price point doesn't mean it won't pack a wallop. This held true for the CXA81, which consistently impressed me with its ability to challenge competing amplifiers in a similar price range and by how good it sounded with different speakers. The CXA81 had me uttering "wow" (several times) at its transparency to the sound of upstream electronics and recordings. When I switched between my Thorens and Kuzma turntables, for example, the difference was clear, immediate, and profound, as if…
Sidebar 1: Specifications
Description: Two-channel, class-AB integrated amplifier with DAC, Bluetooth. Analog inputs: 4 pair unbalanced (RCA), 1 pair balanced (XLR). Outputs: 2 sets custom speaker posts, 3.5mm headphone, 1 pair unbalanced (RCA) preamp out, unbalanced (RCA) subwoofer out. Power output: 80Wpc into 8 ohms (19dBW); 120Wpc into 4 ohms (17.8dBW). Frequency response: 5Hz–60kHz, ±1dB. THD (unweighted, at 80% of rated power): <0.002% 1kHz; <0.02% 20Hz–20kHz. S/N ratio (ref. 1W into 8 ohms): >93dB, (ref. full power): >105dB. Input sensitivity: Input A1–A4 (unbalanced…
Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment
Analog sources: Thorens TD 124 and Kuzma turntables, Jelco TS-350S Mk.II tonearm, Hana EL MC phono cartridge, Luxman EQ-500 phono stage.
Digital sources: BorderPatrol DAC SE, Asus laptop computer.
Integrated amplifiers: Schiit Ragnarok 2.
Loudspeakers: Polk Audio Legend L100, Quad S2.
Headphones: Master & Dynamic MH40.
Cables: Interconnect: Shindo Laboratory, Triode Wire Labs Spirit II, Furutech GT2 Pro Series USB cable. Speaker: Auditorium 23. AC: Triode Wire Labs Obsession NCF power cord, manufacturers' own.
Accessories: Kuzma…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
I tested the Cambridge Audio CXA81 with my Audio Precision SYS2722 system (see the January 2008 "As We See It"). I first preconditioned the amplifier 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 top panel was warm, at 98°F (36.7°C), with the grille over the heatsinks and transformer hotter, at 133.1°F (56.2°C). I then performed my usual thermal stress test by running the amplifier at one-third power into 8 ohms for an hour. After 30 minutes, the grille's temperature…
Someone once asked me, "If I buy your $90,000, 25W amplifier, what will I get that I am not getting with my $2000, 200W amplifier?" My answer was simple: "Goosebumps, tears, and smirking." Great, well-tuned audio systems, at all price levels, give their owners less of the annoying and distracting stuff and more of the exciting and engaging stuff. Great systems offer more opportunities for smirking pridefully while listening to great recordings.
Sanford "Sandy" Gross, co-founder of Polk Audio and former CEO of GoldenEar Audio, has said that "in general, the best audio systems will sound…
I agree 100% with Art's observation: Spherical/conical-tipped cartridges emphasize "musical content" with force and vigor. And simplification. By eliminating some amounts of complex low-level spatial, atmospheric, and harmonic information, conical tips seem to expose the raw, beating core of humans playing music. That's why I love them.
Speaking of force and vigor, the AT-VM95C (conical)—which is even cheaper than the $49 elliptical version, at $34—sounded cool, fast, and powerful but also detailed and invigorating. It played complex recordings, like the Stravinsky Conducts…