Description: Two-channel, THX certified power amplifier with a class-A output stage. Power output: 140Wpc into 8 ohms (21.5dBW), 280Wpc into 4 ohms (21.5dBW), 437Wpc into 2 ohms (20.4dBW). Rated full-power bandwidth: 1Hz-300kHz. THD: 0.02%. Input impedance: 100k ohms unbalanced, 1k ohm balanced.
Dimensions: 17.25" W by 6.75" H by 16.75" D. Weight: 55 lbs net.
Serial number of unit reviewed: KIA280G1100271.
Price: No longer available; $2795 (1998). Approximate number of dealers: 70.
Manufacturer: Kinergetics Research, 4260 Charter St., Vernon, CA…
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Sidebar 1: Specifications
Sidebar 2: System
The Kinergetics KBA-280 was auditioned in a system consisting of the Mark Levinson No.37 transport and No.36S D/A converter, Jeff Rowland Design Group Consummate preamplifier, and Energy Veritas v2.8 loudspeakers. The interconnects were TARA Labs RSC Reference from D/A to preamp, and Cardas Hexlink from preamp to power amp. The digital link between transport and D/A converter was Kimber AGDL. Loudspeaker cables were a bi-wire hookup of Monster M1.5s (top end) and Monster M2.2s (bass).
All listening was conducted in my listening room, approximately 18' W by 26' L…
Sidebar 3: Measurements
Following its 1/3-power, one-hour preconditioning test, the KBA-280's chassis was surprisingly cool, except for the fan-driven heat coming from its rear vent.
The input impedance of the KBA-280 measured 10.7k ohms unbalanced, 1062 ohms balanced. Its output impedance was a maximum of 0.027 ohms at 20Hz and 1kHz, and 0.034 ohms at 20kHz. Its voltage gain into 8 ohms measured 29dB unbalanced and 26.5dB balanced. DC offset was 2.8mV in the left channel, 5.8mV in the right. Signal-to-noise (at 1W into 8 ohms) measured 91dB from 22Hz to 22kHz, 88.4dB, 10Hz-…
Fig.6 shows the KBA-280's spectral response to a 50Hz input at 187.6W output into 4 ohms. This is a superb result; all of the artifacts are well below -80dB (0.01%). Fig.7 shows the output spectrum with a combined 19+20kHz signal—the intermodulation products resulting from an input signal consisting of an equal combination of these two frequencies—at 164W into 4 ohms. The only artifact here above -80dB is at 1kHz (-68.3dB, or about 0.04%), though there is a lot of power-supply-related noise floor "grass," implying that the amp is working hard with this high current output. The result into 8…
BEETHOVEN & MENDELSSOHN: Violin Concertos
Joshua Bell, violin; Roger Norrington, Camerata Salzburg
Sony Classical SK 89505 (CD). 2002. Andrew Keener, prod.; Arne Akselberg, eng. DDD. TT: 69:58
Performance *****
Sonics *****
Joshua Bell, violin; Roger Norrington, Camerata Salzburg
Sony Classical SK 89505 (CD). 2002. Andrew Keener, prod.; Arne Akselberg, eng. DDD. TT: 69:58
Performance *****
Sonics *****
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Mail-order & added value
Editor:
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