Power Amplifiers

These units have been years in the making. Stepping up from the Ref 160Ms that we have in our reference system powering a set of Sonus Faber Aida 2s. These are not yet in Australia but I got to hear them in Munich in May.

Some amplifiers of this calibre sound simply of muscle and grunt. In a very different sense, these sound effortless, quiet, calming and beautiful. Like the difference between a powerlifter and a Ballerina. 

(Priced each)

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This is an ambitious high end single brand system that throws down the gauntlet from Japan to the rest of the World. Needless to say Yamaha have the resources to pull something like this off. Although the elements of the 5000 are firmly based on the iconic NS1000 loudspeakers and the turntable pre and power amplifiers of the time, this system is thoroughly representative of third decade 21st century materials and design. The Absolute Sound on the Yamaha 5000 system

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Now on demonstration this is the much awaited successor to the Ref 150 and incorporates the revisions that made the Ref 160 mono blocks the "best amplifier in the world".

This Stereo version uses the same four layer circuit boards that dramatically decreased the signal length in the 160M monoblocks. It has been described as like buying a pair of 160Ms but just buying one and getting the second for an extra twenty percent ...

With eight KT150 valves inside ... and not just any KT150 but a group of specially made and selected and matched ... this has the option of Ultralinear or Triode modes of operation.

Ultralinear gives double the power apparently while triode offers the simplest circuit mode possible with lower power and sweeter sound.

And the first review from "Stereophile": Stereophile January 2020 on the Reference 160S

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The Evolution of the Ref 160Ms, the Ref 160M MkII have an upgraded audio topology with fewer and better components in the signal path. This means even less chance of corruption of the signal for a cleaner, more pure, more musical sound.

The difference is quite marked between the old and the new. The MkII version sounds more Audio Research than the previous model. Audio Reseach is all about purity of sound and getting to the real music of the recording without corruptions. That's why they are an all tube company now because they feel that tubes do this best. That's why the MkIIs are more Audio Research because they exhibit more clarity, more purity than the older version.

Like all Audio Research, these are handmade in Minnesotta, USA. From design to polish, it's all done in house with the utmost care and attention to detail. All in the pursuit of the ultimate musical experience. 

Priced each.

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This replaces the much loved Reference 75 ... now with the Ghost Meter display and the minimal signal path circuitry that characterises thius new range.. It's a beautiful thing.

The Audio Research Reference 80S stereo amplifier continues Audio Research’s latest design effort in creating a vacuum-tube amplifier that not only redefines ultimate music reproduction, but does it in an incredibly beautiful package. Learn More

Every now and then one gets the privilege of being in custody of something that is a work of absolute beauty and performance ... having a pair of these on demonstration is the High Fidelity equivalent of a violinist being rendered with a Stradivarius by a patron.

Putting them into the Sonus faber Aida 2 system immediately bought the musicians into the room ... I have a particular opera recording that was sold in by Hartleys in Melbourne in 1957 that I procured in a lost corner of a curio store from a deceased estate. Playing this with these amplifiers Puccini and la Boheme were born again in the space ... time travel is a reality with a system like this ... yes we cried a little.

"Hi-Fi News" on the Ref160M. 

The official website for the Ref160M. 

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Only a rare handful of power amplifiers withstand the test of time. The BHK Signature 300 is one such amplifier. Hand built, uncompromising. Learn More

350W of serious power amplification. This unit is not only a work of industrial art, it's everything and more than what you'd expect in terms of grip, control and musicality.

I've been pleasantly surprised with the new versions of Chord Electronics Pre and Power combinations. I found many of their previous models of stereo power amps harsh and brittle but this is different - this sings. 

This is a must listen if you're looking for a beefy power amplifier.

It has had some stellar reviews, unsurprisingly and it's no wonder that there were lots of Chord Power amplifiers powering speakers at the latest Munich HiFi show earlier this year.

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Available for Demo. This wonderful power amplifier has Audio Research's proprietary auto-bias circuit which adjusts for tube wear. The new VT80SE is Audio research's much-anticipated entirely new entry point power amplifier combining an enticing new esthetic with worry-free operation and great audio performance, the VT80SE is a vacuum-tube amplifier that will open doors to a new customer base. Learn More

Made in Melbourne, this is one highly refined power amplifier. John De Sensi has been making electronics for decades previously under the Music Labs brand name. We sold the the Music Labs gear a long time ago but this is a lot better than that.

Firstly the case work is expertly machined and has a high end luxury feel that isn't present in any other Australian manufactured equipment. The sound is also tighter, more detailed and refined. And that's all down to a lower noise floor.

We think that this pre and power combination are actually their European counterparts a run for their money.

On display now at Carlton Audio Visual.

 

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The PS Audio Power Amplifiers are part of our triad of high end amplification that we believe can fullfill any niche of desire and satisfy the demands of the most ardent Hi-Fi enthusiast.

“The first amplifier I gave up a lifetime obsession with tubes for” Arnie Nudell, founder, Infinity Systems.

 

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This brand new NAP 250 is something to behold! Fast and pacey with extra ordinary bass response. I had a customer ask me twice whether I was sure there weren't any subwoofers attached to the system.

We've had this playing for a couple of days on a set of Spendor D9.2s along with the matching Naim NSC 222 and NPX 300 and it is a standout. Crisp, fresh, pace and rythym.

We just put it on some Sonus Faber Guarneri Homage speakers and we think it may be a match made in HiFi Heaven.

Naim products bought from us, a genuine approved Naim dealer, include the full 2 year warranty.

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With more than 130 years of experience, Yamaha has grown to become the world's leading sound company. The M-5000 embodies this spirit with time-honoured craftsmanship and market-leading innovation and serves as the epitome of high-fidelity audio reproduction. 200 W + 200 W (4 ohm, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.07% THD, 2-ch driven) 100 W + 100 W (8 ohm, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.07% THD, 2-ch driven) Meticulously designed, balanced signal transmission Floating and balanced power amplifier layout for improved drivability Perfectly symmetrical design for isolating left and right channels Low impedance design with shortened signal and power supply paths Improved construction delivers state-of-the-art rigidity Massive toroidal core power transformer

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Power corrupts they say ... but in this case it provides for control and authority. 600 watts into 8 ohms and 1200 watts into 4 ohms. A unique combination of ultra-linear, high-current, ICE Edge Class D technology for the output stage; and a discrete, Class-A vacuum tube for the all-important input stage. Learn More

Michi is a flagship series of products built on the history and heritage of Rotel. Michi represents over 55 years of experience coupled with the passion of a family business and ever-growing family of satisfied product owners. Acoustic Elevation. Sonic Evolution. Visual Perfection. Michi, because our reputation is personal.

The Michi S5 Stereo Amplifier delivers 500 watts per channel into 8 ohms loads with best in class audio performance. The dual monoblock design includes twin, oversized, in-house manufactured toroidal transformers for exceptional bass energy while maintaining control and precision of the finest detail all packaged in an elegant design.

The Michi S5 Stereo Power Amplifier is a best in class linear amplifier delivering 500 watts of Class AB power in 8 ohm and over 800 watts to 4 ohm loads. The dual monoblock architecture is equipped with twin, custom engineered oversized, in-house manufactured 2,200 Volt Amp toroidal transformers in individual epoxy filled enclosures eliminating noise and vibration. A bank of 4 British patented bulk storage capacitors totaling 188,000uF delivers exceptional bass energy while maintaining precise detail and control to 32 high current output transistors ensuring effortless accuracy of the timing and rhythm under even the most difficult of load conditions.

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The Michi M8 Monoblock Amplifier no-compromise Class AB amplifier delivers 1,080 watts into 8 ohms and an astounding 1,800 watts into 4 ohm loads. The design architecture ensures a smooth, accurate and relaxed delivery of the audio to even the most demanding loudspeakers while maintaining critical energy, rhythm and timing.

The stunning control and authoritative power of the Michi M8 Monoblock Amplifier is the result of a perfect balance of science meets art delivering 1,080 watts of Class AB power into 8 ohms and an astounding 1,800 watts to the most demanding 4 ohm loudspeakers. The M8 is powered by a pair of custom engineered, low noise, in-house manufactured toroidal transformers supported by 4 British patented slit foil, high efficiency, low ESR bulk storage capacitors for impactful bass with exceptional control under extreme loading conditions.

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A small yet powerful and very resolving sound, this power amplifier is a classy option in that $10K price point.

The perfect unit to pair with Chord Electronics Prima Preamplifier.

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The M8-700 has received outstanding reviews and an enthusiastic reception from knowledgeable audiophiles. The combination of high power and cutting edge technical performance has proved a compelling combination. However some customers do not have the space for two large monoblocs and do not necessarily need that much power. For them we have designed the M8-500s. Pairing it with the matching M8 Preamp gives an amplification system fit of the highest levels of reproduction.

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The new M8-700m monobloc power amp is fully balanced, and offers a staggering 700 watts per monobloc, with stellar sound quality and technical performance.

The M8-700m has extremely low distortion, typically 0.001% at 1 kHz. At 20 kHz distortion is still below 0.005%. Distortion at 50 kHz (a ridiculous and unreasonable measurement, but revealing of the total amplifier performance nonetheless) is 0.02%. At 100 kHz, it is about 0.06%. These extraordinary measurements, and the extremely low high-frequency distortion, are highly significant sonically.

The noise ratio of the M8-700m is extremely low at -120 dB A-weighted.

The M8-700m has huge power reserves, producing 700 watts RMS into 8 ohms and just on 1300 watts into 4 ohms. It is an absolute powerhouse.

The power, low distortion and the extremely low noise contribute to its fabulous, effortless sound.

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