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This Month's Featured Equipment Reviews |
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Classic Power Amplifier Reviews |
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Integrated Amplifiers
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Thursday, 01 November 2007
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Written by
Andrew Robinson
Introduction
While
the debates rage on over the newest HD formats and the subsequent gear
and accessories needed to render beautiful images, I decided to detour
my attention for a bit to focus on something that makes a bit more
sense: two-channel audio. It’s been a while since I’ve sat down with a
strictly two-channel component in my otherwise home theater and
multi-channel audio-dominated home. While the Bel Canto e.One S300iu
integrated amp is far from being just another two-channel component, my
return to seeming simplicity was not only welcome, but eye-opening.
My last foray into strictly two-channel fare was a few years ago, when
my system comsisted of a series of boutique-style SET tube amps and a
pair of incredibly efficient loudspeakers. Since then, I’ve gone on to
build not one but three dedicated home theater spaces in my house, all
but eliminating not just my investment in stereo, but my need for ...
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Friday, 01 December 2006
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Written by
Brian Kahn
Introduction
The
Fully Balanced Integrated Amplifier or F.B.I. is Krell’s
no-holds-barred solution to an integrated two-channel audio system.
Integrated amplifiers are often considered to be more or less lifestyle
pieces. Not so with the 104-pound FBI. This massive $16,500 integrated
amplifier started life as a separate amplifier/preamplifier
combination. During the design process, it became apparent that the
combining the two pieces would create a synergy that was not likely to
be achieved when they operated separately.
Krell has long been known for their large, high-power amplifiers,
capable of providing some of the industry’s most powerful and detailed
bass. The amplifier portion of the FBI is comprised of the popular FPB
300cx stereo amplifier. The FPB 300cx is part of the Full Powered
Balance (FPB) series of amplifiers, which consists of completely
discrete, fully balanced, dual differential single-channel and stereo
amplifiers. These amplifiers, as well as the FBI, feature a Class A
output, which is arguably the most ...
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Sunday, 01 June 2003
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Written by
Brian Kahn
Introduction
The
Jolida JD-202A Level 1 Modification amplifier will most certainly
capture the attention of those enthusiasts looking for performance tube
gear that doesn’t require a armored truck delivery of funds to make it
affordable. The modified JD-202A integrated amplifier is the latest
product incarnation from high-end audio veteran Walter Liederman
(co-founder of Hi-Fi Buys). Under his new company moniker “Underwood
HiFi,” (formerly the Grahm Company) Liederman buys the stock JD-202A
and has it modified at the Parts Connexion. This product takes its
place beside other Liederman modified gems from Jolida and Shanling in
the Underwood HiFi line.
The amplifier in question starts life as a standard $750 Jolida
JD-202A, then is shipped to The Parts Connexion, where it is
extensively modified with tubes and components designed to
substantially increase the performance of the product, all without
dramatically increasing the price. The Jolida JD-202A with Level 1 mods
is a 40-watt-per-channel stereo integrated amplifier that measures 12.5
inches ...
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Tuesday, 01 October 2002
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Written by
Thomas Garcia
Introduction
Newly formed company Portal Audio recently introduced their first
offering, the “Panache,” a no-frills integrated amplifier with
aspirations of offering high-end performance at a reasonable cost. Its
main objective is to provide a platform for a simple audio-only system,
one which will require minimal processing or switching of limited audio
inputs and outputs. The Panache is priced at $1795 and is currently
available via Internet direct. Portal Audio offers a 60-day risk-free
trial period, taking advantage of a growing Internet model, allowing
potential buyers to audition the unit in their own systems to ensure
that their needs and expectations are met.
The Panache incorporates a passive line stage with a high gain dual
mono Class A/AB amplifier in an attractive, somewhat minimalist
package. The passive line section consists only of an input selector
that routes the incoming signal through Alps volume and balance
controls. The Amplifier section is rated at 100 watts per channel ...
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Saturday, 01 June 2002
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Written by
Brian Kahn
Introduction
The
Z110 CD Player and Z140 Integrated Amplifier are part of the new
Z-Series, the latest line from the venerable British electronics
company, Myryad. The Z-Series is designed to be an affordable
performance product in aesthetically pleasing clothes. Both the Z110 CD
Player ($849) and the Z140 Integrated Amplifier ($895) feature
attractive silver faceplates that feature a slim profile measuring 17
inches wide by three inches tall. A horizontal accent line bisects the
front panels of both units.
The
front panel of the Z140 is dominated by a black conical volume control
knob in the center of the panel. The metal knob features a finger-sized
indentation for ease of use. The left side of the panel features the
Myryad logo. Along the center line, there a small black standby button
and an indicator light that glows red for standby and green when
powered up. To the right of the volume control, also along the center
line, ...
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