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 ...

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, ...

Introduction Krell is a well-respected high-end audio company long known for their powerful amplifiers. The Krell name is often associated with incredible bass performance, but their equipment line of old, with heavy, dull gray faceplates, was not pleasing aesthetically. Their new KAV series is a lower-priced, physically beautiful design that is still pure Krell on the inside. The KAV-300iL ($3,250) is the latest integrated amplifier in the more modestly priced KAV line which replaces the popular KAV-300i. Upon receiving the Krell KAV-300iL, I carefully opened the box and removed the unit, which was lovingly wrapped in protective material. I was a bit surprised by the weight of the 300iL, which is a hefty 30 pounds. The 300iL is 17.25 inches wide, 3.5 inches high and 17 inches deep. As I unwrapped the 300iL, I was impressed by its clean and attractive design. I inspected the unit closely and found it to be extremely well made, worthy ...

Introduction Rotel is a company long known for low frills, high quality, budget-priced audio equipment. Their new $699 RA-1060 integrated amplifier continues in this tradition. The RA-1060 is a 60-watt-per-channel stereo integrated amplifier and has all the features one needs. Upon lifting the unit out of the box, I noticed that it was a pretty hefty 17 pounds. This is fairly considerable for a low-powered, solid state integrated amplifier. Once the unit was out of the box, I could see that it was solidly built, with a thick metal front panel (with built-in handles) and a large transformer. According to Rotel, the unit utilizes a custom-designed toroidal power transformer, as well as Aerovox T-Network capacitors, for better than average sound quality. There are no other specifications given, nor is there more information on the transformer itself, but it does appear to be very generously sized for a 60-watt-per-channel amplifier. The RA-1060 does not lack for features. ...

Introduction The IA 170 served as my introduction to Magnum Audio as a high-end audio manufacturer. Magnum Audio is a British electronics company that is building a strong following on the east side of the pond and is expanding its reach within the U.S. The IA 170 is an integrated amp that retails for $750 here in the United States without a phono section, and $850 with phono included. For $750, the listener gets a one-chassis amplifier and preamp with 70 watts per channel into eight ohms and 110 watts per channel into four ohms, six single-ended inputs, one tape loop, a headphone output, mute and mono switches and bi-wireable speaker terminals. One of the unit’s inputs, labeled "monitor," is connected directly to the amplifying circuits for a purer signal path. The front of the IA 170, with the exception of its nameplate (which appears to be easily removable), is an attractive polished steel. While ...