Introduction The GFA-5802 is Adcom’s most powerful amplifier at 300 watts per channel and, at $1,750, is also their most expensive. This 48-pound giant is cosmetically similar, with Its black matte finish and horizontal grooves, to other Adcom amplifiers of late. The distinguishing aesthetic mark on the GFA-5802, which is shared by other high-end Adcom products, is the small gold plate centered on the lower front of the amplifier. This plate has a toggle switch for the power, flanked by LEDs to indicate thermal overload or high distortion levels. The amplifier’s finish, while utilitarian, is well done, with no obvious tool marks. The finish features a baked-on matte black enamel, which should hold up well. Both sides of the amplifier feature large heatsinks, which eliminate the need for a cooling fan. The rear panel features balanced and single-ended inputs, as well as a switch to choose between the two. There are two sets of five-way ...

Introduction Pride of ownership. That was the first thought that came to mind as I unboxed the first of the three McIntosh Laboratories MC602 power amplifiers. This massive amplifier, at $8,000 is not McIntosh’s most expensive amp, but it is the most powerful in this manufacturer’s long history. The MC602 is a solid-state stereo amplifier rated at 600 watts per channel. This large amplifier weighs 155 pounds and measures 17.75 inches wide, 11 inches high and 19.6 inches deep. The front panel is dominated by two large, lighted blue meters, which are flanked by sturdy handles. Below the meters is an illuminated McIntosh logo and two knobs. The left knob controls the meters, and can be set to normal operation where the meter displays the current output in watts for that channel. The left knob also has a hold position in which the meter pauses to display peak output and a lights-off position. The right ...

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 Bill Conrad and Lew Johnson joined forces in the early 1970's to form Conrad-Johnson Design, Inc. with the goal of building high quality tubed audio preamplifiers. From the beginning Conrad Johnson was all about the sound and stayed far from the hype and flash of the high end audio industry’s hey days of that era. Conrad Johnson’s first amplifier, the MV-75 was introduced in 1978. The MV-75's success opened the doors for Conrad Johnson to become a serious contender in amplifiers as well as preamplifiers. Conrad Johnson produced its first solid state electronics in a new line called Motif. The Motif line was soon after joined by the Sonographe line to form a respectable product offering of solid state gear, from mid-level high end and up. The company continued to develop both tube and solid state gear and has used its two and a half decades of experience to bring us its latest products, ...