NuForce, Inc have announced a single-chassis integrated stereo amplifier, the IA-18. The uniNuforce_frontt incorporates  components used in NuForce’s c Reference Series products including much of the same circuitry as the P-20, the company’s most recent flagship preamplifier, a Cross Matrix Array (CMA) capacitor module, and two V3 output amplifier modules.

The IA-18 features five analogue RCA inputs and the same touch-strip control panel as that of its reference sibling. The IA-18’s volume control, which, like the P-20’s, consists of a switched-resistor ladder network consisting of the latest advances in thin-film technology is said to be a key feature of the amplifier and operates by way of a single thin-film, ultra-low-noise resistor in the signal path for each of its 0.5dB gain settings, allowing for precise volume adjustment for each channel in discrete, 0.5dB steps.nuforce_back

The amp is offered in a black or silver sand-blasted anodized aluminum case and includes a custom-designed remote that permits operation of all of the unit’s functions from listening position.

Features:

  • Full microprocessor control with memory retention
  • Five stereo inputs for complete system flexibility
  • Ultra low noise JFETs employed in input stage
  • Volume adjustment in 99 precise, 0.5dB increments
  • Thin-film switched-resistor ladder network for controlling volume – only a single resistor in the signal path at any volume setting
  • Individually adjustable volume on each input for precise level matching of all sources
  • A pair of V3 amplifier modules
  • Cross-Matrix Array (CMA) capacitor module

The NuForce IA-18 is available worldwide for a suggested retail price of US$3500 and shipping immediately.

 

Sponsorship button

Share

Hi-Fi distributor Sound Fowndations has announced the addition of the CANOR TP134 valve amplifier to its portfolio of TP134 blackhigh quality audio components.

The CANOR TP134 is a high quality stereo integrated amplifier that uses EL34 output valves to generate 35 watts per channel operating in pure class A up to 10 watts per channel. The circuit boards feature patented CMT (Canor Milling Technology) which means that areas of the circuit board are precisely removed to give the circuit similar electrical characteristics to one direct wired with air dielectric cables.

The TP134 features a high quality relay attenuator volume control which the company say provides a “more direct signal path with fewer contacts than typical volume controls leading to precise control and higher sonic performance”.

All control electronics, such as input switching and volume adjustment, are fed from a separate section of the power transformer and the control circuitry is only active when being used which Canor says avoids degradation of the sound quality of the amplifier.

Further the Canor TP134 boasts double copper foil shielding between the mains transformer to prevent mains noise from affecting the performance, a high capacitance anode power supply filtration providing “tight and accurate bass performance”, audiophile quality polypropylene capacitors in audio signal paths, custom designed bifilar wound output transformers “providing maximum power evenly across the entire bandwidth.

For the terminally lazy the TP134 is supplied with a remote control – Hifi Pig REALLY wants a remote control!

Price is £2495

 

Sponsorship button

 

Share

Audiolici is a Portuguese audio company based in oPorto. The company was founded in 2007 and specialise in the 9A25 copydesign and manufacture of valve based pre and power amplifiers.

Their latest product is the Audiolici A-25 valve amplifier which is an integrated valve amplifier. The input selector of the A-25 is designed around four pairs of low power miniature relays with all processes being controlled by electronic circuits to reduce crosstalk between right and left channels.

The input stage of the amplifier uses a double triode 6SL7 and the push pull output power stage is based on one pair of 6L6Gc in the A1 models and EL34 in the A1/25 models.

The amp operates in class A.

 

Sponsorship button

Share

The latest in the series of Conrad-Johnson vacuum-tube power amplifiers, the LP125sa is announced for release in Conrad Johnson LP-125sathe UK by Audiofreaks distribution. The high-end amplifier is a single stereo block and, at 125 watts per channel has ample power for the majority of high-end loudspeakers.

The LP125sa audio circuit consists of three stages. The input signal is amplified by a single-ended triode amplifier, the signal is then direct coupled to a cathode coupled phase-inverter and this high current, triode phase-inverter stage provides a balanced, low impedance drive to the output stage which is provided by two pairs of KT120s per channel.

The LP125sa boasts massive transformers and a small amount of loop negative feedback reduces distortion and achieves a reasonably high damping factor.

The power supplu in the LP125sa is a separate, low impedance, discrete dc affair and regulators are provided for the input and phase-inverter stages, “preventing the output stage from modulating these stages through the power supply”.

A built in bias meter allows for simple biasing of the valves.

The amplifier is available in a standard configuration for just shy of £8000 and a “plus” version with upgraded caps and resistors comes in at a fiver short of £10000.

 

Sponsorship button

Share

TEAC have recently announced the launch of a new series of hifi seperates called the 501 Reference series. The series 501-Reference_final_R976x488.pngincludes the AI-501DA class D integrated amplifier (pictured) with 192kHz USB Audio Input using BurrBrown PCM5102 D/A , the PD-501HR CD Player with 5.6MHz DSD-file-recorded disc nativeplayback, the HA-501full-analogue dual monaural headphone amplifier and finally the UD-501 DSD 5.6MHz / PCM 384kHz capable dual monaural D/A converter.

All the units are small footprint to fit on your desktop.

 

Sponsorship button

 

Share

Hot on the heals of the DAC-V1  Naim have launched the NAP 100 power amplifier, which they say is a “classic expression of traditional Naim power amplifier engineering”. Naim’s latest addition to their nap100_3power amplifier stable offers 50 watts per channel at 8 Ohms, and 100 watts at 4 Ohms, the NAP 100 is a dual mono design based on the circuit topology found in the comapny’s SuperUniti all-in-one player. The NAP 100 has been designed to be used with its partner the DAC-V1, and either a computer or UnitiServe for example, to create what Naim say will be a “thoroughly modern system, bursting with Naim rhythm and clarity”.

 

Sponsorship button

 

 

 

Share

Audion have today announced the release of their latest product Audion Select, a passive pre-amplifier. select front

“The name “Audion Select” has been given as it’s mainly an input selector and in the double entendre stakes its also quite a select product.” Said Graeme Holland of Audion.

The basic Audion Select is a passive pre-amplifier with 5 line inputs, 2 line outputs and an unattenuated tape loop. Volume control is by an Alps pot fitted and with ground loop lift switch and hard wired.

The chassis is designed to match the rest of the Audion range in looks and sound quality, and having the same size and shape will fit in with other Audion equipment when on your rack.

The retail price for the standard 5 channel model is anticipated at £475 and the Audio Slelect pre-amplifiers are available now and will be with our distributor (Deco Audio in the UK) in approx 1 weeks time. Select rear

There will be versions with 48way stepped attenuators, and / or silver wire, and possibly transformer volume control.

In future Audion will be developing a transistorized mm/mc phono stage (aimed at the Revolver market which Audion now owns), a select passive pre with balanced in/outs and even a headphone amp (valve) in the chassis.

 

Sponsorship button

Share

Introduction

Linear Audio Research is a little known brand here in the uk and is manufactured in Poland.  It seems these days that there are some very good things hifi-wise coming out of Poland so I was intrigued to see how this modestly specified EL34 based valve amplifier would fare driving a set of amp-fussy Tannoy Turnberrys.

A little about Linear Audio first.  It was started by a Polish audio engineer,  Eugeniusz Czyżewski.  He had been making amps for friends when he decided to go into production with his designs.  Mr Czyzewski’s background includes obtaining a doctorate in technical science from the Politechnika Wrocławska, one of the foremost technical colleges in Poland.  From there he had a career in the military sector before going on to form Linear Audio Research.  His attention to detail certainly shows within the IA30 amplifier and this is in no small part due to the standards expected with his previous military technical support role.  This attention to detail on close inspection does seem lacking today even in so called “high end” hifi.

The IA30 is a push-pull EL34 design with a difference.  Particular emphasis has been paid on low distortion and an even bandwidth, so great attention has been paid to the transformer windings in the power supply and output transformers and in general to the quality of components used throughout the circuit, and the circuit layout itself. More »

Share

Electrocompaniet is launching today a new integrated amplifier with a built-in DAC in the Prelude range. The amplifier is based on the PI 2 amplifier and boasts 2 x 100 Watts. Up to 5 Digital sources can be connected to the PI 2D: two Coax, two TOSLink and one USB. Analog sources can be connected by one balanced XLR input and four single ended RCA inputs giving a total of 10 inputs.
The PI 2D will have a RRP of 3150€

Technical specifications:
• Input impedance ( Single Ended ): 60 kOhm
• THD + N: < 0.005%
• Output Impedance: < 0,03  Ohm
• Frequency response:  1 – 225kHz
• Channel separation:  > 120 dB
• Noise floor ( 1Vrms, 20 – 20 kHz, balanced): <-130 dB
• Damping factor: >300
• Rated output power   8 ohms  2 x 100 W, 4 ohms  2 x 165 W,  2 ohms  2 x 220 W
• USB input: 192kHz/24bit Asynchronous
•  Weight: 11Kg

Price €3150

 

Share

Van de Leur Audio is a Dutch company who hand built high-end audio products and as from today, their website is  open for visits in the English language.

Since the introduction of the Van de Leur Audio 002 tube preamplifier and their Audio 402 Class-D dual mono amplifier the company has received high praise and their high end audio products have been well received in the Dutch media.

Only the two products are in the range at the moment but we are assured a new product is very close to announcement.

Hifi Pig will hopefully have the amp and matching pre for review very soon.

 

 

 

 

Share

The Burson Conductor is a DAC, Headphone amp and Pre-amplifier in one box.

At the heart of our DAC is the ESS SABRE32 Reference DAC chip with patented 32-bit Hyper-stream DAC architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology. The Conductor also features the well reviewed Soloist Headphone Amplifier and a FET output stage Pre-amplifier.

The Conductor features a 24bit/192khz Tenor TE8802 USB receiver working in Asynchronous Transfer Mode. It also accepts coaxial and Toslink inputs supporting 32bit/192khz audio files. On the analogue front, it accepts analogue input via RCA and outputs in 6.35mm headphone jack, line-level output (DAC) and variable output (preamp).

Input impedance: 36.5 KOhms
Frequency response: ± 1 dB 0 – 50Khz
Signal to noise ratio: >96dB
THD: <0.03% at 30ohm with 1W ouput
Channel separation: >73dB
Output power: 4W at 16 Ohms
Input impedance: >8K Ohm @ 30 Ohm, 1W
Output impedance: <1 Ohm @ 30 Ohm, 1W
Power dissipation: >45W, internal, regulated power supply

Price $1850

 

Share

The 50 Watt RMS, 50TNT monoblock amplifier is Ohio based Audio Power Lab’s latest product and was officially launched at the Capital Audiofest earlier in the summer. The company say the amplifier is the “ultimate marriage of astounding audio transparency and sophisticated physical design” and is hand-built by the company in Ohio .

The amplifier has taken over three years of work by a team of engineers and designers and the 50TNT is the newest addition to the company’s family of push-pull amplifiers utilizing directly heated triode output tubes, transformer coupling, zero negative feedback and pure Class A operation.

The amplifier features a tube complement of 2x572B, 2×5881, 2x12BH7 running in push pull configuration and weighs in at an impressive 27Kg.

 

 

 

Share

Lampizator, the famed Polish manufacturer owned by the maverick genius Lucasz Fikus, has announced that they are to introduce a new monobloc tube amplifier for the European market only. The company are aiming the GM70s at people who would normally buy a stereo 300B amp, but with 30 WPC instead of 8 supplied by the impressive looking GM 70 triode valve.

The amplifiers are single ended from input to output and operate in pure class A mode with zero feedback. There are no solid state parts in audio circuits and the power supplies are unregulated and over-specified for the task. The GM70s boast a  separate transformer for each task with a total of three per side. Signal paths have been kept to an absolute minimum with just 2 inches of silver wire from RCA to pot, 2 inches of silver wire from pot to first tube, one inch to second tube and a hop across one capacitor to main tube without additional wiring.

Specification:

Dimensions WHD : 450 x 140 (250) x 600 mm

Weight: net 30 kg per each mono

Power: 30 WPC single ended class A

Power Tube: GM70 triode graphite version

Driver: doubled 6N6P

Input tube 6N1P

Input impedance: 47 K

Output impedance (speakers recommended) 8 Ohm

Volume: Stepped input potentiometer ALPS

Power transformers total capacity: 700 VA

Rectification: two separate tube rectifiers for HV

Inputs: One single ended RCA

Price 4000€ per pair plus 23% VAT with a special edition available for 5500€ plus 23% VAT

 

 

Share

At CEDIA 2012, HARMAN Luxury Audio Group is showcasing its Mark Levinson 40th Anniversary № 52 Reference Dual-Monaural Preamplifier.

“We are excited to offer the № 52 to music lovers and audio connoisseurs worldwide,” said Jim Garrett, Director of Marketing and Product Management for HARMAN Luxury Audio Group and Loudspeakers. “The № 52 embodies the uncompromising technological innovation, superlative sound, unmatched build quality and striking design that has made Mark Levinson synonymous with ultimate-performance audio for 40 years. We designed the № 52 to deliver the highest level of sonic accuracy and musical involvement.”

The № 52 is an all-analog, dual-monaural design with a two-chassis configuration that separates the critical analog audio circuitry from the control section to maintain the purest signal paths possible. It provides a comprehensive complement of inputs including three balanced XLR and four unbalanced RCA line-level inputs, and a dedicated phono input that is selectable for moving coil (MC) or moving magnet (MM) operation. Two sets of XLR and RCA stereo preamplifier outputs are provided, along with an auxiliary pair of XLR and RCA outputs that can be configured for fixed or variable level output with independent source selection. This enables the auxiliary outputs to function either as a third preamp out, a pass-through full-range subwoofer output or a record output.

The Mark Levinson № 52 offers a unity gain SSP (surround sound processor) output that provides the ability to integrate the audio sources that are connected to it into a home theater system, while maintaining independent stereo operation for music sources. The № 52 provides extensive control and system interface connectivity via Ethernet, Mark Levinson’s proprietary ML Net, 12V trigger and IR control ports. In addition, a USB port facilitates possible future software upgrades. The № 52 is supplied with a remote control that can also be used to operate other Mark Levinson components.

Its control section features mirror-imaged DC power supplies and AC regeneration circuits for a clean and stable power delivery and signal purity. Individual left and right DC umbilical cords are used to connect to the audio sections in the second chassis, and control signals are delivered via a third cable to keep them isolated. The audio chassis is laid out in a mirror image, left/right configuration with isolated and independent circuit boards for the volume, main and auxiliary signal paths, and extensive shielding for critical components. The chassis is constructed from heavy aluminum extrusions and plates.

The Mark Levinson № 52 Reference Dual Monaural Preamplifier will be available in January 2013.

 

Share

California based Channel Island Audio have announced that they have been selected to to design and custom build the amplifiers for Von Schweikert Audio’s flagship VR-11 MK 2 and VR-9 MK 2 loudspeakers.

The VR‑11 loudspeaker will make its debut appearance at the MOD DAC 2012 Show in the Raffles City Convention Centre in Singapore on August 25th and 26th.

 

 

 

Share

NAD has announced two new products targeted at both the home and the custom install market, the T787 and T777 AV Receivers.

The T787 and T777 are both 7-channel amplifiers that are power output rated at 4 ohms with all channels driven across the full 20Hz to 20kHz frequency range.

The T787 is rated at 120 wpc, and that is supported by the use of one power transformer dedicated solely to the front left and right channels, and a second transformer supplying the needed current to rest of the channels. The T777’s single transformer supplies enough current to enable its amplifier to still deliver a full 80 wpc. Both units provide Dolby TrueHD/DTS-HD Master Audio decoding, as well as analogue-to-HDMI video conversion and switching (1080p and 3D compatible) and also feature six HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs (Audio Return Channel is also supported).

 

 

Share

Founded in 2000, the Chicago (US) based company CEntrance develops innovative audio entertainment products and licenses its technology to industry brands, such as Playback Designs, Bel Canto, Benchmark, PS Audio, and Lavry.

CEntrance will be demonstrating their “Audiophile Desktop System” at this year’s Munich High End show and very interesting it looks too. The system packs a stereo pair of “MasterClass™ 2504” desktop 2-way coaxial speakers and the “DACmini™ PX” desktop amplifier, headphone amp and DAC.

The bundle also includes a travel case with custom foam cushioning as well as speaker and USB cables.

The Audiophile Desktop System was designed from the ground up to bring Hi-Fi sound straight to the desktop for today’s Internet-connected consumers. The DAC, amp, speakers and cables are closely matched and voiced to work together perfectly. The system provides a complete digital audio listening solution for $2,000 USD and is available for ordering now.

Michael Goodman, Managing Director of CEntrance – “We have tuned this system for performance and it offers superior results than ad-hoc collections of components from several manufacturers. We’re confident that the new Audiophile Desktop System will turn some heads and ears.”

Hifi Pig hopes to have one for review soon.

Share

Not strictly home hifi but interesting news none the less:Minnesota (US) based Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI) have announced that the company is now shipping its new four-channel CP-450 and 16-channel CP-1650 audio amplifiers. Designed as the perfect complements to RTI’s eight-zone AD-8 distributed audio system, these powerful new amplifiers provide an additional 50 W per channel to extend speaker outputs in larger installations.

“Our AD-8 distributed audio system provides 25 W per channel, which is ideal for most installations, but larger rooms and subzones might require more speakers and more power,” said Pete Baker, vice president of sales and marketing for RTI. “We are pleased to offer our dealers a powerful, cost-effective solution to this installation issue with our new CP-450 and CP-1650 amplifiers.”  More »

Share

New UK dealership BD-Audio, based in the lovely UK Midlands town of Malvern and headed up by Jack Durant, has taken on the Chinese designed & manufactured Ming Da brand of valve-based electronics.

Looking at the pricing of the equipment, many folk might quite understandably do a double-take – perceived value is extremely competitive, especially at the lower end of the price range.  When the kit is seen ‘in the flesh’ the feeling of great value for money is further enhanced – these are lovely items to behold. Production quality seems very high and the aesthetic design is distinctive and attractive.  Warranty is 2 years on the equipment and an unusually generous 1 year on the valves.

Jack paid a visit to my humble abode a few days ago and brought with him a selection of Ming Da kit for me to audition and review.

I listened to all of the equipment with the stock Chinese valves, and although I have no reason to think they are poor, you will certainly be able to obtain different sonic flavours with a bit of ‘valve rolling’.

Remarkably ugly valve cages are provided to meet CE regulations; these are easily removed for when they are not required to keep inquiring small hands or paws at bay!

Ming Da MC-7SE pre-amp

With a current UK retail price of £1520 this remote controlled (volume level and mute) stereo valve pre-amp is a lovely thing for an audiophile to behold.

4 pairs of stereo RCA inputs and 2 pairs of RCA outputs but no fixed level output (“tape”) is available.  The circuit includes five valves (tubes), four of these valves are the 6SN7 type, the other, a rectifier, is a 5U4G. More »

Share

I heard this at a bake off (an audiophile get-together and listening session) a year or two prior to this purchase.

For me, at that bake-off, the Romulus totally blew away all comers and I’d been nagging its owner since then to sell it to me.  Well, due to the completion of his own DIY valve amps the owner finally succumbed and so off I trotted on the 280 mile return trip to collect the amp from his place in Plymouth.

Here she is – pretty, no?  It’s the ‘export model’, with gold trimmings.

30wpc integrated, using 3x 12AX7, 2x 12AU7 and 4x 6L6GC valves for the power.  It retailed at around £2,000.

CR Developments are a now sadly defunct small British hifi company based in Southend that specialised in valve-based equipment and focused predominantly on Far East markets, and maybe came to grief as a result of that region’s economic woes.  They made some really gorgeous kit, including monoblock power amps and a range of pre-amps and phono-stages.
Their website is still available on-line at www.crdevelopments.com but it hasn’t been updated since 2002.  Worth a look, though, some lovely gear there! More »

Share

Hifi Pig has snoofled out some very interesting news for valve amplifier fans and enthusiasts of the iconic Radford STA15 and STA25 valve hi fi amplifiers.

UK based Radford Revival have announced the limited edition reissue of Radfords classic series 3 hifi amplifiers. The father and son team of Steve and William Moores hand-build these beautiful amplifiers to order and make them from the original, and hand drafted 1964 blueprints and the original hand-written transformer winding specifications.

Steve has a long history with Radford and has perhaps the largest collection of Radford amplifiers and transformers in the world.

The new transformers on the reissued amplifiers are superior to the originals in several respects. They are machine wound to modern safety and insulation standards. Superior termination is provided by tags embedded in the plastic bobbin, which are much stronger than the original tags, which were glued to the outer insulation of the winding and had a tendency to fall off.

Metal components and casework in the amplifiers are also reproduced from original blueprints (meticulously scanned and converted into metric) and the company used happens to be the very same company contracted by Radford in the 80s to product the metalwork for the Mk4 STA25.

I’m sure you will agree with HiFi Pig that these valve hi fi amplifiers are truly things of beauty and we wish the company every success for the future. We hope to have a review of the amplifiers in the very near future.

The STA15 is £2750 and the STA25 is £2800 which Hifi Pig thinks is a very reasonable sum for such a well crafted piece of engineering.

Share

Chord is a well-established British company who make a wide range of equipment covering a very broad price band.  You can spend just a few £hundred on a DAC or large multiples of tens of thousands on a fridge-sized amplifier!  Chord have a penchant for very distinctive-looking equipment chassis, lots of silver aluminium and a high tech – OK, some would say blingy! – appearance.  Chord are not shy of providing transparent windows into the chassis with internal lighting provided by LED – that wasn’t on offer with the CPM2600, though.

Since their foundation Chord have used switch mode power supplies (SMPS) which are much lighter, smaller and more efficient than the more traditional type, although they don’t have universal compatibility with partnering equipment.  And some audiophiles have no time for them at all because of perceived sonic characteristics. More »

Share

These are seriously Bad Boys and are not for the faint-hearted.

And aren’t they gorgeous!! ….

The simply Gorgeous Cary 572SE Monobloc Amplifiers

Power valves are 572-3 triodes.  They glow very brightly and are hugely impressive in a darkened room.  The full valve complement is 6SN7, 6DN7, 572-3 and a 5U4-GB rectifier tube behind the 572-3.

 

This is really a tale of taming these Bad Boys with valve-rolling, I had a bit of a love/hate relationship with these amps.

The Svetlana 572-3 power valves are a fixture, no-one else made these valves, so it’s the small valves that must perform the sound-tuning duties.  Internet rumour had it that the power valves were no longer obtainable – not true, I found a reliable and good value source in the USA quite easily and I got a spare pair of valves immediately.  Why don’t people use a decent search engine? More »

Share