Following the rebranding of Sansui UK as Mitchell and Johnson at CES 2015, the new British based hi-fi manufacturer is launching its integrated amplifier with built in 24bit/192kHz DAC and a matching CD player.

Designed in Europe, the SAP-201V is an updated and improved version of the slim-line integrated amplifier previously sold under the Sansui brand name. The company’s press release comments ” Internal modifications at the component level have improved its audio performance significantly, without increasing the competitive retail price”.

The amplifier boasts a healthy 40 watts per channel into eight ohms and features seven inputs, including: four line level analogue inputs, a 3.5mm front panel socket, a dedicated phono input, and a coaxial or optical digital input for use with the built in DAC.

Including a DAC in such a keenly priced product and sporting a built-in phono stage is in keeping with the company’s philosophy of aiming to make the best quality hi-fi at very competitive prices. The 24bit/192kHz Wolfson DAC enables digital audio sources, such as computers, portable players or the soon to be launched matching network music player to be connected via coaxial or optical sockets for the best possible signal transfer.

The circuit topography utilises a ‘direct access’ design to shorten the signal paths to ensure unhindered music reproduction. High quality toroidal transformers and audiophile grade components are used throughout.

Packed with features not normally associated with products at this price point, the SAP-201V includes a standard ¼” headphone socket on the front panel and line level output via RCA connections on the rear for recording purposes. Loudspeaker connections are made using the substantial binding posts and the amplifier works with speakers from four to 16 ohms.

Supplied in brushed silver or black finishes, with restyled metal volume controls and flush mounted control buttons, the SAP-201V aesthetically matches the CDD-201 CD player, which is compatible with all common CD formats including; CD/CD-/+R/RW and MP3. The CD player can be connected to the amplifier via its analogue or digital outputs.

Paul Mitchell, CEO, of Mitchell and Johnson commented, “With the launch of the SAP-201V and CDD-201 and the real improvements and features we have engineered into the products, we have fulfilled our ambition of making really good quality hi-fi available to all consumers, regardless of budget.” He adds, “Independent listening tests have demonstrated that the performance is more than a match for other products in the market and we are confident that hi-fi and music enthusiasts are going to love them. And for the independent hi-fi retailers Mitchell and Johnson is providing an opportunity for them to sell British hi-fi at very competitive prices.”

The DAC and phono stage equipped integrated amplifier has a recommended retail price of £299 and the CDD-201 CD player is just £249.