ZESTO AUDIO BIA 200 SELECT STEREO POWER AMPLIFIER LAUNCHED

The American valve electronics brand, Zesto Audio, has announced the launch of their new Zesto Audio Bia 200 Select Stereo Power Amplifier.

The Zesto Audio Bia 200 Select Stereo Power Amplifier has 100 watts per channel of Class A power, plus a 3 position “Auto Bias Select switch”.

The new Zesto Audio Bia 200 Select Stereo Power Amplifier with KT150 valves

KT150 VALVES

The Zesto Audio Bia 200 Select Stereo Power Amplifier ships with KT150 output tubes, but has the auto bias that can accommodate KT88, KT120 and KT170.

ZESTO AUDIO BIA 200 SELECT STEREO POWER AMPLIFIER

In Greek Mythology, Bia is the Titan Goddess of force, strength and power. The new amplifier features 100 watts per channel, Bias Select switch for three perfect bias settings for four different output tubes/valves, which is safe and easy to use on the “Fly” so you can hear the difference. It also has new tubes, using the KT150, but can also accommodate KT88, KT120 and the  KT170.  There is a new circuit design and grounding scheme and a new power supply design.

Rear panel of the Zesto Audio Bia 200 Select Stereo Power Amplifier

BIAS SELECT SWITCH

This switch provides three perfect auto-bias settings for four different output tubes; KT88, KT120, KT150 & KT170. Zesto tells us that the Bias Select switch is safe and easy to use, and you can change on the “Fly” so you can hear the difference. It’s designed for flexibility and sonic customization of an audio system.

The Bias Select switch

GEORGE COUNNAS

George Counnas, President and Chief Design Engineer of Zesto Audio says, “I wanted to redesign the Bia to include KT150 or KT170 output tubes, which were not available in 2012 for the original Bia.” George says what inspired the Bias Select switch is, “I preferred the open sound of the KT150 and KT170’s when they are not at maximum power for my Jazz, but then again I really liked the full power for my Rock & Roll and sometimes it worked the other way. Once I figured out the adjustable power, I realized I could also make it work for readily available tubes like KT88 and KT120.”

George admits, “My challenge in designing an amp is power with finesse. What I mean is capturing the raw power of the crescendo of an orchestra and the solo of a piccolo. I’m very proud of the sound and authority of this amp.”

ZESTO AUDIO BIA 200 SELECT SPECIFICATIONS

(based on KT150 tubes)

Output

Class A

KT150 = 100 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms

4 Ohm, 8 Ohm and 16 Ohm output taps

10A, 7A and 5 Amp 6mm x 32mm Slow-blow speaker fuses for outputs

Eight 5-way binding posts

Non-inverting output polarity

Push-Pull Ultra-Linear design

Power rating for Auto Bias Select Switch Settings

Left Position:

KT88 = 60 Watts per channel,

KT120 = 60 Watts per channel

KT150 = 60 Watts per channel

KT170 = 60 Watts per channel

Middle switch position:

KT120 = 85 Watts per channel

KT150 = 85 Watts per channel

KT170 = 85 Watts per channel

Right switch position:

KT150 = 100 Watts per channel

KT170 = 100 Watts per channel

Inputs

Transformer floating ground differential balanced XLR inputs

Left and right balanced inputs (pin 2 hot), impedance 10K Ohms

RCA single ended inputs Left and Right with an impedance of 47K Ohms

Independent ground lift switches on the left and right Balanced inputs

5 Volts RMS input to reach rated output

Detailed Specs

Dual Mono

Auto bias

No negative feedback

Frequency response 20Hz to 30Khz ~ 3dB

Total Harmonic Distortion ~ 0.22% at 1W into 8 Ohms

Gain of 24dB

Noise level > 2mV -RMS into 8 Ohms with input shorted

1% metal film resistors throughout

Polypropylene capacitors throughout the signal path

Power

Custom Toroidal power transformer with global mains

15 Amp IEC power mains connector

120 Volts AC mains with 8 Amp 5mm x 20mm slow blow fuse

Optional factory installed 220V, 230V/240V 50/60Hz with 4-amp slow blow fuse

Power consumption at rated output 517 Watts

Front panel on/off switch with green LED indicator for high voltage and amber LED for low voltage

Active Components

Matched quad set of four (4) KT150’s vacuum tubes

Four (4) Gold pin ECC82 (12AU7) vacuum tubes

Gold plated ceramic sockets

Dimensions 17″ W X 20″ D X 10″ H

Weight 64 (29Kg)

Zesto Audio Bia 200 Select Stereo Power Amplifier

ZESTO AUDIO BIA 200 SELECT PRICE

The Zesto Audio Bia 200 Select Stereo Power Amp price retails for US $14,800. Shipping and taxes are additional.

HiFi Pig Says: The KT150 valve is a favourite amongst audiophiles, I can see this being a very popular amplifier.

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