LDSG Appendix D: Stereo amplifiers

Appendix D - Stereo amplifiers

Wednesday, 20-Aug-2008, 08:53:55 GMT
Last modified: 25-Mar-2007, 19:49:48 GMT

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Introduction

LC Audio
Seal Electronics
JOB

Stereo amplifiers:

The following amplifiers are either assembled units or complete kits, including power supply and enclosure. Listed alphabetically by manufacturer. Note that emphasis was given to recommended units from manufacturers who might be less familiar, not sold through usual hi-fi or high-end venues. The LC Audio and JOB are world-class amplifiers and the Seal is a best value.

Also note that one entry is conspicuous by its omission… Borbely Audio makes some of the most highly regarded amplifier kits around, both stereo and monoblock, using either FET or tube/valve technology (the highly acclaimed Sierra amps are all Borbely designs). By all rights they should be included here. However, Borbely's "kits" are for experienced builders only! They come with printed circuit boards, components, and schematics, but no pre-drilled chassis or heatsinks. Borbely assumes that you can read schematics (there are no step-by-step instructions), are familiar with the components, know how to solder, and can therefore populate and complete the boards without assistance. Also, the designs are complex and if your Borbely amp doesn't work the first time, troubleshooting is a job best left to someone with both more experience and test equipment than the casual hobbyist. If this description doesn't scare you off, then by all means, check them out - all of their gear has been recommended.

LC Audio:

1. ZAPsolute Mk4.1 - 50 W dual mono @ 8 Ω, Sanken bipolar, class A. Price: $2,142. Features: Power bandwidth = 25 Hz - 35 kHz THD = <0.03% S/N = 110 dB Slew rate = N.A. Damping factor = N.A. Input impedance = N.A. Input sensitivity = N.A. Power supply: None Size: 17 x 6.5 x 18 in. (431.8 x 165.1 x 457.2) Weight: 42 lbs. (20 kg) 2. Millennium XP - 120 W @ 8 Ω, Sanken bipolar, class AB. Price: $1,843. Features: Power bandwidth = 25 Hz - 35 kHz THD = <0.03% S/N = 110 dB Slew rate = N.A. Damping factor = N.A. Input impedance = N.A. Input sensitivity = N.A. Power supply: None Size: 11.8 x 3.0 x 3.0 in. (300 x 75 x 75) Weight: N.A. 3. Millennium XP - 180 W @ 8 Ω, Sanken bipolar, class AB. Price: $1,937. Features: Power bandwidth = 25 Hz - 35 kHz THD = <0.03% S/N = 110 dB Slew rate = N.A. Damping factor = N.A. Input impedance = N.A. Input sensitivity = N.A. Power supply: None Size: 11.8 x 3.0 x 3.0 in. (300 x 75 x 75) Weight: N.A.

LC Audio distributors & dealers:
North America DIY Cable.com
Denmark LC Audio
Germany HiFi Tuning
Australia Soundlabs Group

Seal Electronics:

1. Sweet Amp kit - 2 x 140 W @ 8 Ω, MOSFET, class AB. Price: $2,400. Features: Power bandwidth = 20 Hz - 20 kHz THD = <0.014% S/N = >100 dB Slew rate = N.A. Damping factor = N.A. Input impedance = N.A. Input sensitivity = 10 k Power supply: None Size: N.A. Weight: N.A.

Seal Electronics distributors & dealers:
International: Order direct from Seal Electronics

JOB:

JOB amplifiers, from Switzerland, are little-known, but highly respected professional amplifiers. JOB makes both monoblock and stereo amplifiers, all extremely compact and with exceptionally high bandwidth.
1. JOB Stereo amplifier - 2x50 W dual mono @ 2, 4, or 8 Ω - class not stated. Price: $1,250. Features: Power bandwidth = 10 Hz - 1 MHz, ± 0.1 dB THD = <0.01% S/N = >100 dB Slew rate = >240V/usec Damping factor = N.A. Input impedance = 3-10 k (varies with level control) Input sensitivity = 0.635 V Size: 5.9 x 9.8 x 1.97 in. (150 x 250 x 50) Weight: 7.7 lbs. (3.5 kg)

JOB distributors & dealers:
International: Sold directly by JOB

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