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Deep dives into high-end hifi, vintage classics, valve amplifiers, turntables, and loudspeakers."},"link":[{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/feeds\/posts\/default"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7914857458101136851\/posts\/default\/-\/Amplifiers?alt=json-in-script\u0026max-results=8"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/search\/label\/Amplifiers"},{"rel":"hub","href":"http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Tannoyista"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12998016317024529054"},"email":{"$t":"[email protected]"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"17","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiAAxNWz8Jt-7PjeCc0k-5WPWSwAY5JPLJTyacilpESBIG0Yn8zis41cmiV-he3wxpxO8vbdLsi4n1MzAVnHenKikaw1JIXk8lZ6KlEsWRLmDfNxxdkSQejJTDuc2oM6Fg\/s149\/tannoyista.png"}}],"generator":{"version":"7.00","uri":"http://www.blogger.com","$t":"Blogger"},"openSearch$totalResults":{"$t":"5"},"openSearch$startIndex":{"$t":"1"},"openSearch$itemsPerPage":{"$t":"8"},"entry":[{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7914857458101136851.post-4814278356785574699"},"published":{"$t":"2023-03-19T11:04:00.148+00:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2026-07-01T15:21:21.935+01:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Amplifiers"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Featured"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Ultrafide"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"The Ultrafide audio U500DC Power Amplifier - Review "},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003C!-- AI \/ Voice Summary --\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv style=\"background:#f7f7f7; border-left:4px solid #46b0dc; padding:12px; margin-bottom:20px; font-size:15px; line-height:1.6;\"\u003E\n  The Ultrafide Audio U500DC is a high-current power amplifier delivering exceptional control, transparency and dynamic authority, combining reference-level grip with refined, low-distortion musicality.\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\u003C!-- REVIEW INTRODUCTION BLOCK --\u003E\n\n\u003C!-- Navigation Breadcrumbs --\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv style=\"font-size:14px; margin-bottom:15px;\"\u003E\n  \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/tannoyista.com\"\u003EHome\u003C\/a\u003E âº\n  \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/search\/label\/Amplifiers?max-results=6\"\u003EAmplifiers\u003C\/a\u003E âº\n  U500DC Power Amplifier Review\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\u003C!-- Review Summary --\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"ai-fact-sheet\" style=\"background:#f9f9f9; border-left:4px solid #46b0dc; margin-bottom:25px; padding:15px;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong style=\"font-size:16px;\"\u003EEquipment Specifications \u0026 Review Summary\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n  \u003Cul style=\"line-height:1.6; margin:10px 0 0 20px; padding:0;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cli\u003E\n  \u003Cstrong\u003EProduct Name:\u003C\/strong\u003E\n  Ultrafide Audio U500DC Power Amplifier\n\u003C\/li\u003E\n\n\u003Cli\u003E\n  \u003Cstrong\u003EType:\u003C\/strong\u003E\n  High-Current Stereo Power Amplifier\n\u003C\/li\u003E\n\n\u003Cli\u003E\n  \u003Cstrong\u003EKey Features:\u003C\/strong\u003E\n  Dual-mono architecture, high damping factor, wide bandwidth, ultra-low distortion design\n\u003C\/li\u003E\n\n\u003Cli\u003E\n  \u003Cstrong\u003EVerdict:\u003C\/strong\u003E\n  Exceptionally controlled, transparent and powerful with outstanding dynamic headroom and composure.\n\u003C\/li\u003E\n\n\u003Cli\u003E\n  \u003Cstrong\u003ETannoyista Rating:\u003C\/strong\u003E\n  5.0 \/ 5\n\u003C\/li\u003E\n\n  \u003C\/ul\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n  \u003Cem\u003EReviewed by Josie Willow-Hecate Lewis for Tannoyista â¢ 19 March 2023\u003C\/em\u003E\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003C!-- Review Schema --\u003E\n\n\u003Cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003E\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"Review\",\n\n  \"name\": \"Ultrafide Audio U500DC Power Amplifier Review\",\n\n  \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/2023\/03\/ultrafide-audio-u500dc-power-amplifier.html\",\n\n  \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\n    \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n    \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/2023\/03\/ultrafide-audio-u500dc-power-amplifier.html\"\n  },\n\n  \"datePublished\": \"2023-03-19\",\n\n  \"author\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Person\",\n    \"name\": \"Josie Willow-Hecate Lewis\"\n  },\n\n  \"publisher\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n    \"name\": \"Tannoyista\",\n    \"url\": \"https:\/\/tannoyista.com\"\n  },\n\n  \"reviewRating\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Rating\",\n    \"ratingValue\": 5.0,\n    \"bestRating\"

2: 5\n  },\n\n  \"itemReviewed\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Product\",\n    \"name\": \"Ultrafide Audio U500DC Power Amplifier\",\n\n    \"brand\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n      \"name\": \"Ultrafide Audio\"\n    },\n\n    \"aggregateRating\": {\n      \"@type\": \"AggregateRating\",\n      \"ratingValue\": 5.0,\n      \"bestRating\": 5,\n      \"ratingCount\": 1\n    }\n  },\n\n  \"reviewBody\": \"Exceptionally controlled, transparent and powerful amplifier with outstanding dynamic headroom and composure.\"\n}\n\u003C\/script\u003E\n\n\u003Cp style=\"font-size:12px; color:#666;\"\u003E\nÂ© Tannoyista. Original independent review based on firsthand real-world listening evaluation.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003C!-- 4. Hero Banner Image --\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgviUkrB599_l16RjNR9Fk80A2A-qUIVIV5m8qcJjoDVzwOlouqlAqFM19dF4H8C-CSWpr4cXGecfulRYPAxuypc9KYONFBRCg7JCuwgg3d5Na4VZfRRyEbUfqVSObO7sxu16xOhdR7RH1viSa-NUPgq_KRMSQH9hGFnsomKjuSr3_z995QLVjlTvVI7Q\/s16000\/SLIDER_ULTRAFIDE.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Ultrafide Audio U500DC solid state power amplifier on display\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"630\" data-original-width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgviUkrB599_l16RjNR9Fk80A2A-qUIVIV5m8qcJjoDVzwOlouqlAqFM19dF4H8C-CSWpr4cXGecfulRYPAxuypc9KYONFBRCg7JCuwgg3d5Na4VZfRRyEbUfqVSObO7sxu16xOhdR7RH1viSa-NUPgq_KRMSQH9hGFnsomKjuSr3_z995QLVjlTvVI7Q\/s16000\/SLIDER_ULTRAFIDE.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide Audio U500DC Power Amp at Tannoyista\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca name='more'\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\n\u003Ch2 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EDiscover more about the amazing Ultrafide Audio U500DC power amplifier. British-made and very special.\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n  \u003Cspan style=\"float: left; font-size: 68px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 50px; margin: 1px 5px 5px 1px; padding: 0px; position: relative;\"\u003E\n    \u003Cspan style=\"font-family: times;\"\u003EI\u003C\/span\u003E\n  \u003C\/span\u003E\n  t's early 2023. And with the new year, a new amplifier has arrived at Tannoyista. And this time, it isn't valve-based. This 250wpc British-made amplifier is from a company with an excellent heritage in live sound \u0026amp; professional studio circles that some in the Hi-Fi world may not have heard of.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003ENonetheless, it is a heritage that has been highly regarded in professional audio worldwide and has recently added a Hi-Fi arrow to its bow, Ultrafide.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n  \u003Cimg alt=\"Ultrafide U500DC Power Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1350\" data-original-width=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhSUI9EMBA_HOzumpnHsCtSG53eGhqqJ1J58UbwsU8oMhJB7SbIOTO-qEPedcXq0i3LkD6bo1wtWkXLsBWTzHaJO-5fEb3PTJAuxf9cqnCbQRLrfPvlBYvO7OdP4OjbF9ZmxWXb63_RACfvxiUBjJV60HHcddx5AKBThj_95WLDsEaxIKq6r3huAbPlwg\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_35.jpg\" style=\"text-align: center;\" title=\"The Ultrafide U500DC Power Amplifier - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\n    \u003Ctable class=\"content-table\"\u003E\n      \u003Cthead\u003E\n        \u003Ctr\u003E\n          \u003Cth\u003EContents\u003C\/th\u003E\n        \u003C\/tr\u003E\n      \u003C\/thead\u003E\n      \u003Ctbody\u003E\n         \u003Ctr\u003E\n          \u003Ctd\u003E\n            \u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"#2024-update\"\u003E2024 UPDATE: The U500DC Together with the U4PRE Preamplfier\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n          \u003C\/td\u003E\n        \u003C\/tr\u003E\n        \u003Ctr\u003E\n          \u003Ctd\u003E\n            \u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"#who-is-ultrafide\"\u003EWho is Ultrafide?\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n          \u003C\/td\u003E\n        \u003C\/tr\u003E\n        \u003Ctr\u003E\n          \u003Ctd\u003E\n            \u003Cli\u003E\n              \u003Ca href=\"#unboxing-the-U500DC\"\u003EUnboxing the Ultrafide U500DC\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n          \u003C\/td\u003E\n        \u003C\/tr\u003E\n        \u003Ctr\u003E\n          \u003Ctd\u003E\n            \u003Cli\u003E\n              \u003Ca href=\"#the-look-and-feel\"\u003EThe initial look and feel of the amplifier\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n          \u003C\/td\u003E\n        \u003C\/tr\u003E\n        \u003Ctr\u003E\n          \u003Ctd\u003E\n            \u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"#connecting-up\"\u003EConnecting up\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n          \u003C\/td\u003E\n        \u003C\/tr\u003E\n        \u003Ctr\u003E\n          \u003Ctd\u003E\n            \u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"#switching-on\"\u003ESwitching on the Amplifier\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n          \u003C\/td\u003E\n        \u003C\/tr\u003E\n        \u003Ctr\u003E\n          \u003Ctd\u003E\n            \u003Cli\u003E\n              \u003Ca href=\"#in-the-system\"\u003EThe U500DC in the Tannoyista System\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n          \u003C\/td\u003E\n        \u003C\/tr\u003E\n        \u003Ctr\u003E\n          \u003Ctd\u003E\n            \u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"#how-does-it-sound\"\u003EHow does it sound?\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n          \u003C\/td\u003E\n        \u003C\/tr\u003E\n        \u003Ctr\u003E\n          \u003Ctd\u003E\n            \u003Cli\u003E\n              \u003Ca href=\"#inside-the-amplifier\"\u003EInside the Ultrafide U500DC amplifier\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n          \u003C\/td\u003E\n        \u003C\/tr\u003E\n        \u003Ctr\u003E\n          \u003Ctd\u003E\n            \u003Cli\u003E\n              \u003Ca href=\"#using-the-xlr-connections\"\u003EUsing XLR or RCA connections\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n          \u003C\/td\u003E\n        \u003C\/tr\u003E\n        \u003Ctr\u003E\n          \u003Ctd\u003E\n            \u003Cli\u003E\n              \u003Ca href=\"#setting-the-timbre\"\u003ESetting the Timbre to PURE or VINTAGE?\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n          \u003C\/td\u003E\n        \u003C\/tr\u003E\n        \u003Ctr\u003E\n          \u003Ctd\u003E\n            \u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"#conclusion\"\u003EConclusion\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n          \u003C\/td\u003E\n        \u003C\/tr\u003E\n        \u003Ctr\u003E\n          \u003Ctd\u003E\n            \u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"#pricing-and-details\"\u003EPricing and details\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n          \u003C\/td\u003E\n        \u003C\/tr\u003E\n        \u003Ctr\u003E\n          \u003Ctd\u003E\n            \u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"#specification\"\u003ESpecification\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n          \u003C\/td\u003E\n        \u003C\/tr\u003E\n      \u003C\/tbody\u003E\n    \u003C\/table\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv\u003E\n  \u003Cspan\u003E\u003C!--more--\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n    \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgEWbbmY-xDiaee8ugI35dW

21ZXZdUuy1YuEoCDYnXLQrIoNJS_LvmP7Y2Ut0QeytimEVa1iT4wNGZSTnj_U2hIg-CNsceHIEDo8vw77YkH-fh8RzCZWThju3yk816LaMUUkEY30NVogxThwxh3f4wJmTN-IwTofvsOQPuRP6fvZLNVj43RFYBUuyyK-pA\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_TANNOYISTA.png\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"178\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgEWbbmY-xDiaee8ugI35dW1ZXZdUuy1YuEoCDYnXLQrIoNJS_LvmP7Y2Ut0QeytimEVa1iT4wNGZSTnj_U2hIg-CNsceHIEDo8vw77YkH-fh8RzCZWThju3yk816LaMUUkEY30NVogxThwxh3f4wJmTN-IwTofvsOQPuRP6fvZLNVj43RFYBUuyyK-pA\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_TANNOYISTA.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\n  \n\u003Ch2 id=\"2024-update\"\u003E2024 UPDATE: The U500DC Together with the U4PRE Preamplfier\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERead more about this wonderful power amplifier partnered with the matching Ultra Sigma U4PRE preamplifier\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/2024\/07\/ultrafide-u4pre-preamplifier-combo.html\"\u003EThe Perfect Pair: The Ultrafide Ultra Sigma U4PRE Preamplfier with the matching U500DC Power amplifier Review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Ch2 id=\"who-is-ultrafide\"\u003EWho is Ultrafide?\u003C\/h2\u003E\n  \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n    Before we get going, let's get some more background on Ultrafide and its\n    heritage in Audio.\n  \u003C\/p\u003E\n  Ultrafide is the new Hi-Fi arm of MCÂ² Audio. Partnering with XTA Electronics,\n  MCÂ² Audio has an impressive portfolio whose equipment is used in many\n  recording studios worldwide including Abbey Road and Air Studios. Based in\n  Devon, England. MCÂ² have a wealth of experience in designing and building some\n  of the world's finest professional amplifiers.\n  \u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n    \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg4ZhuyS3q30Toko8s-_zhLAIxDOpXn4xnIlqMNori8xVtyM9XnuFbmvkEFgCDcVpoZvkYZjfWf4zzEVWY4EVZupCYW6OTzLpldvH9LLx8az84dIr2jNYCUWYVURxFMuTcgntCUeTVbKgogycPoZbb03PIwwxH9s-K9pQAByicMr54-VAYDRn-VkIV_Dg\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_32.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Inside the machine room of Air Studios, London\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg4ZhuyS3q30Toko8s-_zhLAIxDOpXn4xnIlqMNori8xVtyM9XnuFbmvkEFgCDcVpoZvkYZjfWf4zzEVWY4EVZupCYW6OTzLpldvH9LLx8az84dIr2jNYCUWYVURxFMuTcgntCUeTVbKgogycPoZbb03PIwwxH9s-K9pQAByicMr54-VAYDRn-VkIV_Dg\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_32.jpg\" title=\"Inside the machine room of Air Studios, London - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv\u003E\n    In 2020, they decided to create an offshoot brand dedicated to Hi-Fi. The\n    Ultrafide U500DC power amplifier is their first step into the said market\n    and judging by its specs and looks, this is one hell of a product.\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n    \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiC_9T64GHpMoHn7XdpIyfua6AZuPfI5iJl1lbyykDFfrFrKmMA2cPq9mtcPjENVS9pETFI5GdXSl1MgCZnt-WhFyFxlZPLSf4SYR4TcWZ7DEHdwJxffibtTLJcbHU7zK5LnthOeUM3SMIr-AyoDRNiXqjlQukxQB8WiWHj09nPzIKYZHAgyhCvrZXylw\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_04.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"The front of the Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiC_9T64GHpMoHn7XdpIyfua6AZuPfI5iJl1lbyykDFfrFrKmMA2cPq9mtcPjENVS9pETFI5GdXSl1MgCZnt-WhFyFxlZPLSf4SYR4TcWZ7DEHdwJxffibtTLJcbHU7zK5LnthOeUM3SMIr-AyoDRNiXqjlQukxQB8WiWHj09nPzIKYZHAgyhCvrZXylw\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_04.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Front - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n  \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n    Obviously, since 2020, the world has gone through some challenging times of\n    which some are still ongoing so the manufacture of this amplifier has been\n    somewhat delayed. With many months of research, design and testing they\n    finally got the product they wanted, and let me tell you... You really want\n    to take advantage of this.\n  \u003C\/p\u003E\n  \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n    This remarkable amplifier is totally passively cooled, with no fans, and no\n    noise.\u003C\/p\u003E\n  \u003Ch2 id=\"unboxing-the-U500DC\"\u003EUnboxing the U500DC\u003C\/h2\u003E\n  \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n    The boxing of this amp is very nicely done. Plenty of packing and outer\n    sleeve.\n  \u003C\/p\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv\u003E\n    \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEihHFNl4CYcLNJanjkqmc_Q1Z9O-HFZ_tAtTJvYUI_jIJmAmE0sGtI1ioLBw2XE0GrgJZQm_vLLxD8oIHIX2Lmu12S5xRCVCXbN0rotO3ebHDxNU5mdhXRA8trJQd9QOy1Xq106QHcRGZMiXX8q8jrVlQoIHrQlpmSPZ9q3Li_o0OehlPx0jJXyLLhk0w\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_01.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"The box of the Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" height=\"620\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEihHFNl4CYcLNJanjkqmc_Q1Z9O-HFZ_tAtTJvYUI_jIJmAmE0sGtI1ioLBw2XE0GrgJZQm_vLLxD8oIHIX2Lmu12S5xRCVCXbN0rotO3ebHDxNU5mdhXRA8trJQd9QOy1Xq106QHcRGZMiXX8q8jrVlQoIHrQlpmSPZ9q3Li_o0OehlPx0jJXyLLhk0w\/w882-h620\/ULTRAFIDE_01.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Box - Â©Tannoyista.com\" width=\"882\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n    \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhwAPxP5B8eYCKNoCt0I3fm1rH069n-A_5-0scSklE8-i4fUVc0j16zTUeLj7dDQAuzdUB4e_Stt-vzUXI4pNzLcoDJSPBm8ERA3p0UH1-PoXaC6HY3n9zT2ySoKBLKDcsi8maYmtTPWoBu0xmRsQxBmTJ-vEId2lmdOyiiCxKXCtVTkLqN8o0eKjtdsQ\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_02.jpg\" style=\"clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Unboxing the Ultrafide U500DC Power Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" height=\"620\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhwAPxP5B8eYCKNoCt0I3fm1rH069n-A_5-0scSklE8-i4fUVc0j16zTUeLj7dDQAuzdUB4e_Stt-vzUXI4pNzLcoDJSPBm8ERA3p0UH1-PoXaC6HY3n9zT2ySoKBLKDcsi8maYmtTPWoBu0xmRsQxBmTJ-vEId2lmdOyiiCxKXCtVTkLqN8o0eKjtdsQ\/w883-h620\/ULTRAFIDE_02.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Out of the box - Â©Tannoyista.com\" width=\"883\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv\u003E\n    \u003Ch2 id=\"the-look-and-feel\"\u003EThe initial look and feel of the amplifier\u003C\/h2\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      Lifting the amplifier out of the box, its weight is deceiving for its\n      size, it's quite a hefty thing and gives you a very nice sense of quality.\n      Although it's not a 50lb valve behemoth, weighing in at a very reasonable\n      14.6kgs (32lb), it's certainly not something you'd want to drop on your\n      toes. Starting with the feet, its 4 round feet are solid aluminium with a\n      rubber insert, giving it a low-slung look.\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n      \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEj592

2E0FssGI0oRpR7F8MRqJG6ztvomofjDBO-ZicPf9ZTF2ZtLGkh8K-qHiKyMvBRrdo6dQ3qN6OYmsLyihH9YnEWeUVdNNKzQEzauKxnCIghG7IcSB3oaUonMKpRBCep-4WtCvz70X1DMy9Z4RQ6KSpHRKKH88Jm0h0sdN-UrbVv2ruTt807g3pgtEg\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_06.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"The Ultrafide U500DC Power Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEj592E0FssGI0oRpR7F8MRqJG6ztvomofjDBO-ZicPf9ZTF2ZtLGkh8K-qHiKyMvBRrdo6dQ3qN6OYmsLyihH9YnEWeUVdNNKzQEzauKxnCIghG7IcSB3oaUonMKpRBCep-4WtCvz70X1DMy9Z4RQ6KSpHRKKH88Jm0h0sdN-UrbVv2ruTt807g3pgtEg\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_06.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n      \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjqrZVTNOUh0HcpdlbG8EdjJGnDa-SsNJx0KJ4JfEoFK9bv3sHGQAryFsuualFzTI81EeFWHcqrtCX34LfTHUktqrELXfWbpDr74TETJTKrEZA3h2tOmZbi6OlBs5eGRYM6vdYqWS5Cs-EhBfMi557BF_akjvUbx44T5NFrUy3Dfrkb4DEPeQ-xNAPSpw\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_10.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Close up on the Ultrafide U500DC Power Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjqrZVTNOUh0HcpdlbG8EdjJGnDa-SsNJx0KJ4JfEoFK9bv3sHGQAryFsuualFzTI81EeFWHcqrtCX34LfTHUktqrELXfWbpDr74TETJTKrEZA3h2tOmZbi6OlBs5eGRYM6vdYqWS5Cs-EhBfMi557BF_akjvUbx44T5NFrUy3Dfrkb4DEPeQ-xNAPSpw\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_10.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Detail - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      The 4mm aluminium one-piece chassis top cover is made from 4mm aluminium\n      and is secured by 8 screws on the underside. Its rounded side edges are\n      very nicely done with the Ultrafide logo nicely embossed into the top.\n      Finished with a high-quality black coating, there's nothing about this amp\n      which wouldn't make you question its build quality. It's solid.\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n    \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhXbF-iX4hChjNTEOGsIpYsAd6quQI49w6cAHbM9hvRs2V5tZZODQH6L28iTG5h3CIunQPGXNpmWmJTMACwpjTX8o3NGLyhivW6LVrVPm8SHopCfV9RBnphCUXG3V76ws19nZqgZbYW-KJRt6oCK4JqS-W68S0mlNd1jXcdmXDRzy5kc6Opj12aUDMXsg\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_08.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"The top of the Ultrafide U500DC Power Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhXbF-iX4hChjNTEOGsIpYsAd6quQI49w6cAHbM9hvRs2V5tZZODQH6L28iTG5h3CIunQPGXNpmWmJTMACwpjTX8o3NGLyhivW6LVrVPm8SHopCfV9RBnphCUXG3V76ws19nZqgZbYW-KJRt6oCK4JqS-W68S0mlNd1jXcdmXDRzy5kc6Opj12aUDMXsg\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_08.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Top lid - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv\u003E\n    \u003Ch2 id=\"connecting-up\"\u003EConnecting up\u003C\/h2\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      The connection panel on the rear of the U500DC is also made from 4mm\n      aluminium and is nicely thought out in regards to layout. With the power\n      inlet and power switch to the left of the unit. It's nicely reachable when\n      it's on a rack of some kind.\u0026nbsp;\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      The power switch is a supply switch that is generally left on to allow the\n      unit to remain on standby when the power button on the front of the unit\n      is switched off.\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n    \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiVufbUVq1A_S_uHKmJywhR7atmvw8lWMtkSDXN2h5naDz7hktDTvx12zN42lgC1Usraqjtw2jYrO4sFnkGFfZsqXpBLUou0v9dVjNkUl8aslInMc6L0kfs2FEsQnz_VMcCIEMRRdpgRrJtpX1UMsuntrtqhwcx6GhAS2o7teyHvR_zncdauHP1KJuklQ\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_12.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"The connections of the Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiVufbUVq1A_S_uHKmJywhR7atmvw8lWMtkSDXN2h5naDz7hktDTvx12zN42lgC1Usraqjtw2jYrO4sFnkGFfZsqXpBLUou0v9dVjNkUl8aslInMc6L0kfs2FEsQnz_VMcCIEMRRdpgRrJtpX1UMsuntrtqhwcx6GhAS2o7teyHvR_zncdauHP1KJuklQ\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_12.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Rear c

2onnections - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n    As you can see, we have 8 speaker connections to allow for bi-wiring\n    (High\/Low frequency) if required. The binding posts can take 7mm spades,\n    bare wire or 4mm banana plugs.\u0026nbsp;\n  \u003C\/p\u003E\n  \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n    The binding posts are nice enough quality with the bare wire\/spade openings\n    having shields to help prevent shorting.\n  \u003C\/p\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both;\"\u003E\n    \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjxL5OXseIdx6_a9_loCqIQMQ0Lhh8sU89niEXEMCCLKjjYUdPHABXbWyAnPQuA4BHJnyIBKiOD0ZoNsNtxAZOUChJ16bb3B_5mtblVn6QKnCWIlXWmixN3NCpkvNyWU1Un6N7-l8VQDgYde4OMTWjNO3wh4nMereoVPcPma7kYd-NZv7wnoKTHZbZPSw\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_14.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Speaker terminals of the Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjxL5OXseIdx6_a9_loCqIQMQ0Lhh8sU89niEXEMCCLKjjYUdPHABXbWyAnPQuA4BHJnyIBKiOD0ZoNsNtxAZOUChJ16bb3B_5mtblVn6QKnCWIlXWmixN3NCpkvNyWU1Un6N7-l8VQDgYde4OMTWjNO3wh4nMereoVPcPma7kYd-NZv7wnoKTHZbZPSw\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_14.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Speaker connections - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n    The signal inputs are both XLR and RCA. In between the connections is a\n    small toggle switch labelled 'Timbre'. The selections are 'PURE' and\n    'VINTAGE'.\n  \u003C\/p\u003E\n  \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n    More about using this switch later in the review. Below the inputs are two\n    trigger input connectors to connect other Ultrafide equipment like the\n    soon-to-be-released U4PRE matching preamplifier.\n  \u003C\/p\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n    \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhRm8QHh-dFw07T9RYjdUQLfo1G5Dzgj0TKrPv9u0zUgY5_XrsegeBXQ2nFRoZ9msw3gM3qazKXsVgisMpPnvJTUsI4liRkltXDEA6jWPaMsSmF7-zEAL-gKLjSNl5GghfT9mf0A2YwNZYU7blSbd5kOuR8icnYl6xrR5OwgNyt-4f7bMN16BDX0xHtRg\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_13.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Connections and Timbre switch on the Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhRm8QHh-dFw07T9RYjdUQLfo1G5Dzgj0TKrPv9u0zUgY5_XrsegeBXQ2nFRoZ9msw3gM3qazKXsVgisMpPnvJTUsI4liRkltXDEA6jWPaMsSmF7-zEAL-gKLjSNl5GghfT9mf0A2YwNZYU7blSbd5kOuR8icnYl6xrR5OwgNyt-4f7bMN16BDX0xHtRg\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_13.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - RCA and XLR connections with Timbre switch - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n    Moving to the front of the amplifier, the thick aluminium plate is\n    beautifully machined and has slightly inwardly curved sides which give it a\n    nice slick look. With the Ultrafide logo chamfered in the top centre, the\n    only other feature is the power button which is slightly recessed.\n  \u003C\/p\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both;\"\u003E\n      \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjQ25xTvvZA2Ao9aVmddtuBDOqOxRMJkMtBKqKYjX1UGIsJZyhOW0v10R1GtZdQ0m5laNB3wf2yFMN32DgXZsuOqrBnDxTWYBug0slI4kxACNl32lvdwfym6lgx20dzJccGgDHyfVTj4L2aFPcILdKgrp0ixexdjbrLJ9kaFYFmn1Orn_rQ2LZbZBdzEw\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_05.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Power button on the Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjQ25xTvvZA2Ao9aVmddtuBDOqOxRMJkMtBKqKYjX1UGIsJZyhOW0v10R1GtZdQ0m5laNB3wf2

2yFMN32DgXZsuOqrBnDxTWYBug0slI4kxACNl32lvdwfym6lgx20dzJccGgDHyfVTj4L2aFPcILdKgrp0ixexdjbrLJ9kaFYFmn1Orn_rQ2LZbZBdzEw\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_05.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Power button - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Ch2 id=\"switching-on\"\u003ESwitching on the Amplifier\u003C\/h2\u003E\n  \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n    Pressing the power button gives a very nice, reassuring, and solidly damped\n    relay 'click' from inside giving you a nice feeling of quality. I must\n    admit, once switched on, I had to check by placing my ear up against the\n    speaker cone. It's astonishingly quiet in operation. The amplifier itself is\n    also 'whisper quiet', with no annoying buzz, hum and no transformer noises\n    which would cause problems.\u0026nbsp;\n  \u003C\/p\u003E\n  \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n    From experience with moderately sensitive speakers like Tannoys (93db),\n    that's only sometimes the case. I've had many amps from the valve and\n    solid-state camps that, occasionally, a pronounced hum or buzz could be\n    heard. But in this case, it's certainly safe to say that the U500DC is quiet\n    as a mouse. So, with the button now glowing green, it was time to kick the\n    groove.\u0026nbsp;\n  \u003C\/p\u003E\n  \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n    In operation, the U500DC consumes 200w of energy, whilst, in idle mode, it\n    uses only 15w. And on standby, just 1w is consumed. The preamp I'm using\n    with the U500DC is a vintage Croft Vitale which was modified to use balanced\n    as well as unbalanced connections.\u0026nbsp;\n  \u003C\/p\u003E\n  \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n    The internal Phono stage is integral and is MM and I use a battery-powered\n    Lentek step-up in conjunction with a DENON DL-103C1 cart. The turntable I\n    will be using is the legendary Trio\/Kenwood L-07D.\u0026nbsp;\n  \u003C\/p\u003E\n  \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n    For this review, I also initially set the amp to 'Timbre' mode in 'PURE'.\n    I'll repeat the procedure and switch to 'VINTAGE' as I go. The connection to\n    the amp will also be balanced using the XLR connections which are\n    recommended by the manufacturer. But I'll also review any notable\n    differences using RCA too.\n  \u003C\/p\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv\u003E\n    \u003Cb\u003EBrief Specification\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      \u003Cli\u003EUltrafide U500DC\u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003Cli\u003E2 channels of 500W @ 4 Ohms | 250W @ 8 Ohms\u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003Cli\u003EFully DC Coupled input to output\u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003Cli\u003EPush-Pull Class A input driver stage\u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003Cli\u003EBrand New âground upâ âUltra Sigmaâ class D output topology\u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003Cli\u003EBi-Wire compliant\u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003Cli\u003ETimbre setting switch, Pure \u0026amp; A\/B modes\u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003Cli\u003EXLR \u0026amp; RCA connections\u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003Cli\u003E3db adjustable gain (via internal jumpers)\u003C\/li\u003E\n    \u003C\/ul\u003E\n    \u003Cp\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv\u003E\n    \u003Cb\u003ERecords used in the review\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      \u003Cli\u003EGoldfrapp - Tales of Us\u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003Cli\u003EGoldfrapp - Head First\u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003Cli\u003EShpongle - Ineffable Mysteries from Shpongleland\u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003Cli\u003EThe Chemical Brothers - We Are The Night\u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003Cli\u003EThe Chemical Brothers - No Geography\u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003Cli\u003E\n        The Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground \u0026amp; Nico - Abbey Road\n        half-speed remaster\n      \u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003Cli\u003EKilling Eve Season Two\u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003Cli\u003EThe Beatles - Love\u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003Cli\u003EPaul Simon - Graceland - Remaster\u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003Cli\u003EMy Bloody Valentine - Loveless - Remaster\u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003Cli\u003ECavern of Anti-Matter - Void Beats - Invocation Trex\u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003Cli\u003EJimi Hendrix - Are You Experienced - UHQR pressing\u003C\/li\u003E\n    \u003C\/ul\u003E\n    \u003Cp\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n    \u003Ch2 id=\"in-the-system\"\u003EThe U500DC in the Tannoyista System\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EThe loudspeakers used in this review are a pair of Lockwood Major monitors loaded with the 15\" Tannoy Monitor Gold drivers. The Monitors date from the 1960s and were the original ones used at Trident Studios and were used by The Beatles, The Stones, Lou Reed, David Bowie to name but a few.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EMore information can be found here:\u0026nbsp;

2\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/2021\/12\/the-original-trident-studios-lockwood.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EThe Original Trident Studios Lockwood Loudspeakers - Review\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n    \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEj2wSUvCwTb2I9mloDQLQ-lwd20KuKsGYwnD0mkyeYIurCpk0ehQfV6cUQ7q7eQ8FWyllm8ZerurG4hNCBK_s8UYumlYW4uc-B4zl81uBPy4ZVA1zE0WjM6JNKJDzqohG9O3q_07xfXWuhxyzdsmk6tTfXhjUp1PW51QUvuM9Th83TgKpowyY8YNjeGhw\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_37.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"The Tannoyista system and Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEj2wSUvCwTb2I9mloDQLQ-lwd20KuKsGYwnD0mkyeYIurCpk0ehQfV6cUQ7q7eQ8FWyllm8ZerurG4hNCBK_s8UYumlYW4uc-B4zl81uBPy4ZVA1zE0WjM6JNKJDzqohG9O3q_07xfXWuhxyzdsmk6tTfXhjUp1PW51QUvuM9Th83TgKpowyY8YNjeGhw\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_37.jpg\" title=\"The Tannoyista System - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n    \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiBRye9T6J8QtFrVP_vM2ynTYyym15NVFqAVLLWqdW5mxXchmv1Z7fvhLO5DX53Ca0TjhmU3hMyRGO7xcQMS_q8jU052p3SyVmhsW1J4VGNFae51Dwn0IioCHstqlCURbBkm51iCPOIuStXPl7yZV58axX3lGhREJVOhf5k2DDnNFCETf0ZxoynN3J2tQ\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_38.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Close-up of the Tannoyista system and Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiBRye9T6J8QtFrVP_vM2ynTYyym15NVFqAVLLWqdW5mxXchmv1Z7fvhLO5DX53Ca0TjhmU3hMyRGO7xcQMS_q8jU052p3SyVmhsW1J4VGNFae51Dwn0IioCHstqlCURbBkm51iCPOIuStXPl7yZV58axX3lGhREJVOhf5k2DDnNFCETf0ZxoynN3J2tQ\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_38.jpg\" title=\"Close-up of the Tannoyista System - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n    \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhVgIfqMf1q2N6agdNsTqgSngPqVsdiHUApntZ9HxyZ4fyZcRVgExj8lDKnoUsGlLCEq2vKUNaiuDRTG80zDhWAaqIIUYPlzq2snGIwVHYeoFPHQaa7a7pcrJiAmA_6bro_BD-pzVTQ5kbm2chaM5cwJtGt0lesQpDUiJ-c4hRJY75HHHGLVXe4g7a1Rw\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_42.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"The Tannoyista System with Lockwood Major Speakers\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhVgIfqMf1q2N6agdNsTqgSngPqVsdiHUApntZ9HxyZ4fyZcRVgExj8lDKnoUsGlLCEq2vKUNaiuDRTG80zDhWAaqIIUYPlzq2snGIwVHYeoFPHQaa7a7pcrJiAmA_6bro_BD-pzVTQ5kbm2chaM5cwJtGt0lesQpDUiJ-c4hRJY75HHHGLVXe4g7a1Rw\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_42.jpg\" title=\"The Tannoyista System with Lockwood Major Speakers from Trident Studios - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n    \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiRKezciHcjFG-ZQgZQf236JxCLCM5lBkmLVhDA4YfN8u7i2UDz1NdPhJ-OHfb012pfo1B3vMkkojnG3Lgfo967iYYdqOrkoSNE9vufBrdS6L4lMm2p0qRRkwcywZcwMQyZNGihAkBC8gyITJoaLhLXzw5OGgnGcDqkwKrKtBk1UXtaa2bUyrjavW6mzg\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_36.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Tannoyista System, L-07D, Ultrafide U500DC\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiRKezciHcjFG-ZQgZQf236JxCLCM5lBkmLVhDA4YfN8u7i2UDz1NdPhJ-OHfb012pfo1B3vMkkojnG3Lgfo967iYYdqOrkoSNE9vufBrdS6L4lMm2p0qRRkwcywZcwMQyZNGihAkBC8gyITJoaLhLXzw5OGgnGcDqkwKrKtBk1UXtaa2bUyrjavW6mzg\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_36.jpg\" title=\"The Tannoyista System - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv\u003E\n    \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n    \u003Ch2 id=\"how-does-it-sound\"\u003EHow does it sound?\u003C\/h2\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n    Dropping the needle on Goldfrapp's Tales of Us, the first thing I thought of\n    was space.... vast space. The eerie-sounding voice of Alison Goldfrapp came\n    through like liquid with air and space all around it. The notes of the first\n    track pulled you into the scene and moved you into the track. This kind of\n    fluidity was quite uncanny with lots of valve-like qualities.\n  \u003C\/p\u003E\n  \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n    Valves are wonderful at transients and separation, so this took me aback.\n    The bass focus was the next thing I noted With a 'Flooooome' of bass, the\n    U500DC really gripped the large 15\" cones. The body and delicacy of the\n    mid-range were astonishingly well done and very organic. Leaning a little\n    forward, it brought the soundstage into the room.\n  \u003C\/p\u003E\n  \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n    My next note was timing. Timing is something a lot of amps fall over when\n    things get complex but on this drop, it had no problems whatsoever. Although\n    âTales of Usâ it's not a highly complex album in that regard, it has lots of\n    intricate details and ambience. The sound stage was so organic that timing,\n    especially on this record just flowed.\n  \u003C\/p\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n    \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhSUI9EMBA_HOzumpnHsCtSG53eGhqqJ1J58UbwsU8oMhJB7SbIOTO-qEPedcXq0i3LkD6bo1wtWkXLsBWTzHaJO-5fEb3PTJAuxf9cqnCbQRLrfPvlBYvO7OdP4OjbF9ZmxWXb63_RACfvxiUBjJV60HHcddx5AKBThj_95WLDsEaxIKq6r3huAbPlwg\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_35.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Close-up of the Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier with Vinyl sets\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhSUI9EMBA_HOzumpnHsCtSG53eGhqqJ1J58UbwsU8oMhJB7SbIOTO-qEPedcXq0i3LkD6bo1wtWkXLsBWTzHaJO-5fEb3PTJAuxf9cqnCbQRLrfPvlBYvO7OdP4OjbF9ZmxWXb63_RACfvxiUBjJV60HHcddx5AKBThj_95WLDsEaxIKq6r3huAbPlwg\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_35.jpg\" title=\"The Tannoyista System - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n    \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh0m7nivBgUH9amng9gvq91ednG7i8vKrVi7kJo8s8AjLrzAVgmq0iQuNHUTm7xRpQ74UNX_h9nfxH0wrEmjdhPzvTLUfrgurt55e6bbwAhRShDuuzjeD6j6Y3rCJitVyK7ZsPkQHaDZ-ecPCPI2gsfIH9YTJRoe6WIkcF5g3I85_BU93-drjjqYbVqTA\/s512\/pngwing.com.png\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"512\" data-original-width=\"512\" height=\"152\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh0m7nivBgUH9amng9gvq91ednG7i8vKrVi7kJo8s8AjLrzAVgmq0iQuNHUTm7xRpQ74UNX_h9nfxH0wrEmjdhPzvTLUfrgurt55e6bbwAhRShDuuzjeD6j6Y3rCJitVyK7ZsPkQHaDZ-ecPCPI2gsfIH9YTJRoe6WIkcF5g3I85_BU93-drjjqYbVqTA\/w152-h152\/pngwing.com.png\" width=\"152\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Ch2 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n    \u0026nbsp;This is when I heard the extent of how fun bass\u0026nbsp;\n    \u0026nbsp;can\u0026nbsp;be. From the start of the first track, a\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;thumping\n    kick\u0026nbsp;drum filled the room. Wow... I\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;don't think I've\n    ever\u0026nbsp;heard the Tannoys sound\u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;so alive and enthusiastic.\n  \u003C\/h2\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv\u003ENow it was time to give the amplifier something to really chew on.\u003C\/div\u003E\n  \u003Cdiv\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both;\"\u003E\n      \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjzB3ICxQC-m4Syjy2cZ7wWXyYWmOlmqPi-K5BJdoYrLt9KpTs9Z1o3rrhVOI7TMK9T2_L4Y_TnaIKA8lP_hKbIm9giWb2J6VNL4lbcirbXj0IgpT2Ra1EzkvBbQijdXMiffPiUwmdFA5U7P0nfFZ2uu3p0pTRzS1irIZhOLaWAucdb5xUHVm9ciMCxzg\/s866\/Tannoyista_Houdini_11.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Shpongle and Cavern of Antimatter vinyl\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjzB3ICxQC-m4Syjy2cZ7wWXyYWmOlmqPi-K5BJdoYrLt9KpTs9Z1o3rrhVOI7TMK9T2_L4Y_TnaIKA8lP_hKbIm9giWb2J6VNL4lbcirbXj0IgpT2Ra1EzkvBbQijdXMiffPiUwmdFA5U7P0nfFZ2uu3p0pTRzS1irIZhOLaWAucdb5xUHVm9ciMCxzg\/s16000\/Tannoyista_Houdini_11.jpg\" title=\"Vinyl at Tannoyista - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      Three of my favourite albums to give the equipment a good workout to are\n      by Shpongle, Cavern of Anti-Matter (COAM) and The Chemical Brothers.\u0026nbsp;\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      So, this time it was time to drop some COAM - Void Beats, Invocation\n      Trex.\u

20026nbsp;\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      This is when I heard the extent of how fun bass can be. From the start of\n      the first track, a thumping kick drum filled the room. Wow... I don't\n      think I've ever heard the Tannoys sound so alive and enthusiastic. As the\n      record progressed, the emphasis on timing and how the U500DC keeps things\n      in focus was analysed.\u0026nbsp;\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      I always try to set out to find that straggling piece of thread that you\n      can slowly pull to reveal any errors in how it handles multiple layers of\n      instruments and vocals. Keeping the intended soundstage together in its\n      concise framework is something many amps need to improve upon. With the\n      U500DC, I couldn't find fault.\u0026nbsp;\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      The more music I listened to the more my confidence grew. There was no\n      fear of any unravelling, therefore, no thread to pull.\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both;\"\u003E\n      \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgCZG4bR-T-XZIY20iB1DD2tBswkDJ2NGk6MxZcgRW5VcT0vsoaUZf_j09LYmuS8C8-VLsIzvAo0RaKQDzPlpYzrU2GUoPtfPalWiZombBG8Ji3jUbOP0LJRAzH0z9yoGx4eIOILqx0WSAFrwoLFE2U3CrWjOCd3Wka0bT3wCXaBlYf9lPyJqea362aEg\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_34.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Jimi Hendrix vinyl on the Trio\/Kenwood L-07D\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgCZG4bR-T-XZIY20iB1DD2tBswkDJ2NGk6MxZcgRW5VcT0vsoaUZf_j09LYmuS8C8-VLsIzvAo0RaKQDzPlpYzrU2GUoPtfPalWiZombBG8Ji3jUbOP0LJRAzH0z9yoGx4eIOILqx0WSAFrwoLFE2U3CrWjOCd3Wka0bT3wCXaBlYf9lPyJqea362aEg\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_34.jpg\" title=\"Playing the classic Jimi Hendrix - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      I then listened to such as Paul Simons's Graceland, the production of that\n      album came through so naturally. Easy and rhythmic, the U500DC presents it\n      as it is, an astonishing and meaningful work of art. The amount of\n      transient detail was quite astonishing.\u0026nbsp;\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      Then with The Beatles Love album, much of the same, another exceptional\n      soundstage with swirling psychedelic sections really stops you in your\n      tracks.\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv\u003E\n      \u003Cimg alt=\"Close-up of the Ultrafide U500DC logo\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjk9MTb-WQatcmAfSLPEx-QuI_B3n-1pfbGjBDQewLPCKK1RlNYrXi4YFz4tvt25c9G2_ML8ur85OdkSZkZpOwo5EbUwBR6eqva5HDeNDLGWbTSvqEQJOWnXNiPt3vQd9mYLZYR1Xq_3VQJkv7f14eaXLyzjKJhRa0zyXlzhE4Ny5fc50sqLkRQpR11_A\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_11.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Logo - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        Now finding that my second cup of tea had now gone cold, the other\n        outstanding experience with the U500DC was the album, We Are The Night\n        by The Chemical Brothers. Now, this album has tripped up some of my\n        previous amplifiers in places.\u0026nbsp;\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        And not only that but in some places, it never seemed to quite sound\n        right with a Valve amplifier, even the copper amp sporting the mighty\n        KT-150 valves.\u0026nbsp;\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        Somehow valves and this album (in places) just didn't grip the groove\n        hard enough. It needs obedience, speed and flow. So with the U500DC, the\n        opening track put a large smile on my face. The amount of detail and\n        intensity came flooding through with grip and ferocious intent.\u0026nbsp;\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        And as the album progressed, it was clear to see that the U500DC really\n        understood the complexity of the music.\u0026nbsp;\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        It's clear that Ultrafide has brought many years of knowledge and\n        technology know-how into the U500DC. And they've made this amplifier\n        extremely flexible to boot.\u0026nbsp;\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        Stepping back, this amplifier has a natural and highly realistic\n        presentation with clarity that doesn't overemphasise and has a huge\n        soundstage. That is, like being in a live environment, its presentation\n        simply flows.\u0026nbsp;\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        The high frequencies portray no splashy confusion, imbalance or\n        sibilance, and the mid-range has body and fluidity. The bass is tight\n        and keeps its extension clean and organic with no notable misdirection.\n        Everything I throw at this amplifier works like a charm.\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n      \u003Ch2 id=\"inside-the-amplifier\"\u003EInside the Ultrafide U500DC amplifier\u003C\/h2\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n      \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiJ6tib1Ij-fZeNZiwOhXjgdIe2HCzPIDj8q9fJ_BDgmCo3lFkV1Rmod2x4J9VFZDTeWkpaWrXnvhhppxjB6W5eu6oWoAyhi66OEZMP1ZoVaCNlDyAK-U8FiEaMWVeBZ0OkxkPABTbl9FOtEuh3_vgxTWjATJiJkZKOINKLIJe-WUrtcjfxQj_RJ2Jzlg\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_20.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Inside of the Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiJ6tib1Ij-fZeNZiwOhXjgdIe2HCzPIDj8q9fJ_BDgmCo3lFkV1Rmod2x4J9VFZDTeWkpaWrXnvhhppxjB6W5eu6oWoAyhi66OEZMP1ZoVaCNlDyAK-U8FiEaMWVeBZ0OkxkPABTbl9FOtEuh3_vgxTWjATJiJkZKOINKLIJe-WUrtcjfxQj_RJ2Jzlg\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_20.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Inside the amplifier - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      Inside is all neatly planned out using very high-quality internal\n      components. The construction is also very solid, with the huge 500VA\n      custom wound transformer. This amplifier is a fully DC design I\/O using\n      pure copper tracks. It also uses an overall DC servo on its input which\n      eliminates any errors.\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      Devoid of any slew rate limitations, this amplifier also has no interstage\n      capacitors and uses the 'Ultra Sigma' technology with a Push-Pull, Class A\n      input driver stage.\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv\u003E\n      \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both;\"\u003E\n        \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjb2c0doIc_Hhv0biMjuoaKpCIVjA8gtDSVVga68MCPY7gmBh7Sb2IYkvJJg_nrmBbPG-jEPy8r8fZhiyhwEX4Sc-0Q5ik6UE2HwH1fGxxStNyCHQMa_RsQMHJzYCdwcxBEsedI29VgOOlr0cFLhMpBDLyBCZd_MgA9rYxY5lCc53Kj-pDYsyg9oTRs1Q\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_29.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Showing the power supply of the Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjb2c0doIc_Hhv0biMjuoaKpCIVjA8gtDSVVga68MCPY7gmBh7Sb2IYkvJJg_nrmBbPG-jEPy8r8fZhiyhwEX4Sc-0Q5ik6UE2HwH1fGxxStNyCHQMa_RsQMHJzYCdwcxBEsedI29VgOOlr0cFLhMpBDLyBCZd_MgA9rYxY5lCc53Kj-pDYsyg9oTRs1Q\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_29.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Rear of amplifier - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n      \u003C\/div\u003E\n      \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n        \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgjxdIbE8letj2fDthiCl6drYUisHgpPqns_JucHtJ7I0BZ5j9aEUlHUopGKD9mVA89RbgLKu3QI7TO9dbDA5hNf8iKmcoD5qpNv77Q5Pnc92bPejSsGcRxDWQ3wtfCeZGSQ7XRwUEgnUailrQ1sfsRZnhCmF1UDR9fYSgaYPM1uS42gmI5fbUH65rxeQ\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_25.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Close-up of the Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier circuit\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgjxdIbE8letj2fDthiCl6drYUisHgpPqns_JucHtJ7I0BZ5j9aEUlHUopGKD9mVA89RbgLKu3QI7TO9dbDA5hNf8iKmcoD5qpNv77Q5Pnc92bPejSsGcRxDWQ3wtfCeZGSQ7XRwUEgnUailrQ1sfsRZnhCmF1UDR9fYSgaYPM1uS42gmI5fbUH65rxeQ\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_25.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Inside close up - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n      \u003C\/div\u003E\n      \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n        \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgSZXxxwVycTDGOGD-nuy0RuLIorWF2xhwYB6aT7rQLmKrkeqN3-ukvd6DLsn2HoYxHrMzO6kSvVIdk-ljEDryQWuYJI-oQFBjeGRS3QtyEXR82LGDLgg6-AwRfSbKUwUJ52gekIliSmxcLUptV2KpdJIjok8e_fmAawAuNo5xtrGOEuKYaEMGi33aNng\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_28.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Output stage of the Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgSZXxxwVycTDGOGD-nuy0RuLIorWF2xhwYB6aT7rQLmKrkeqN3-ukvd6DLsn2HoYxHrMzO6kSvVIdk-ljEDryQWuYJI-oQFBjeGRS3QtyEXR82LGDLgg6-AwRfSbKUwUJ52gekIliSmxcLUptV2KpdJIjok8e_fmAawAuNo5xtrGOEuKYaEMGi33aNng\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_28.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Inside read of amplifier - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n      \u003C\/div\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        The great thing about this is that if you need maximum output for more\n        demanding systems, the gain can be increased via an internal link to\n        give 3db more gain. This also removes the soft clipping circuits.\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n      \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjmQSVbQ1

25TeqFaIrHurlDQPPIulTGCwZ_4HJzVCON6cxsmlbnZIomHG4c2I8dPOuK2tCWPlPY9zXDFwMz1iCvAqF6c1pD-p_mDkpJz3D_SiV96PgpFCrb-tlDKkaVKcro3p0WwTdo5NGm2EwizuF_lIjv-2ePc0Z9IM4eE3AEoAwn_zP0PiKcnzkMyqA\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_18.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Input stage of the Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjmQSVbQ15TeqFaIrHurlDQPPIulTGCwZ_4HJzVCON6cxsmlbnZIomHG4c2I8dPOuK2tCWPlPY9zXDFwMz1iCvAqF6c1pD-p_mDkpJz3D_SiV96PgpFCrb-tlDKkaVKcro3p0WwTdo5NGm2EwizuF_lIjv-2ePc0Z9IM4eE3AEoAwn_zP0PiKcnzkMyqA\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_18.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Output section - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n      \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhWPAX179n7EPh7-UhaC1v1FVg48FbbVz45X1cfPSUFuL9Dum2qspEx3UiMvoDyhhkGwyZEuZ-_yjoiO2Y0d8VQFyo3tjF24IsBCoaZY1X-lmYST3Qay5UEst3raSxzhTtvS16_pHwpSaradqOsh5N07Ker-xQX2710vBkfhgAYH_qs8LDYKVUqpBZRNA\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_19.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Internal image of the Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhWPAX179n7EPh7-UhaC1v1FVg48FbbVz45X1cfPSUFuL9Dum2qspEx3UiMvoDyhhkGwyZEuZ-_yjoiO2Y0d8VQFyo3tjF24IsBCoaZY1X-lmYST3Qay5UEst3raSxzhTtvS16_pHwpSaradqOsh5N07Ker-xQX2710vBkfhgAYH_qs8LDYKVUqpBZRNA\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_19.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Circuit - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n      \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjSMLGh_LPgkz9bqOHeDI7H5Ri1jgwFX9FQ17glxBRkDxOKIFcPaVqU9te6NXNU-OR27syHsHQxhYBZUEpttGsiQcI6XTUngfbLYzkXsvqu0ZklKLcdU9eoBsP2uk2eg-B2KY4j-16hdbG8PkdOXe65vZ-uGDZhAFGWlzi1t4ZltXa5lwywroZwOq71pQ\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_22.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Input stage and Timbre of the Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjSMLGh_LPgkz9bqOHeDI7H5Ri1jgwFX9FQ17glxBRkDxOKIFcPaVqU9te6NXNU-OR27syHsHQxhYBZUEpttGsiQcI6XTUngfbLYzkXsvqu0ZklKLcdU9eoBsP2uk2eg-B2KY4j-16hdbG8PkdOXe65vZ-uGDZhAFGWlzi1t4ZltXa5lwywroZwOq71pQ\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_22.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Output section - Silver wiring - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n      \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjpb3gXs6y5ZhjHcsj9hDsQSc-F7L_Om3CXzXKpK6fG65y_F6Bad60napGUtdZ5vzjIU0W4LMcc0tNJhwTxkWK5IeCpR0bLVjhi6uH18rDvSF6IV6wBoqDXdSlXhMLNyzLXz6JfC5oymB_bU64GgioGdxQaemXJZ6ItPVTz3gUnPwyOsum9ipHr1eOyjQ\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_23.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Internal power regulation of the Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjpb3gXs6y5ZhjHcsj9hDsQSc-F7L_Om3CXzXKpK6fG65y_F6Bad60napGUtdZ5vzjIU0W4LMcc0tNJhwTxkWK5IeCpR0bLVjhi6uH18rDvSF6IV6wBoqDXdSlXhMLNyzLXz6JfC5oymB_bU64GgioGdxQaemXJZ6ItPVTz3gUnPwyOsum9ipHr1eOyjQ\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_23.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - More power supply cir

2cuits - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n      \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjuoIE1AtR2duuUz-tHHso6xCsELWhQ3vBkKXX_zawDN1aRt-VrgICMWgFsCtvgFhiDSlaAP_3x8QYUpWsC0Oef6zvUSQ2lxJqY3YqELIuq8z7J7m7Bt5jwulgRQ0RsLwcDZrn4gHUx1rFS81nZ0Uv73GZuvE8W_9nEfGK-HpGWW78AcJF4o0_ajILSHQ\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_27.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Sensitivity jumpers inside the Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjuoIE1AtR2duuUz-tHHso6xCsELWhQ3vBkKXX_zawDN1aRt-VrgICMWgFsCtvgFhiDSlaAP_3x8QYUpWsC0Oef6zvUSQ2lxJqY3YqELIuq8z7J7m7Bt5jwulgRQ0RsLwcDZrn4gHUx1rFS81nZ0Uv73GZuvE8W_9nEfGK-HpGWW78AcJF4o0_ajILSHQ\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_27.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Gain control - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      The U500DC is a pure dual mono design using x4 35A 600v rectifiers and\n      27,000uf capacitor banks enabling output from 5 - 5000w. Not that you\n      would use 5000w, but its headroom is vast. And it's quite evident as it\n      has no swing deterioration, performing with total ease.\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both;\"\u003E\n      \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhY4xRzqMZUr_-7vBKL8yP26Ber4VmCOuP6orKjAesfPxhUlHwsjRfyxsq5eo5FlPCwmqe8165C1p8YC2yWjwtWwIC-rPQG-GwVtFp_sR2R12GZ24mmsnOY6i5w0hy1KUltKKY_FEtaw6F-WY5mPrfk72Iwb8lKrBs3plH1fF3SeUz3wSI4lHTM1PBCdA\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_24.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Smoothing capacitors inside the Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhY4xRzqMZUr_-7vBKL8yP26Ber4VmCOuP6orKjAesfPxhUlHwsjRfyxsq5eo5FlPCwmqe8165C1p8YC2yWjwtWwIC-rPQG-GwVtFp_sR2R12GZ24mmsnOY6i5w0hy1KUltKKY_FEtaw6F-WY5mPrfk72Iwb8lKrBs3plH1fF3SeUz3wSI4lHTM1PBCdA\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_24.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Power supply - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n      \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiTVOu2X3ViikR8A0eNg9_MwEb55desDCBA6Qg80vizPeSKEkRUf0iQoUicOIeW1FWWvV7eaXDXEJPkRthgJ5yin6gcpaLUso1-YWzjt2HpVH3CZejBa26dzDuwvAe6WE2DfYVZYqYxP6lD57kMjdzo4v5TE0xBF88VPQUmXCzKeX_IZKCcnmQUxmM77g\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_17.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"PSU and capacitors of the Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiTVOu2X3ViikR8A0eNg9_MwEb55desDCBA6Qg80vizPeSKEkRUf0iQoUicOIeW1FWWvV7eaXDXEJPkRthgJ5yin6gcpaLUso1-YWzjt2HpVH3CZejBa26dzDuwvAe6WE2DfYVZYqYxP6lD57kMjdzo4v5TE0xBF88VPQUmXCzKeX_IZKCcnmQUxmM77g\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_17.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Power supply inside - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      But, Tannoys don't need anything like 250wpc I hear you say. Well, over\n      time, it's become very clear to me that more watts aren't a problem with\n      the Tannoys when you find the right design. Finding an amp to match with\n      Tannoys can be a big undertaking to get right.\u0026nbsp;\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      With valve or SS, Class A\/AB\/D... it can sometimes be more restrictive if\n      you go by what's generally a recommended suiting.\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both;\"\u003E\n      \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEi9OYpPRnSWrzcJUdCVXaUielWrulibg4GhVZCiGUFCgqsYKF1TkQ94Tcydqsqatb0vga9V3Zo6NTD5BCVnutGhPO20H2ZdDS1fKfMf-LwN4JPkd7Xb9ebK_3KTJswKf_1wNjEkvkuV1uCaAcIav43rdLTnwDY3H7TY43Jgv42pJfSsGH3At4WCVFodQw\/s866\/TANNOYISTA_CROSSOVER_01.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Tannoy Monitor Gold rear dust cover\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEi9OYpPRnSWrzcJUdCVXaUielWrulibg4GhVZCiGUFCgqsYKF1TkQ94Tcydqsqatb0vga9V3Zo6NTD5BCVnutGhPO20H2ZdDS1fKfMf-LwN4JPkd7Xb9ebK_3KTJswKf_1wNjEkvkuV1uCaAcIav43rdLTnwDY3H7TY43Jgv42pJfSsGH3At4WCVFodQw\/s16000\/TANNOYISTA_CROSSOVER_01.jpg\" title=\"Tannoy Monitor Gold - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both;\"\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        That is, in my opinion, a lowish power push-pull valve amp of around\n        30-100wpc is a safe bet with these speakers. But regarding dynamics and\n        sound and getting the very best out of said speakers, could that safe\n        bet be sometimes too safe?\u0026nbsp;\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        The amount of power my Tannoys use would be extremely low, even at very\n        high volumes. So, for me, the design of how it delivers the power is\n        more important, regardless of how much power it has in reserve.\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n      \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjbbsuh9f3l1LCBdw_FsOMkwvH5jfNzqFztdKocv-RYH2wZ-3bEwF8fN_y7sK0ULabGMbL1YojJh6ZZANJUxB2xS0hI9m2W6du3CHxXzNTbCoZoXM79SqX8rF2UbGCsLPEPcQW6LzDCc2g9pkilO-7ZkCqJmZF8qU5_5fBkv0IM_2j4Rhq43ykitJ7JBw\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_26.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Top view of the Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjbbsuh9f3l1LCBdw_FsOMkwvH5jfNzqFztdKocv-RYH2wZ-3bEwF8fN_y7sK0ULabGMbL1YojJh6ZZANJUxB2xS0hI9m2W6du3CHxXzNTbCoZoXM79SqX8rF2UbGCsLPEPcQW6LzDCc2g9pkilO-7ZkCqJmZF8qU5_5fBkv0IM_2j4Rhq43ykitJ7JBw\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_26.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Top down of U500DC - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n      \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiIL51I0OyA0Gaavs9NekoGi0pKqAfMnbTNhpfyCVhanhuyNKJmVFYtoOkwniNiTqUxUKeGRc0e5RH8V55mMsUJu1y1YjTZSop9RsPJs-COj_uvgAO7OONlP3AlFqpeSloJL6T0Ffpmlv4orYvF-VGqp47B7pIJ5raXSG7UaVgYrKmyI4l-PYxziPcJOg\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_30.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Internals of the Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiIL51I0OyA0Gaavs9NekoGi0pKqAfMnbTNhpfyCVhanhuyNKJmVFYtoOkwniNiTqUxUKeGRc0e5RH8V55mMsUJu1y1YjTZSop9RsPJs-COj_uvgAO7OONlP3AlFqpeSloJL6T0Ffpmlv4orYvF-VGqp47B7pIJ5raXSG7UaVgYrKmyI4l-PYxziPcJOg\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_30.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Internal speaker connections - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n      \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiBFGmpuH2p-I4NviVz6v3wIifG9qYTtyNnKwhonvygq0STD5_tcyyyGKi7K-IHibdXGi--tgDX-zABgLUkvnPCZRgrQz8In-r8d66Rb4QVpmXxirbwNSXrJv3F9tWtKJZrVpUU5whY2tHvnBP9jJcguX8VHt2_9QCKTyyFjuZMQn4NcylYApj1PxJpfA\/s866\/ULTRAFIDE_15.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Top view of the inside the Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiBFGmpuH2p-I4NviVz6v3wIifG9qYTtyNnKwhonvygq0STD5_tcyyyGKi7K-IHibdXGi--tgDX-zABgLUkvnPCZRgrQz8In-r8d66Rb4QVpmXxirbwNSXrJv3F9tWtKJZrVpUU5whY2tHvnBP9jJcguX8VHt2_9QCKTyyFjuZMQn4NcylYApj1PxJpfA\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_15.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Circuit board - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      For another listening experience, although quite brief, I had a friend\n      bring his Harbeth Super HL5 plus speakers over to try. Although it was a\n      brief visit as he couldn't stick around for long. I had a few hours with\n      the Harbeths and they surprised me no end.\u0026nbsp;\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      Okay, they're not 15\" Tannoys and it would be futile to even try to\n      compare the two as they're totally different beasties, but the U500DC\n      really made them work and the expression through the music was really\n      impressive.\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv\u003E\n      \u003Cimg alt=\"Harbeth SHL5 loudspeakers\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiAHFVsi60gV7v23_OI2HhFGsGt8KfBUqUyZh6GAR_YA2MwzQWDjx8d1CDOPcLpVAaiCPWTRU8Awm9VB5y6LbuLeuggGpeie038s30c0g95OfFcV9FMsNuqQiCQLSb3sN7HI0YZsRUQ9dQZGnbdJDUxqDhWQlb8qnna6liTYhR68MVyk_hoeF8U3SC_Pg\/s16000\/Tannoyista_CHORD_17.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Harbeth SHL5 - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        I used to own the same speakers, albeit not the 'plus' version, and they\n        were great with Chord Electronics kit but not with the various valve\n        amplifiers I tried.\u0026nbsp;\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        The best valve amplifier I tried with the Harbeths was a vintage\n        Woodside Radford STA25 but in my opinion, they generally seemed to enjoy\n        well-designed solid-state amplification rather than Valve.\u0026nbsp;\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        The U500DC and Harbeth combination was quite astonishing, lovely and\n        powerful. Again, the midrange shone through as lush and wholesome\n        bringing that realism and texture to the sound. On my friend's return,\n        he didn't need to sit down to hear how great it sounded and was very\n        impressed.\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv\u003E\n      \u003Cdiv\u003E\n        \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n          \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh0m7nivBgUH9amng9gvq91ednG7i8vKrVi7kJo8s8AjLrzAVgmq0iQuNHUTm7xRpQ74UNX_h9nfxH0wrEmjdhPzvTLUfrgurt55e6bbwAhRShDuuzjeD6j6Y3rCJitVyK7ZsPkQHaDZ-ecPCPI2gsfIH9YTJRoe6WIkcF5g3I85_BU93-drjjqYbVqTA\/s512\/pngwing.com.png\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"512\" data-original-width=\"512\" height=\"152\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh0m7nivBgUH9amng9gvq91ednG7i8vKrVi7kJo8s8AjLrzAVgmq0iQuNHUTm7xRpQ74UNX_h9nfxH0wrEmjdhPzvTLUfrgurt55e6bbwAhRShDuuzjeD6j6Y3rCJitVyK7ZsPkQHaDZ-ecPCPI2gsfIH9YTJRoe6WIkcF5g3I85_BU93-drjjqYbVqTA\/w152-h152\/pngwing.com.png\" width=\"152\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n        \u003C\/div\u003E\n        \u003Ch2\u

2003E\n          \u0026nbsp;In regards to the sound. It's beautifully articulate, neutral\n          and with no straggling or annoying traits that would distract you or\n          take you away from the music and its intended expression.\n        \u003C\/h2\u003E\n      \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n    \u003Ch2 id=\"using-the-xlr-connections\"\u003EUsing XLR or RCA connections\u003C\/h2\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        Ultrafide recommends using XLR connection. And in my tests, I concur\n        with this wholeheartedly. Using RCA sounds wonderful but in my system, I\n        preferred XLR. It seemed to bring a lovely juicy aspect into the mix.\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        But you really shouldn't let this stand in your way, and it's great to\n        have the flexibility of choice. I enjoyed both options of connections.\n        The input sensitivity of both XLR and RCA is 2.2v so this suited me fine\n        too.\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n      \u003Ch2 id=\"setting-the-timbre\"\u003ESetting the Timbre to PURE or VINTAGE?\u003C\/h2\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv\u003E\n      \u003Cimg alt=\"Timbre - Pure\/Vintage switch - Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhYEFXhKmpR7P_7BdVnqBlEDzQpbnzKvmyjzpa_Js_gU8ArXibvO8Sy-WHSllIq-GaLwQzRXFRrBqUUi8Nc2o-dkQuj46Zy5i1tqLoMGgigDlxlyWdz3KZ9hRd9v_sTnYW2nnLB3c0y218tN69ZeYY7oMkZA7sju6NLdi80XxGeCeRWkXbISHd9eyW7VQ\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_31.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Connections  - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      This clever little switch slightly alters the input circuits. Switching it\n      to Vintage, allows the amplifier to operate in a more traditional class\n      A\/B sounding mode. I started the tests with the switch in the Pure\n      setting, and after each session, I flicked over to the Vintage setting\n      using the same material. My findings were subtle, but nevertheless, the\n      effect was audible.\u0026nbsp;\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      Reading the literature from Ultrafide in regard to this switch, they also\n      came to pretty much the same conclusion. In fact, a 50\/50 split was found\n      in their tests. I found that in Pure mode, the sound had a very subtle\n      amount of added air and expression than in Vintage mode.\u0026nbsp;\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      In my opinion, the Vintage mode however seemed to suit older analogue\n      recordings. Music from Paul Simon The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix all\n      benefited slightly from having the switch set to Vintage. For me... I'd be\n      happy to keep the switch in Pure mode 90% of the time.\u0026nbsp;\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      But of course, we're all different and perceive things differently in our\n      music and our systems. The Timbre switch is a very nice addition to the\n      amplifier, it adds that extra flexibility and it's certainly useful for\n      the fine-tuning of a system and for different tastes in music.\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv\u003E\n      \u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n      \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n        \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh0m7nivBgUH9amng9gvq91ednG7i8vKrVi7kJo8s8AjLrzAVgmq0iQuNHUTm7xRpQ74UNX_h9nfxH0wrEmjdhPzvTLUfrgurt55e6bbwAhRShDuuzjeD6j6Y3rCJitVyK7ZsPkQHaDZ-ecPCPI2gsfIH9YTJRoe6WIkcF5g3I85_BU93-drjjqYbVqTA\/s512\/pngwing.com.png\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"512\" data-original-width=\"512\" height=\"152\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh0m7nivBgUH9amng9gvq91ednG7i8vKrVi7kJo8s8AjLrzAVgmq0iQuNHUTm7xRpQ74UNX_h9nfxH0wrEmjdhPzvTLUfrgurt55e6bbwAhRShDuuzjeD6j6Y3rCJitVyK7ZsPkQHaDZ-ecPCPI2gsfIH9YTJRoe6WIkcF5g3I85_BU93-drjjqYbVqTA\/w152-h152\/pngwing.com.png\" width=\"152\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\n      \u003C\/div\u003E\n      \u003Ch2\u

2003E\n        The U500DC is a digital amplifier but it has the heart and soul of a\n        very high-end analogue, class A or AB amplifier. From Dance to Hendrix,\n        the purity of its performance gives it the ability to bring drama and\n        life to the sound. Let's face it, this is how class D should be done.\n      \u003C\/h2\u003E\n      \u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Ch2 id=\"conclusion\"\u003EConclusion\u003C\/h2\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      Before I started this review I had a chance to audition a selection of\n      loan amplifiers as production on the U500DC was delayed slightly (due to\n      worldwide reasons we can all understand). Some were valve, Class A and D\n      and were mostly Hi-Fi but some were from the professional arena too.\u0026nbsp;\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      Firstly, the Air-Tight ATM-1, a very nice Radford STA25, newly\n      re-conditioned by Radford Revival, Luxman L550AXII, the Nuprime AMG STA,\n      ART SDA1 pro amp, Neurochome 286 as well as a few other pro amps.\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      The best of the lot was probably the Luxman (which was integrated), but\n      because it was on loan from a friend, I only had a week with it. Second,\n      in line was the Radford and trailing in 3rd place was the\n      Neurochrome.\u0026nbsp;\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      And although I didn't have much time with the Nuprime AMG STA digital\n      amplifier, I found almost immediately that it simply wasn't a good match.\n      The Nuprime, like the Luxman, had a gratifying grip with the Tannoys and\n      the bass was also great, but unlike the Luxman, the high frequencies were\n      more harsh and clinical and, well... obviously digital.\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      So listening to the Ultrafide U500DC it was safe to say that it beat\n      everything else into a cocked hat and I'm more than impressed on all\n      counts, to say the least.\u0026nbsp;\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      It has everything you'd want from an amplifier and more. This isn't one of\n      those flimsy rattle boxes so many manufacturers produce. Using\n      high-quality materials with plenty of thickness, the chassis and build\n      quality are as solid as concrete.\u0026nbsp;\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      The styling aesthetic brings a serious tone, bringing that feeling of,\n      yeah... this means business. And with that same token, it's none\n      intrusive, slick and a very professionally thought-out design is\n      indisputably satisfying.\u0026nbsp;\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n      The internals is also very well thought out too using top-notch components\n      and materials. No annoying over-bright LED lights, no garish features or\n      whirring fans.\n    \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv\u003E\n      \u003Cimg alt=\"Connection panel of the Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiAv8Ut1VKh82kRROz734xXhtGkZJ3SBtfnEyDfO49iKg_NYRvdSVNXL22ZbK8i9EcJF4tA2U2gCc8ako3jkXSUJXpFAS-vOT_GxM0UTz4GQfcQmQsZK0XojaCCm8uqjMrv7qOkynPNuPNo6Qe-t66POKGg5yFFhq9vYSIuBIxvbKngNlvgSuH4yFkAag\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_21.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - Connections with lid removed - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        In regards to the sound. It's beautifully articulate, neutral and with\n        no straggling or annoying traits that would distract you or take you\n        away from the music and its intended expression.\u0026nbsp;\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        Impressive and detailed, the U500DC has a powerhouse of juice to keep\n        you coming back for more. The reproduction of textures and that dynamic\n        authority is a beautiful thing to experience and it does it incredibly\n        well.\u0026nbsp;\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        It presents the complexities of even the most demanding material and\n        leaves nothing behind. Even with 'not so great' recordings, it gives it\n        straight. The magic of its layered and dynamic sound stage is exact and\n        precise and keeps everything in control, prioritising the handling of\n        huge swings with tonal ease.\u0026nbsp;\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        And the use of the Timbre switch is also a very nice feature. I can see\n        it being used in either setting to suit different systems and\n        tastes.\u0026nbsp;\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        The U500DC is a digital amplifier but it has the heart and soul of a\n        very high-end analogue, class A or AB amplifier. From Dance to Hendrix,\

2n        the purity of its performance gives it the ability to bring drama and\n        life to the sound. Let's face it, this is how class D should be\n        done.\u0026nbsp;\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        When you have an amplifier performing and flowing with no perceived\n        error, and when you have a sound stage doing everything right, you know\n        you have something very special.\u0026nbsp;\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        No matter what kind of speakers or setup you have, whether you enjoy\n        valve or solid state, dance, rock or classical, I can highly recommend\n        that this amplifier is on your list of contenders.\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv\u003E\n      \u003Cb\u003EThe sound of the studio is now at home.\u003C\/b\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"The Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier with leaflet\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgPdhwpNS88_l-rhHS2xf6bjrfUK63MRYlWptxLzSHih1qiqOI620W0skrRDw58XcqSTT9yWrPO8u8fzGzCT_6FIhivvtpMZW3IbRUBfshSl4J429K_3Gbjzc9UoVtE3tn5ICsrZjKXWdRyBdo05SHRspzfF1kptwhgNRR59aeqzIQPcs0_N8Y-pRkCCg\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_03.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier - With literature - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier Made in UK logo\" border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiT-IB1hyNg4_1anZCIeP5N8Qj6GPAY-WY9jloTmMg-sf9k-E986fMeYY95gZ9rIGac_TkcXxnEFAIRM76Yuv6rCLjRslD_cO9vQOwumuKRWwa14QRq9JxsNk6ir00JX2wu0EelCxfmR-p1C0crrMoq5qu2SU07p5tVhZunvL358lZ6e1Tpg_Kxn19zaA\/s16000\/ULTRAFIDE_07.jpg\" title=\"Ultrafide U500DC Amplifier -  - Â©Tannoyista.com\" \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n      \u003Ch4 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EWhat else is coming from Ultrafide?\u003C\/h4\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        Ultrafide are currently in production of the forthcoming U4PRE. A\n        matching preamplifier for the U500DC. This sounds very exciting and\n        would love to match it.\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv\u003E\n      \u003Ch2 id=\"pricing-and-details\"\u003EPricing and details\u003C\/h2\u003E\n      In the UK, the U500DC retails at Â£4500 inc.VAT.\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EFor more\n      information please contact:\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EEmail:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/blog\/post\/edit\/7914857458101136851\/4814278356785574699\"\[email protected]\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003EWebsite:\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/blog\/post\/edit\/7914857458101136851\/4814278356785574699\"\u003Ehttps:\/\/ultrafideaudio.co.uk\/\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\n      \u003Ch2 id=\"specification\"\u003ESpecification\u003C\/h2\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv\u003E\n      \u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EAudio Channels (quantity) 2\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EAudio Inputs 4 2 RCA (Single Ended)\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003E2 XLR (Balanced)\u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003C\/ul\u003E\n      \u003Cbr \/\u003ENOTE: both input types are always active; thus 2 sources can be\n      summed if desired\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n      \u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EInput Impedance 10k RCA and XLR\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EInput RFI Filtering Capacitance 550pF RCA and XLR\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EAudio Outputs 4 pairs Binding Post\u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003C\/ul\u003E\n      \u003Cbr \/\u003ENOTE: double channel connectors allow separate Tweeter and Woofer\n      cables if desired\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n      \u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EOutput Impedance 25mR\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EMaximum Voltage 70V\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EMaximum Current 30A (pulsed testing)\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EVoltage Gain 26dB (x20) 29dB (x26)\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003ECurrent Gain 50,000 94dB\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003ESensitivity 2.2 Volts\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EDynamic Range 115dB Un-Weighted 22-22kHz\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EInter-stage Coupling DC Coupled\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EFrequency Response 5 to 20kHz +-0.3dB\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EDistortion 0.003% at 5W 0.008% at 200W\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003ERise\/Fall Time 10uS\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EStability Unconditional\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003ERMS Power into 4R 500W 600W at high gain setting\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003ERMS Power into 6R 333W 400W at high gain setting\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003ERMS Power into 8R 250W 300W at high gain setting\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003ERMS Power into 12R 166W 200W at high gain setting\u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003C\/ul\u003E\n      \u003Cbr \/\u003ENOTE: Amplifier is stable into 2 ohm loads but with no increased\n      power.**\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n      \u003Cul style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EPower Supply Connector 10A Furutech C13 IEC\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EFuse 10A\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003ENominal Power Supply Voltage 230Vac (50Hz) or 120Vac (60Hz)\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EPower Voltage Selector Internal\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EPower Isolation Switch On Rear Panel\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EStandby Switch On Front Panel\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003ERemote Standby Connector on Rear Panel\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EPower Consumption operational 200W average 1,000W max\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EPower Consumption Idle 15W\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EPower Consumption Standby 1W\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003E\n          Current Consumption 230v â 1A nominal (5A max) 120v â 2A nominal (10A\n          max)\n        \u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003EPower Indicator Green for Out of Standby\u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003E\n          Fault Indicator Red Led illuminates if clipping or protection is\n          active\n        \u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003E\n          Product size \/ weight (packed) 590(L) x 405(W) x 152(H)mm 14.65kg\n          (GROSS)\n        \u003C\/li\u003E\n        \u003Cli\u003E\n          Product size \/ weight (unpacked) 382(L) x 325(W) x 97(H)mm 13.05kg\n          (NET)\n        \u003C\/li\u003E\n      \u003C\/ul\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        **NOTE** Driving loads with a nominal impedance below 4R is not\n        recommended as it may cause overheating but driving speakers with 2-ohm\n        impedance dips that only occur at specific frequencies will not cause\n        any problems.\u0026nbsp;\n      \u003C\/p\u003E\n      \u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n        The Ultrafide U500DC remains stable into any load including a dead short\n        however shutdown protection will occur if the output current exceeds 35A\n        which is very likely at impedances below 2-ohms.\n\n      \u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n      \u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n      \u003Cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n     \n      \u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n    \u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cbr \/\u003E\n    \u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\n    \u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cspan\u003E\u003C!--more--\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n  \u003C\/div\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\u003C!-- FAQ SECTION --\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"faq-wrapper\" style=\"background:#f9f9f9;border-left:4px solid #46b0dc;margin:30px 0;padding:20px;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ch2 style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003EUltrafide U500DC Power Amplifier FAQ\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EWhat is the Ultrafide U500DC?\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\nThe Ultrafide U500DC is a high-performance stereo power amplifier designed for accurate, high-current delivery and extremely low distortion.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EWhat type of amplification does it use?\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\nIt uses a high-current solid-state design optimised for linearity, control and wide bandwidth performance.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EWhat speakers does it work best with?\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\nIt performs well with a wide range of loudspeakers, particularly those that benef

2it from strong damping factor and stable current delivery.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EDoes it prioritise power or sound quality?\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\nIt is designed to balance both, delivering substantial power reserves while maintaining transparency, control and low noise performance.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EIs it suitable for high-end systems?\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\nYes. The U500DC is aimed at high-resolution systems where amplifier transparency and control are critical to overall performance.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EDoes it run hot or require special setup?\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\nLike most high-current amplifiers, it requires adequate ventilation and a stable rack position but no special setup beyond standard hi-fi installation.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch3\u003EIs the Ultrafide U500DC worth it?\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\nFor systems that demand precision, authority and dynamic realism, it offers reference-level performance with exceptional control and clarity.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\u003C!--About Author--\u003E\n\n\u003Csection\u003E\n\u003Ch2\u003EAbout the Author\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\u003Cstrong\u003EReviewed by Josie\u003C\/strong\u003E â audiophile equipment reviewer with more than 30 years of experience reviewing analogue turntables, valve amplification, loudspeakers, studio equipment and high-end hi-fi systems.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003C\/section\u003E\n\n\u003C!--Related Content--\u003E\n\n\u003Csection style=\"background:#f8f8f8;margin-top:30px;padding:18px;\"\u003E\n\u003Ch2 style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003EExplore More Amplifiers Reviews\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/search\/label\/Amplifiers?max-results=6\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003E\nBrowse all amplifier reviews on Tannoyista\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\u003C\/section\u003E\n\n\u003C!--Tannoyista Logo--\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; margin-top: 30px; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n  \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003E\n    \u003Cimg alt=\"Tannoyista High-End Audio Reviews\" border=\"0\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"214\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh-guUQpmMz8Eyh3lvdKyalL8vC3Ws4oBxPbHmJkl9E5m0lZYfWEpq25wYSW_H4DS7heEzGghftajQH5-pYbmibhjo0Xmo3hfuUxhir6AKF7swHMOkmrqW5AQQG7GgK9KCYkB2sOQrj-FBg\/w640-h214\/Tannoyista_title_logo.png\" width=\"640\" \/\u003E\n  \u003C\/a\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7914857458101136851\/posts\/default\/4814278356785574699"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7914857458101136851\/posts\/default\/4814278356785574699"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/2023\/03\/ultrafide-audio-u500dc-power-amplifier.html","title":"The Ultrafide audio U500DC Power Amplifier - Review "}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Tannoyista"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12998016317024529054"},"email":{"$t":"[email protected]"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"17","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiAAxNWz8Jt-7PjeCc0k-5WPWSwAY5JPLJTyacilpESBIG0Yn8zis41cmiV-he3wxpxO8vbdLsi4n1MzAVnHenKikaw1JIXk8lZ6KlEsWRLmDfNxxdkSQejJTDuc2oM6Fg\/s149\/tannoyista.png"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgviUkrB599_l16RjNR9Fk80A2A-qUIVIV5m8qcJjoDVzwOlouqlAqFM19dF4H8C-CSWpr4cXGecfulRYPAxuypc9KYONFBRCg7JCuwgg3d5Na4VZfRRyEbUfqVSObO7sxu16xOhdR7RH1viSa-NUPgq_KRMSQH9hGFnsomKjuSr3_z995QLVjlTvVI7Q\/s72-c\/SLIDER_ULTRAFIDE.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7914857458101136851.post-2507399874992184678"},"published":{"$t":"2021-06-11T13:29:00.036+01:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2026-05-28T08:40:24.660+01:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Air Tight"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Amplifiers"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"The Air Tight ATM1 Valve Power Amplifier - Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003C!-- 1. Invisible Speakable summary for Voice and AI Assistants --\u003E\n\u003Cp class=\"speakable-summary\" style=\"display: none !important; margin: 0; padding: 0; height: 0; line-height: 0; font-size: 0; overflow: hidden; clear: both; float: none;\"\u003EThe Air Tight ATM-1 is a legendary Japanese valve power amplifier built around classic EL-34 output tubes, celebrated for its meticulous point-to-point craftsmanship and organic musical realism.\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003C!-- 2. Navigation Breadcrumbs --\u003E\n\u003Cdiv style=\"font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px;\"\u003E\n  \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/\"\u003EHome\u003C\/a\u003E âº \n  \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/search\/label\/Amplifiers?max-results=6\"\u003EAmplifiers\u003C\/a\u003E âº \n  Air Tight ATM-1 Review\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\u003C!-- 3. AI Fact-Sheet Box (Provides immediate, concrete data about the gear) --\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"ai-fact-sheet\" style=\"background: #f9f9f9; border-left: 4px solid #46b0dc; padding: 15px; margin-bottom: 25px;\"\u003E\n  \u003Cstrong style=\"font-size: 16px;\"\u003EEquipment Specifications \u0026amp; Review Summary\u003C\/strong\u003E\n  \u003Cul style=\"margin: 10px 0 0 20px; padding: 0; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003E\n    \u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EProduct Name:\u003C\/strong\u003E Air Tight ATM-1 Power Amplifier\u003C\/li\u003E\n    \u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EType:\u003C\/strong\u003E Stereo Valve\/Tube Power Amplifier\u003C\/li\u003E\n    \u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKey Features:\u003C\/strong\u003E Classic EL-34 push-pull circuit configuration, meticulous point-to-point hand-wiring, premium Tamura output transformers, solid heavy-gauge chassis architecture\u003C\/li\u003E\n    \u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EVerdict:\u003C\/strong\u003E A masterpiece of Japanese audio artisan engineering that gives a lasting impression of tonal purity.\u003C\/li\u003E\n    \u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EReviewer Rating:\u003C\/strong\u003E 3.5 \/ 5.0\u003C\/li\u003E\n  \u003C\/ul\u003E\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\u003C!-- 4. Hero Banner Image --\u003E\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiuToLAc1GIgcjuqFEI7Qd5z_sF3EdnfA2_OfKkNPFg7u41RfiY4Njgfq51939qsQtUr_IGWCWjoRzSSAgsfudiAPSotraiw8gb4lWwiBojCHl2bc3S0WmCLJ-UwCeAd568kasl3cBFF6wP3cP6V7KdTMkM6N6cd6-83-xXVjiKdl-P424wsmaKLMjE9rFI\/s16000\/SLIDE_AIRTIGHT_a.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg alt=\"Air Tight ATM-1 Valve Power Amplifier on display\" border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"630\" data-original-width=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiuToLAc1GIgcjuqFEI7Qd5z_sF3EdnfA2_OfKkNPFg7u41RfiY4Njgfq51939qsQtUr_IGWCWjoRzSSAgsfudiAPSotraiw8gb4lWwiBojCHl2bc3S0WmCLJ-UwCeAd568kasl3cBFF6wP3cP6V7KdTMkM6N6cd6-83-xXVjiKdl-P424wsmaKLMjE9rFI\/s16000\/SLIDE_AIRTIGHT_a.jpg\" title=\"Air Tight ATM-1 Power Amp at Tannoyista\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca name='more'\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\n\u003Ch2 style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EDiscover the EL-34 Air Tight ATM-1 Valve Power Amplifier\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003E\n  \u003Cspan style=\"float: left; font-size: 68px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 50px; margin: 1px 5px 5px 1px; padding: 0px; position: relative;\"\u003E\n    \u003Cspan style=\"font-family: times;\"\u003EO\u003C\/span\u003E\n  \u003C\/span\u003E\n  ne amplifier which came my way

2in 2021 was the AirTight ATM-1. This was a remarkable little amplifier which made a big impression as part of the Tannoyista system.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003EAir Tight had always been one of the manufacturers which I heard of but, alas, never found the time to take a look at. So when an ATM-1 came along, I thought, why not...\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n    \u003Ctable class=\"content-table\"\u003E\n      \u003Cthead\u003E\n        \u003Ctr\u003E\n          \u003Cth\u003EContents\u003C\/th\u003E\n        \u003C\/tr\u003E\n      \u003C\/thead\u003E\n      \u003Ctbody\u003E\n        \u003Ctr\u003E\n          \u003Ctd\u003E\n            \u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"#how-does-the-atm1-sound?\"\u003EHow does the ATM-1 sound\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n          \u003C\/td\u003E\n        \u003C\/tr\u003E\n        \u003Ctr\u003E\n          \u003Ctd\u003E\n            \u003Cli\u003E\n              \u003Ca href=\"#the-build-quality-of-the-atm1\"\u003EThe build quality of the ATM-1\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n          \u003C\/td\u003E\n        \u003C\/tr\u003E\n        \u003Ctr\u003E\n          \u003Ctd\u003E\n            \u003Cli\u003E\n              \u003Ca href=\"#conclusion\"\u003EConclusion\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n          \u003C\/td\u003E\n        \u003C\/tr\u003E\n        \u003Ctr\u003E\n          \u003Ctd\u003E\n            \u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\"#specifications\"\u003ESpecifications\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\n          \u003C\/td\u003E\n        \u003C\/tr\u003E\n      \u003C\/tbody\u003E\n    \u003C\/table\u003E\n\n\u003C!--FRAK!TO HERE--\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EMy go-to amplifier at the time was the wonderful KT-150 valve-based Tube Distinctions Copper amplifier, a wonderful-sounding piece of kit. Of course, the Air-Tight wasn't in the same league as the Copper, but still, I was surprised by the sound of the ATM-1.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe ATM-1S has now succeeded the ATM-1 but it had a great run since 1986 until 2010. And now Air-Tight's model range extends even further. So this 'classic' little amplifier was a nice insight into the Air-Tight sound.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe ATM-1 is a 36w push-pull amplifier with a unique CD direct input control. So on the front panel, we have two RCA direct inputs. An input selector which allows you to select the front or rear RCA inputs. And two attenuator controls for both

2L \u0026amp; R channels. Attenuator controls on a power amp? Well, in this case, yes. Passive? Maybe. These controls can be handy for source equipment with a high output so you can adjust it accordingly. Or, this power amplifier can be used as an integrated. Handy for some I suppose but to me, a little odd. Especially when they made a matching preamp too!\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIts successor, the ATM-1S has the same controls but with some differences. The 'S' stands for 'Special'. The main difference of the Special version is that you lose the valve 5AR4 rectifier valves as it uses transistorised rectification and a user-adjustable biasing system.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhCdHrZXWk7xqP38tHrdlMd54fk_jK0zZeaSHsas3G5FSebVzIvoX9GuKUDdxD5wQJHQIwS9uSzg5LoLELIaz154Q_iW0oWjRfpRjFULkiAu4cBkwiBgdOeqYFTyk6trCLoL6trbl6DgT_vFEOaFm2ZI_xdYT7SKmQNsf7Lm2maoseg_FsZDc296sGfzm2q\/s866\/TANNOYISTA_AIRTIGHT_07.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhCdHrZXWk7xqP38tHrdlMd54fk_jK0zZeaSHsas3G5FSebVzIvoX9GuKUDdxD5wQJHQIwS9uSzg5LoLELIaz154Q_iW0oWjRfpRjFULkiAu4cBkwiBgdOeqYFTyk6trCLoL6trbl6DgT_vFEOaFm2ZI_xdYT7SKmQNsf7Lm2maoseg_FsZDc296sGfzm2q\/s16000\/TANNOYISTA_AIRTIGHT_07.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch2 id=\"how-does-the-atm1-sound?\"\u003EHow does the ATM-1 sound\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThe ATM-1 with 36wpc in Push-Pull should match my 15\" Tannoy Monitor Gold loudspeakers (LINK) quite well, so hooking them up along with my Croft preamplifier, we're ready to go.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI set the volume controls on the amplifier to around halfway at first before opening them up to full.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStarting with vinyl, I thought I'd start by playing something gentle and Tales of Us by Goldfrapp was my first choice. The first thing I noticed was the amount of air in the sound and how full it was. The detail retrieval was quite surprising as it was almost immediately noticeable that the mid-range for Alison Goldfrapps's vocals was quite lush. Whilst the bass wasn't as prominently voluptuous as I was accustomed to, the first full play of the album started to give me a signature to this compact amplifier.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EI carried on with something more modern and a favourite of mine, The Wonder Stuff, Never Loved Elvis. This album has lots going on, but it's not as articulate as the previous album which goes for many albums recorded in the 1990s. But still, the swirl of the music came through, the speed of the delivery was very nicely done, and, although the more complicated cymbal splashes weren't disappointing, they weren't quite as smooth as I wished for.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMy next choices were a mix of both vinyl and digital including Leftfield, Seal, Curtis Mayfield, Spiritualized, Lou Reed and after a few days, I found what this amplifier really liked and what it had in common with. I found classical was probably its main love together with 60s\/70s rock was where it's at, which is very cool as I love the psychedelic rock era.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EBut for me, something more modern, bass-heavy, dance or some DUB, it managed them well enough. One thing that did impress me was that it was very articulate at lower volumes, and by giving it something with more energy at a reasonable volume, I found it impressed me enough to be addicted to its charms.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt's a great thing and will be a very worthy piece of kit in any system.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Ch2 id=\"the-build-quality-of-the-atm1\"\u003EThe build quality of the ATM-1\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003ELet's look at the build. From first impressions, it's a very compact and solid amplifier.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWeighing in, this little compact amplifier weighs in at 22kgs. The main chassis is made from mild steel and coated

2in a very nice charcoal grey. A very nice finish, whilst underneath, a nice copper-coated polished steel panel. The main faceplate is nicely machined and the control knobs are a nice quality too.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEj7k9xrXj7k-1pOADfgkXKWjwS2tK2Ye3KG3Opty64tbr8Iv3tksYSMRR9ook7wmmsINowaWreUdrxKGN1XmWlwVNADrM7KTn1pSrbmPyD3rzMeASwMt5XXadgA1HYmiduccX1PfIzOoJHdthxoQosoApJUT3ug45aACEpM7DIwW1e0sshjlUoIrVDI-gep\/s866\/TANNOYISTA_AIRTIGHT_01.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEj7k9xrXj7k-1pOADfgkXKWjwS2tK2Ye3KG3Opty64tbr8Iv3tksYSMRR9ook7wmmsINowaWreUdrxKGN1XmWlwVNADrM7KTn1pSrbmPyD3rzMeASwMt5XXadgA1HYmiduccX1PfIzOoJHdthxoQosoApJUT3ug45aACEpM7DIwW1e0sshjlUoIrVDI-gep\/s16000\/TANNOYISTA_AIRTIGHT_01.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjLdBPdkyM0vuDf3CDhXuC90LKD-6bWfM2KJspQC-rye67R_fvg72Fx7wt4IAyBjq9wsq0DcdUVGQZBWbI5PD_pWiH2JpnojknH1q3h0g2Occ5Yd029uvqchw44Dkyar2NMmQLhInWO7sEPCG9zLTWyeb2-n0BHKQ77FoleMhTS22VModzz9-P9n3DZsHR_\/s866\/TANNOYISTA_AIRTIGHT_02.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjLdBPdkyM0vuDf3CDhXuC90LKD-6bWfM2KJspQC-rye67R_fvg72Fx7wt4IAyBjq9wsq0DcdUVGQZBWbI5PD_pWiH2JpnojknH1q3h0g2Occ5Yd029uvqchw44Dkyar2NMmQLhInWO7sEPCG9zLTWyeb2-n0BHKQ77FoleMhTS22VModzz9-P9n3DZsHR_\/s16000\/TANNOYISTA_AIRTIGHT_02.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg6KZ_2NQYJDGycTMX7b80uGRZRYEFt9u9Bp8lV0Jixtfjiedwihq8U48dpuq3dg2NVs-FwAi6jmtnSsLJT2KBEedKht_5Cd4Iz0s2NnsWzC79paHRyqMSV3HDYMn5Kyhx-vFMdELEICTKrfV2FIKs9Hja65XXt9rutpBlWMZn7DK35584i0AVKZlg3YI5K\/s866\/TANNOYISTA_AIRTIGHT_03.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg6KZ_2NQYJDGycTMX7b80uGRZRYEFt9u9Bp8lV0Jixtfjiedwihq8U48dpuq3dg2NVs-FwAi6jmtnSsLJT2KBEedKht_5Cd4Iz0s2NnsWzC79paHRyqMSV3HDYMn5Kyhx-vFMdELEICTKrfV2FIKs9Hja65XXt9rutpBlWMZn7DK35584i0AVKZlg3YI5K\/s16000\/TANNOYISTA_AIRTIGHT_03.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgM6yNThG1xhRJxiTAVt72ydoUXreCHU618lK4xZk4FteowwOGA_E3fJHkpE4K5Cl-aEmHs2P3UZMU3RWFsnlDkuWsRHHenfbERIWLHgts42s97P0FvDsUTkBwj_GqITRZboM3DdiHHPSTd73J-VfSUb-NpF1oqR-smeWR6cZes0Ax-nAoT1asSjT0WVH4m\/s866\/TANNOYISTA_AIRTIGHT_05.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgM6yNThG1xhRJxiTAVt72ydoUXreCHU618lK4xZk4FteowwOGA_E3fJHkpE4K5Cl-aEmHs2P3UZMU3RWFsnlDkuWsRHHenfbERIWLHgts42s97P0FvDsUTkBwj_GqITRZboM3DdiHHPSTd73J-VfSUb-NpF1oqR-smeWR6cZes0Ax-nAoT1asSjT0WVH4m\/s16000\/TANNOYISTA_AIRTIGHT_05.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe action of the selector is nice as are the volume controls. All controls are made by Alps which is nice to see. The quality of the RCA sockets are also of decent quality as are the binding posts.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEixgmC-R9-mmYHOF8sbMy5RetIyDiX4jvh9bx-olly1Z1wA7pG0tdH6hNKFClvgP1e4nlvIJGXHpngBrgGV6mgkB_flv0EQyDJuF0-gO4o2JHnuMDfUXPrkl6yvJWZrWTwTjnlh_aw0icECg5OxnUDflJwi18APRSdjVWBnjLk77vTj-Vy98DgNh8sU0cX_\/s866\/TANNOYISTA_AIRTIGHT_08.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEixgmC-R9-mmYHOF8sbMy5RetIyDiX4jvh9bx-olly1Z1wA7pG0tdH6hNKFClvgP1e4nlvIJGXHpngBrgGV6mgkB_flv0EQyDJuF0-gO4o2JHnuMDfUXPrkl6yvJWZrWTwTjnlh_aw0icECg5OxnUDflJwi18APRSdjVWBnjLk77vTj-Vy98DgNh8sU0cX_\/s16000\/TANNOYISTA_AIRTIGHT_08.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhpMdansHVUXNt8hZUNTYBgAgZKI82t2n4Dy1rYYueTVRLalY2aLocrujnIlR7fbUydJU9pDHB4EK49CZ0-Cjd6BD5r2MqrhNlR5TzsapAStpJHni9YRiDRrDUv3rvSM5x9H5CApcLNXodLBxQfZBL_sS_8wSggGbeXiOzGgb8Bd05-6HaLplsEpU74rEth\/s866\/TANNOYISTA_AIRTIGHT_09.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhpMdansHVUXNt8hZUNTYBgAgZKI82t2n4Dy1rYYueTVRLalY2aLocrujnIlR7fbUydJU9pDHB4EK49CZ0-Cjd6BD5r2MqrhNlR5TzsapAStpJHni9YRiDRrDUv3rvSM5x9H5CApcLNXodLBxQfZBL_sS_8wSggGbeXiOzGgb8Bd05-6HaLplsEpU74rEth\/s16000\/TANNOYISTA_AIRTIGHT_09.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgerSO3vLri1iop65OibgdePbKk7ttiw__YI3nnEKlLwLG0iZS1ZqH9x0RYeCDCHtopxtu7U7F2SPmGyNQUGpdhpanPngmg6jgkPSdXvD0u9Jf33G4q1I503btIFoYZgqLvgTY1OkG786SXNtRpqLCX6KgU8PJHOIS4BplyzTYL56Rkl4sR2uNrGo8eQZvU\/s866\/TANNOYISTA_AIRTIGHT_10.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgerSO3vLri1iop65OibgdePbKk7ttiw__YI3nnEKlLwLG0iZS1ZqH9x0RYeCDCHtopxtu7U7F2SPmGyNQUGpdhpanPngmg6jgkPSdXvD0u9Jf33G4q1I503btIFoYZgqLvgTY1OkG786SXNtRpqLCX6KgU8PJHOIS4BplyzTYL56Rkl4sR2uNrGo8eQZvU\/s16000\/TANNOYISTA_AIRTIGHT_10.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjxhJLccrw2DuOl9dknB9QStDbGs7J7WJgOZ9OkQtLKLULI03LtapeK4Vq-WDctQGjw_LfgMHM2GHaf58E7fxZvYZ-MIxcov8a8BCurwxtp3dpC07DCvSgkQFj8r5Bq0EBKMoxcfnatnC4QGBMIE_T1qKmHgTNpdsZbL7iW9TKngkohxFNqqx0ggQfI0p_n\/s1302\/TANNOYISTA_AIRTIGHT_11.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"1302\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjxhJLccrw2DuOl9dknB9QStDbGs7J7WJgOZ9OkQtLKLULI03LtapeK4Vq-WDctQGjw_LfgMHM2GHaf58E7fxZvYZ-MIxcov8a8BCurwxtp3dpC07DCvSgkQFj8r5Bq0EBKMoxcfnatnC4QGBMIE_T1qKmHgTNpdsZbL7iW9TKngkohxFNqqx0ggQfI0p_n\/s16000\/TANNOYISTA_AIRTIGHT_11.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlthough I don't know about the power transformer, I can only assume it's of great quality just like the Tamura Seisakusho output transformers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhXaZiHBuM2P5D8Y7gZfoV0_U44Qmwv47wzXIJkc4jo2b7-Qcq_OmRba8ADEtNvQUev2ruVL6fTyH7R1PIaxyhNiahafyQHP3GvimFcd6dJKbheOwHQ4ErqE8al2KOvF1n_JwkQIvmlLR0QbF

2Zh3j2EMkrf8ZY5AvIeEMSf07B4iNiMs2IiB-yLyX3h79L9\/s866\/TANNOYISTA_AIRTIGHT_04.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhXaZiHBuM2P5D8Y7gZfoV0_U44Qmwv47wzXIJkc4jo2b7-Qcq_OmRba8ADEtNvQUev2ruVL6fTyH7R1PIaxyhNiahafyQHP3GvimFcd6dJKbheOwHQ4ErqE8al2KOvF1n_JwkQIvmlLR0QbFZh3j2EMkrf8ZY5AvIeEMSf07B4iNiMs2IiB-yLyX3h79L9\/s16000\/TANNOYISTA_AIRTIGHT_04.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhiHXKCZiLX3UvUxb9ndBdplCHYmSQ70EY5o7Z1hyrsMCgq0Qh1EBcvXsL3MkUwotR5wcT0l5F-s-oqjuP1LxxS-EdReFug64fR9ltTfGMRYuBFmV4gny988WrbGoXyKkjhZ6NlesuxMDghwEeF2oJovsiJgxK6E5e267TGiv2Slw2rHsaQZqgCpTyb6Ski\/s866\/TANNOYISTA_AIRTIGHT_06.jpg\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" data-original-height=\"609\" data-original-width=\"866\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhiHXKCZiLX3UvUxb9ndBdplCHYmSQ70EY5o7Z1hyrsMCgq0Qh1EBcvXsL3MkUwotR5wcT0l5F-s-oqjuP1LxxS-EdReFug64fR9ltTfGMRYuBFmV4gny988WrbGoXyKkjhZ6NlesuxMDghwEeF2oJovsiJgxK6E5e267TGiv2Slw2rHsaQZqgCpTyb6Ski\/s16000\/TANNOYISTA_AIRTIGHT_06.jpg\" \/\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n  \u003Ch2 id=\"conclusion\"\u003EConclusion\u003C\/h2\u003E\n  \n\u003Cp\u003EThe Airtight ATM-1 is now considered a vintage amplifier, it was from a different era and I wouldn't expect nirvana without any slight upgrades here and there.\u0026nbsp; But in many ways, it did deliver just that. Its ability to reproduce the most gentle and dynamic music is as good as anything I have heard.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EThe build quality is superb and if you manage to find one of these amplifiers, like myself, make sure you have it serviced and biased before making your mind up.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat did I love?... Detail and the midrange presence, bass on gentle recordings were sublime. A romanticised delicacy and speed on slower tracks. Low-volume bass.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat didn't I love?... Not much, but it could have done with a smidging more grunt and grip for anything complex at volume. Not easy to bias.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhat could be done?... I'm absolutely sure that the ATM-1 could now be slightly upgraded to be less of a shrinking voilet, and to have a little more grunt. And adding an auto-biasing system would also be a great thing to do.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ETo close, I think the ATM-1 is a lovely little thing and something of a bargain on the 2nd hand market. I'd love to get a more modern AirTight amplifier in to the Tannoyista system at some point.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\n  \n    \u003Ch2 id=\"specifications\"\u003ESpecifications\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003EThe ATM-1 circuit is a Mullard NFB type circuit using 5AR4 and EL34 valves as well as the 6CA7, ECC82 and ECC83 valves.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ctable border=\"1\" class=\"spec\" style=\"background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border: 2px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); color: black; font-size: 12.8px; margin: 10px auto; padding: 0px; width: 784px;\"\u003E\u003Ctbody style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Ctr style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003EType\u003C\/td\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003EStereo power amplifier\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003EEffective power\u003C\/td\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003E36W + 36W (8 Î©)\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003ETotal harmonic distortion factor\u003C\/td\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003E0.1% or Less (1 kHz, 1W)\u003Cbr style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\" \/\u003E1.0% or Less (1 kHz, 36W)\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003EFrequency characteristic\u003C\/td\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003E20 Hz ~ 20 kHz Â± 1 dB (36W)\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003EInput sensitivity\u003C\/td\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003E1V\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003EImpedance\u003C\/td\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003E100k Î©\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003ESignal-to-noise ratio\u003C\/td\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003E100 dB (IHF-A, input short)\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003ELoad impedance\u003C\/td\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003E4 Î©, 8 Î©\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003EVacuum tube used\u003C\/td\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003E6CA7x4\u003Cbr style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\" \/\u003E12AU7x2\u003Cbr style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\" \/\u003E12AX7x1\u003Cbr style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\" \/\u003E5AR4x2\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003EAccessory function\u003C\/td\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003EInput 2-system switching SW\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003EPower supply voltage\u003C\/td\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003E100 VAC, 50Hz\/60Hz\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003EPower consumption\u003C\/td\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003EApprox. 250W (Electrical Appliance and Material Control Law)\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003EExternal dimensions\u003C\/td\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003EWidth 368x Height 298x Depth 231 mm\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003Ctr style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\"\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003EWeight\u003C\/td\u003E\u003Ctd style=\"margin: 0px; padding: 3px 0px 3px 3px; vertical-align: baseline;\"\u003E22kg\u003C\/td\u003E\u003C\/tr\u003E\u003C\/tbody\u003E\u003C\/table\u003E\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cimg border=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh-guUQpmMz8Eyh3lvdKyalL8vC3Ws4oBxPbHmJkl9E5m0lZYfWEpq25wYSW_H4DS7heEzGghftajQH5-pYbmibhjo0Xmo3hfuUxhir6AKF7swHMOkmrqW5AQQG7GgK9KCYk

2B2sOQrj-FBg\/w640-h214\/Tannoyista_title_logo.png\" \/\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"\u003E\u003Cbr \/\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7914857458101136851\/posts\/default\/2507399874992184678"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7914857458101136851\/posts\/default\/2507399874992184678"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/2021\/06\/air-tight-atm1-amplifier.html","title":"The Air Tight ATM1 Valve Power Amplifier - Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Tannoyista"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12998016317024529054"},"email":{"$t":"[email protected]"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"17","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiAAxNWz8Jt-7PjeCc0k-5WPWSwAY5JPLJTyacilpESBIG0Yn8zis41cmiV-he3wxpxO8vbdLsi4n1MzAVnHenKikaw1JIXk8lZ6KlEsWRLmDfNxxdkSQejJTDuc2oM6Fg\/s149\/tannoyista.png"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiuToLAc1GIgcjuqFEI7Qd5z_sF3EdnfA2_OfKkNPFg7u41RfiY4Njgfq51939qsQtUr_IGWCWjoRzSSAgsfudiAPSotraiw8gb4lWwiBojCHl2bc3S0WmCLJ-UwCeAd568kasl3cBFF6wP3cP6V7KdTMkM6N6cd6-83-xXVjiKdl-P424wsmaKLMjE9rFI\/s72-c\/SLIDE_AIRTIGHT_a.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7914857458101136851.post-7855857254252745230"},"published":{"$t":"2016-07-13T15:37:00.033+01:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2026-07-09T11:23:06.593+01:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Amplifiers"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Tube Distinctions"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"The Tube Distinctions KT-150 Copper Valve Amplifier - Review"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003C!-- AI SUMMARY --\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv style=\"box-sizing:border-box;width:100%;background:#f7f7f7;border-left:4px solid #46b0dc;padding:14px;margin:0 0 20px 0;font-size:15px;line-height:1.7;\"\u003E\n\nThe Tube Distinctions KT-150 Copper Power Amplifier is a bespoke valve power amplifier reviewed by Josie Willow-Hecate Lewis. The amplifier features a copper chassis construction, KT-150 output valve configuration, substantial transformer design and a pure Class-A valve power specification as described in the review.\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- BREADCRUMBS --\u003E\n\n\u003Cnav style=\"margin:0 0 18px 0;font-size:14px;line-height:1.5;\" aria-label=\"breadcrumb\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\"\u003E\n\nHome\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\nâº\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/search\/label\/Amplifiers?max-results=6\"\u003E\n\nAmplifiers\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\nâº\n\n\u003Cspan\u003E\n\nTube Distinctions KT-150 Copper Power Amplifier Review\n\n\u003C\/span\u003E\n\n\u003C\/nav\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- REVIEW SUMMARY TABLE --\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv style=\"box-sizing:border-box;width:100%;background:#f9f9f9;border-left:4px solid #46b0dc;padding:16px;margin:25px 0;\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cstrong style=\"font-size:17px;\"\u003E\n\nEquipment Overview \u0026amp; Review Summary\n\n\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctable style=\"width:100%;margin-top:14px;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:15px;line-height:1.8;\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctr style=\"background:#e4e9eb;border-bottom:1px solid #e2e2e2;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"width:170px;padding:10px 12px;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003EProduct\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003E\n\nTube Distinctions KT-150 Copper Power Amplifier\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #e2e2e2;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003EType\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003E\n\nBespoke valve\/tube stereo power amplifier\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctr style=\"background:#e4e9eb;border-bottom:1px solid #e2e2e2;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003ECategory\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003E\n\nAmplifiers\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #e2e2e2;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003EKey Technologies\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003E\n\nCopper chassis construction, KT-150 output valves, Class-A valve amplification and substantial transformer design\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctr style=\"background:#e4e9eb;border-bottom:1px solid #e2e2e2;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003ERecommended For\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003E\n\nListeners using high-efficiency loudspeakers and large Tannoy Monitor Gold systems as described

2in the review\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #e2e2e2;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003EVerdict\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003E\n\nA bespoke copper-chassis valve amplifier reviewed as a major component within the Tannoyista reference system\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctr style=\"background:#e4e9eb;border-bottom:1px solid #e2e2e2;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003ETannoyista Rating\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:10px 12px;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003E4.9 \/ 5\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/table\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- REVIEWER INFORMATION --\u003E\n\n\u003Csection style=\"margin-top:20px;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003EJosie Willow-Hecate Lewis\u003C\/strong\u003E â 13th July 2016.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003C\/section\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- SCHEMA.ORG PRODUCT REVIEW MARKUP (SEO - NO VISUAL IMPACT) --\u003E\n\n\u003Cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003E\n\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"Product\",\n  \"name\": \"Tube Distinctions KT-150 Copper Power Amplifier\",\n  \"image\": [\n    \"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhALmdmy9ikdI3YB423jv1tbgRHih0qu6QZ75JUpsnBEx8d1FslveJ1c2kqQEQDXeYTTv0qzRtzhOLpAwuqNiqJfyjGhX5Q1TeJABfjoIM5QYYc9UeXwleB_ZR4Ub9ZhhxHaO0pZGcedvU7\/s1920-rw\/SLIDE_COPPER.jpg\"\n  ],\n  \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/2016\/07\/tube-distinctions-copper-amplifier.html\",\n  \"brand\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n    \"name\": \"Tube Distinctions\"\n  },\n  \"description\": \"The Tube Distinctions KT-150 Copper Power Amplifier is a bespoke valve amplifier featuring a copper chassis construction and KT-150 valve configuration as described in the Tannoyista review.\",\n  \"review\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Review\",\n    \"author\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Person\",\n      \"name\": \"Josie Willow-Hecate Lewis\"\n    },\n    \"datePublished\": \"2016-07-13\",\n    \"reviewBody\": \"The review covers the Tube Distinctions KT-150 Copper Power Amplifier, including its copper chassis construction, valve configuration, transformer design and use within a Tannoy Monitor Gold loudspeaker system.\",\n    \"reviewRating\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Rating\",\n      \"ratingValue\": \"4.9\",\n      \"bestRating\": \"5\",\n      \"worstRating\": \"1\"\n    }\n  }\n}\n\n\u003C\/script\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- REVIEW CONTENT --\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhALmdmy9ikdI3YB423jv1tbgRHih0qu6QZ75JUpsnBEx8d1FslveJ1c2kqQEQDXeYTTv0qzRtzhOLpAwuqNiqJfyjGhX5Q1TeJABfjoIM5QYYc9UeXwleB_ZR4Ub9ZhhxHaO0pZGcedvU7\/s1920-rw\/SLIDE_COPPER.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhALmdmy9ikdI3YB423jv1tbgRHih0qu6QZ75JUpsnBEx8d1FslveJ1c2kqQEQDXeYTTv0qzRtzhOLpAwuqNiqJfyjGhX5Q1TeJABfjoIM5QYYc9UeXwleB_ZR4Ub9ZhhxHaO0pZGcedvU7\/s1920-rw\/SLIDE_COPPER.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"Tube Distinctions KT-150 Copper Power Amplifier on display\"\n\ntitle=\"Tube Distinctions KT-150 Copper Power Amplifier Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"1920\"\n\nheight=\"1350\"\n\nfetchpriority=\"high\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cspan\u003E\u003Ca name='more'\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003C\/span\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch2 id=\"discover-more-about-the-fabulous-tube-distinctions-kt-150-copper-power-amplifier\" style=\"text-align:center;font-size:x-large;\"\u003E\n\nDiscover more about the fabulous Tube Distinctions KT-150 Copper Power Amplifier\n\n\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align:left;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cspan style=\"float:left;font-family:Times,serif;font-size:68px;font-weight:bold;line-height:50px;margin:1px 5px 5px 1px;\"\u003E\n\nT\n\n\u003C\/span\u003E\n\nhe Tube Distinctions Copper Amp is my current amplifier of choice. Sitting neatly between my Croft Epoch Elite preamplifier and the 15\" Tannoy Monitor Gold Lockwood Major loudspeakers, it doesnât just fill a gap â it c

2ommands attention. Sonically and visually, the Copper makes its presence felt.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nDesigned and made in South Wales, England by Anthony Matthews, the Copper amplifier brings a new dimension to music with expression, authority and emotion.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nFor more information on the Croft Epoch Elite preamplifier, click\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/2016\/06\/croft-epoch-elite-valve-preamplifier.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\n\nHERE!\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch2 id=\"construction\" style=\"text-align:center;font-size:x-large;\"\u003E\n\nConstruction\n\n\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nThe main chassis is made from pure copper. Beautifully manufactured in Wales â a place where copper has a genuine industrial heritage â the chassis forms the foundation for the entire amplifier and houses all of the substantial transformer ironwork.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nBeing constructed from copper naturally helps reduce coupling effects from the power supply while also acting as an extremely effective heat sink. The engineering is every bit as impressive as the visual presentation.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEj58dGMZaBLJ_xjZHOxvYCUMslfPVqmHlxVvy4z1roA2g_t46Rk7fp2Ckh0WZUk-xAnCn7qLdcKx6t8kD3GaNc5eAzPCiV96rx5LF5-bixGuLKZ5epjEnoLOhk6LloAq1mPBnAObUllIRLf\/s1600\/COPPER_02.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEj58dGMZaBLJ_xjZHOxvYCUMslfPVqmHlxVvy4z1roA2g_t46Rk7fp2Ckh0WZUk-xAnCn7qLdcKx6t8kD3GaNc5eAzPCiV96rx5LF5-bixGuLKZ5epjEnoLOhk6LloAq1mPBnAObUllIRLf\/s16000\/COPPER_02.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"The Tube Distinctions Copper Amplifier - KT-150s\"\n\ntitle=\"Tube Distinctions KT-150 Copper Power Amplifier Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEig51OqkElTS7wPAM0HN67fl1ZZpPtsLOmUatMWvxe3G5Uyl7XpdLPMsqPEmYBFa78mh666V1mWUJvQaVYggL9rQQ4dDfbefxwPVIscUbEjYSmLEvDpZn5No26OIc1x1JRwOQmdSjd_g_VA\/s1600\/COPPER_03.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEig51OqkElTS7wPAM0HN67fl1ZZpPtsLOmUatMWvxe3G5Uyl7XpdLPMsqPEmYBFa78mh666V1mWUJvQaVYggL9rQQ4dDfbefxwPVIscUbEjYSmLEvDpZn5No26OIc1x1JRwOQmdSjd_g_VA\/s1600\/COPPER_03.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"The Tube Distinctions Copper Amplifier rear view\"\n\ntitle=\"Tube Distinctions KT-150 Copper Power Amplifier Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nFrom an outside perspective it simply looks extraordinary. Some may prefer the copper polished bright, but for me the amplifier looks best once the surface begins to oxidise naturally and develop character.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nAnthonyâs other products, including the Soul series amplifiers, are equally impressive. The transformer ironwork here is supplied by Sowter in the UK â one of the most respected transformer manufacturers in the world.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nThere are four transformers in total. The substantial main power transformer sits centrally between a pair of large output transformers, while a separate choke transformer is mounted directly behind the mains unit.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nHeavy-duty carry handles are mounted either side of the output transformers and are absolutely necessary because the Copper amplifier weighs approximately 40kg.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nOn the rear is an HT switch allowing the amplifier to enter a standby-like sleep mode. There are also independent feedback adjustment potentiometers for each channel, allowing fine tuning of the amplifierâs presentation.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjSs9_xEaCeMh70jTUp2-1ktPhnB9I1NCxqOBGTdPOLsE2U08GLKc-Ov7PZ9nPkNp62HEVZJlRo-AJ1rUNcQ4Yng

21sczd6_eqxp-fXvgPBL40f3FCTwyV6geNNwJvIDR7FS4wu5n7TO3Nfq\/s1600\/COPPER_05.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjSs9_xEaCeMh70jTUp2-1ktPhnB9I1NCxqOBGTdPOLsE2U08GLKc-Ov7PZ9nPkNp62HEVZJlRo-AJ1rUNcQ4Yng1sczd6_eqxp-fXvgPBL40f3FCTwyV6geNNwJvIDR7FS4wu5n7TO3Nfq\/s1600\/COPPER_05.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"The Tube Distinctions Copper Amplifier and Thorens TD-124 MKII\"\n\ntitle=\"Tube Distinctions KT-150 Copper Power Amplifier Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch2 id=\"valves\" style=\"text-align:center;font-size:x-large;\"\u003E\n\nValves\n\n\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nBefore discussing the valves themselves, itâs worth mentioning my previous amplifier. It too was Tube Distinctions related â a heavily modified Pure Sound A30 upgraded by Anthony Matthews with a huge external power supply to minimise coupling effects from the internal transformer arrangement.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nThat amplifier used KT-88 and KT-120 output valves and sounded exceptional.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEizm4AcnR3IEjf9iLtK_IFcpCM0DlOFbECpSOOxoFk2KhJMx4HpFCcHy0rdxjh9aUlbtj7thvqz5umAkxuQZV8ircFW6sttNvSYgI2abc6VfZyC-Y5jO55xDs6Srh2Or9Lqx4M46esJvZ1e\/s1600\/COPPER_06.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEizm4AcnR3IEjf9iLtK_IFcpCM0DlOFbECpSOOxoFk2KhJMx4HpFCcHy0rdxjh9aUlbtj7thvqz5umAkxuQZV8ircFW6sttNvSYgI2abc6VfZyC-Y5jO55xDs6Srh2Or9Lqx4M46esJvZ1e\/s1600\/COPPER_06.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"The Tube Distinctions Modified Pure Sound A30\"\n\ntitle=\"Tube Distinctions KT-150 Copper Power Amplifier Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cbr \/\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEi_Xm1aZkufv8UM8-FTTFNXUUDtuCxLbKJr-6dxNWUobEiGGvnTuPiUzQsr_mBXjIIY1Pduf50cVCKZJrHTK5M41vyfyHfzqMXk0r4jkFAhE4Nh4_fdvnWgNdyADnif7Bic39LLVx34jPUg\/s1600\/COPPER_04.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEi_Xm1aZkufv8UM8-FTTFNXUUDtuCxLbKJr-6dxNWUobEiGGvnTuPiUzQsr_mBXjIIY1Pduf50cVCKZJrHTK5M41vyfyHfzqMXk0r4jkFAhE4Nh4_fdvnWgNdyADnif7Bic39LLVx34jPUg\/s16000\/COPPER_04.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"The Tube Distinctions Copper Amplifier close-up\"\n\ntitle=\"Tube Distinctions KT-150 Copper Power Amplifier Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch2 id=\"the-sound\" style=\"text-align:center;font-size:x-large;\"\u003E\n\nThe Sound\n\n\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nAs standard, the Copper amplifier can run KT-88 or KT-120 valves alongside 6SN7 drivers and GZ34 rectifiers, producing over 30 watts per channel of pure Class-A power.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nWith upgraded internal components including ClarityCap MR capacitors and a move to KT-150 output valves together with 5U4GB rectifiers, the amplifier moves into another performance category entirely.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nThe upgraded specification now produces approximately 50 watts per channel of pure Class-A valve power, which is more than enough for a pair of Tannoy Monitor Gold loudspeakers.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nFor more information on the Tannoyista Tannoy Monitor Gold crossovers, click\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/2016\/01\/tannoyista-tannoy-monitor-gold-loudspeaker-crossovers.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\n\nHERE!\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nThe Copper gives the Tannoys grip unlike almost any amplifier I have heard before. Partnered with quality analogue and digital sources, the sound becomes expansive, layered and effortlessly musical.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nFor more information on the Lockwood Major loudspeakers, click\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/202

21\/12\/the-original-trident-studios-lockwood.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\n\nHERE!\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nIts timing, pace and dynamic authority ensure that this beautiful copper monster remains endlessly engaging. It delivers scale and realism without ever sounding forced or fatiguing.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nThe price for this particular specification is approximately Â£5000. More information can be found directly through Tube Distinctions below.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nTube Distinctions website:\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/tubedistinctions.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003E\n\nhttps:\/\/tubedistinctions.co.uk\/\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003C!-- FAQ SCHEMA (SEO - NOT VISIBLE) --\u003E\n\n\u003Cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003E\n\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/2016\/07\/tube-distinctions-copper-amplifier.html#faq\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Why does the copper chassis matter?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Copper naturally helps reduce electromagnetic interaction from the large transformers and power supply sections inside the amplifier. It also dissipates heat extremely effectively. Beyond the technical advantages, the copper chassis gives the amplifier a distinctive visual presence unlike almost any modern production amplifier.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How powerful is the Tube Distinctions Copper amplifier?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"In upgraded KT-150 specification the amplifier produces around 50 watts per channel of pure Class-A valve power. Combined with the massive transformer design and current delivery, it drives large loudspeakers with exceptional authority and grip.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What valves does the amplifier use?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The amplifier can run several output valve configurations including KT-88, KT-120 and KT-150 valves. It also uses 6SN7 driver valves and upgraded rectification stages depending on final specification and tuning preferences.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How does it compare to conventional valve amplifiers?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The Copper amplifier combines traditional valve fluidity with unusually strong bass control, timing precision and large-scale dynamics. It avoids the soft or overly warm presentation often associated with older tube amplifiers while retaining tonal richness and realism.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Is it suitable for Tannoy Monitor Gold loudspeakers?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Absolutely. The amplifier pairs exceptionally well with large dual-concentric Tannoy systems, particularly Monitor Golds and Lockwood cabinets. Its control, scale and harmonic texture allow the Tannoys to perform with outstanding realism and effortless musicality.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n\n\u003C\/script\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- VISIBLE FAQ SECTION (ON PAGE) --\u003E\n\n\u003Csection style=\"margin-top:30px; padding:20px; background:#f9f9f9; border-left:4px solid #46b0dc;\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch2 style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003E\n\nFrequently Asked Questions\n\n\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv style=\"margin-top:15px; line-height:1.7; font-size:15px;\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch3 style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003E\n\nWhy does the copper chassis matter?\n\n\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003E\n\nCopper naturally helps reduce electromagnetic interaction from the large transformers and power supply sections inside the amplifier. It also dissipates heat extremely effectively. Beyond the technical advantages, the copper chassis gives the amplifier a distinctive visual presence unlike almost any modern production amplifier.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch3 style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003E\n\nHow powerful is the Tube Distinctions Copper amplifier?\n\n\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003E\n\nIn upgraded KT-150 specification the amplifier produces around 50 watts per channel of pure Class-A valve power. Combined with the massive transformer design and current delivery, it drives large louds

2peakers with exceptional authority and grip.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch3 style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003E\n\nWhat valves does the amplifier use?\n\n\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003E\n\nThe amplifier can run several output valve configurations including KT-88, KT-120 and KT-150 valves. It also uses 6SN7 driver valves and upgraded rectification stages depending on final specification and tuning preferences.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch3 style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003E\n\nHow does it compare to conventional valve amplifiers?\n\n\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003E\n\nThe Copper amplifier combines traditional valve fluidity with unusually strong bass control, timing precision and large-scale dynamics. It avoids the soft or overly warm presentation often associated with older tube amplifiers while retaining tonal richness and realism.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch3 style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003E\n\nIs it suitable for Tannoy Monitor Gold loudspeakers?\n\n\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003E\n\nAbsolutely. The amplifier pairs exceptionally well with large dual-concentric Tannoy systems, particularly Monitor Golds and Lockwood cabinets. Its control, scale and harmonic texture allow the Tannoys to perform with outstanding realism and effortless musicality.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/section\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- ABOUT AUTHOR --\u003E\n\n\n\u003Csection style=\"margin-top:30px;\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch2\u003E\n\nAbout the Author\n\n\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003EJosie Willow-Hecate Lewis\u003C\/strong\u003E â audiophile equipment reviewer with more than 30 years of experience covering analogue turntables, valve amplification, loudspeakers, studio monitoring systems and high-end hi-fi design.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/section\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- RELATED CONTENT --\u003E\n\n\n\u003Csection style=\"background:#f9f9f9;border-left:4px solid #46b0dc;margin-top:30px;padding:20px;\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch2 style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003E\n\nExplore More Amplifier Reviews\n\n\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin:0;\"\u003E\n\nDiscover more detailed Amplifier reviews, comparisons and listening impressions from the Tannoyista archive.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-top:12px;\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/search\/label\/Amplifiers?max-results=6\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003E\n\nBrowse all Amplifier reviews on Tannoyista\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/section\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- BRANDING --\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; margin-top: 30px; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nalt=\"Tannoyista High-End Audio Reviews\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nheight=\"214\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh-guUQpmMz8Eyh3lvdKyalL8vC3Ws4oBxPbHmJkl9E5m0lZYfWEpq25wYSW_H4DS7heEzGghftajQH5-pYbmibhjo0Xmo3hfuUxhir6AKF7swHMOkmrqW5AQQG7GgK9KCYkB2sOQrj-FBg\/w640-h214\/Tannoyista_title_logo.png\"\n\nwidth=\"640\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7914857458101136851\/posts\/default\/7855857254252745230"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7914857458101136851\/posts\/default\/7855857254252745230"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/2016\/07\/tube-distinctions-copper-amplifier.html","title":"The Tube Distinctions KT-150 Copper Valve Amplifier - Review"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Tannoyista"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12998016317024529054"},"email":{"$t":"[email protected]"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"17","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiAAxNWz8Jt-7PjeCc0k-5WPWSwAY5JPLJTyacilpESBIG0Yn8zis41cmiV-he3wxpxO8vbdLsi4n1MzAVnHenKikaw1JIXk8lZ6KlEsWRLmDfNxxdkSQejJTDuc2oM6Fg\/s149\/tannoyista.png"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhALmdmy9ikdI3YB423jv1tbgRHih0qu6QZ75JUpsnBEx8d1FslveJ1c2kqQEQDXeYTTv0qzRtzhOLpAwuqNiqJfyjGhX5Q1TeJABfjoIM5QYYc9UeXwleB_ZR4Ub9ZhhxHaO0pZGcedvU7\/s72-c-rw\/SLIDE_COPPER.jpg","height":"72","

2width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7914857458101136851.post-8408135615681661685"},"published":{"$t":"2011-02-22T11:47:00.027+00:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2026-07-08T13:10:28.405+01:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Amplifiers"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Quad"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"The Croft Acoustics QUAD II KT88 Amplifiers - Review 2011"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003C!-- AI SUMMARY --\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv style=\"box-sizing:border-box;width:100%;background:#f7f7f7;border-left:4px solid #46b0dc;padding:14px;margin:0 0 20px 0;font-size:15px;line-height:1.7;\"\u003E\n\nThe Croft-modified QUAD II Monoblock Amplifiers are vintage valve amplifiers based on the classic QUAD II design, modified by Glenn Croft to use KT88 valves. This review covers their use with Tannoy Monitor Gold loudspeakers, vintage valves, servicing, and system integration.\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- BREADCRUMBS --\u003E\n\n\u003Cnav style=\"margin:0 0 18px 0;font-size:14px;line-height:1.5;\" aria-label=\"breadcrumb\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\"\u003E\n\nHome\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\nâº\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/search\/label\/Amplifiers?max-results=6\"\u003E\n\nAmplifiers\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\nâº\n\n\u003Cspan\u003E\n\nCroft QUAD II Review\n\n\u003C\/span\u003E\n\n\u003C\/nav\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- REVIEW SUMMARY TABLE --\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv style=\"box-sizing:border-box;width:100%;background:#f9f9f9;border-left:4px solid #46b0dc;padding:16px;margin:0 0 24px 0;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong style=\"font-size:17px;\"\u003E\n\nEquipment Overview \u0026amp; Review Summary\n\n\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctable style=\"width:100%;margin-top:14px;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:15px;line-height:1.8;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ctr\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"width:170px;padding:6px 10px 6px 0;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003EProduct\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd\u003E\n\nCroft-Modified QUAD II Monoblock Amplifiers\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctr\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:6px 10px 6px 0;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003EType\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd\u003E\n\nModified Valve\/Tube Monoblock Power Amplifiers\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctr\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:6px 10px 6px 0;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003ECategory\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd\u003E\n\nAmplifiers\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctr\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:6px 10px 6px 0;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003EKey Technologies\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd\u003E\n\nQUAD II valve amplifier design, KT88 valve conversion, Glenn Croft modifications and servicing\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctr\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:6px 10px 6px 0;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003ERecommended For\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd\u003E\n\nListeners interested in vintage valve amplification and systems using high-sensitivity loudspeakers\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctr\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:6px 10px 6px 0;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003EVerdict\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd\u003E\n\nA review of Croft-modified QUAD II monoblock amplifiers used within a vintage Tannoy-based system.\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctr\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:6px 10px 6px 0;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003ETannoyista Rating\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003E4.2 \/ 5\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/table\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- REVIEWER INFORMATION --\u003E\n\n\u003Csection style=\"margin-top:20px;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003EJosie Willow-Hecate Lewis\u003C\/strong\u003E â 22nd February 2011.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003C\/section\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- SCHEMA.ORG PRODUCT REVIEW MARKUP (SEO - NO VISUAL IMPACT) --\u003E\n\n\u003Cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003E\n\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"Product\",\n  \"name\": \"Croft-Modified QUAD II Monoblock Amplifiers\",\n  \"image\": [\n    \"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEi21Arg8OgY8qeFD1WlIA4JKi2smvNFgO5NE3qtS5-Ecwfli8

2N03sgaS1W-AbOH9yyD61WX5JYpTRa4PgYfM-Rmb6ZcetuXsUsOrl__-C53HoRmHvD46_vWQ0_lQX7GvT8-S3YHhrAhTzts4YbgqTqLiCPC_CRvDYThMjsJVQs83gLI8oMkwfBYpKszMg=s1920-rw\"\n  ],\n  \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/2011\/02\/croft-quad2-amplifiers.html\",\n  \"brand\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n    \"name\": \"Croft Acoustics\"\n  },\n  \"description\": \"Croft-modified QUAD II monoblock amplifiers reviewed as part of a vintage Tannoy-based audio system.\",\n  \"review\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Review\",\n    \"author\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Person\",\n      \"name\": \"Josie Willow-Hecate Lewis\"\n    },\n    \"datePublished\": \"2011-02-22\",\n    \"reviewBody\": \"A review of Croft-modified QUAD II monoblock amplifiers, including their use with Tannoy Monitor Gold loudspeakers, KT88 valves and vintage audio components.\",\n    \"reviewRating\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Rating\",\n      \"ratingValue\": \"4.2\",\n      \"bestRating\": \"5\",\n      \"worstRating\": \"1\"\n    }\n  }\n}\n\n\u003C\/script\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- ORIGINAL REVIEW CONTENT --\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEi21Arg8OgY8qeFD1WlIA4JKi2smvNFgO5NE3qtS5-Ecwfli8N03sgaS1W-AbOH9yyD61WX5JYpTRa4PgYfM-Rmb6ZcetuXsUsOrl__-C53HoRmHvD46_vWQ0_lQX7GvT8-S3YHhrAhTzts4YbgqTqLiCPC_CRvDYThMjsJVQs83gLI8oMkwfBYpKszMg=s1920-rw\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEi21Arg8OgY8qeFD1WlIA4JKi2smvNFgO5NE3qtS5-Ecwfli8N03sgaS1W-AbOH9yyD61WX5JYpTRa4PgYfM-Rmb6ZcetuXsUsOrl__-C53HoRmHvD46_vWQ0_lQX7GvT8-S3YHhrAhTzts4YbgqTqLiCPC_CRvDYThMjsJVQs83gLI8oMkwfBYpKszMg=s1920-rw\"\n\nalt=\"Croft Modified QUAD II Monoblock Amplifiers on display\"\n\ntitle=\"Croft QUAD II Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"1920\"\n\nheight=\"1350\"\n\nfetchpriority=\"high\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch2 id=\"discover-the-classic-quad-ii-monoblock-amplifiers-upgraded-by-the-late-glenn-croft\" style=\"text-align:center;font-size:x-large;\"\u003E\n\nDiscover the classic QUAD II Monoblock Amplifiers â upgraded by the late Glenn Croft\n\n\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align:left;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cspan style=\"float:left;font-family:Times,serif;font-size:68px;font-weight:bold;line-height:50px;margin:1px 5px 5px 1px;\"\u003E\n\nT\n\n\u003C\/span\u003E\n\nhese Croft-modified QUAD II monoblocks sit at the heart of my system, driving the Tannoy Monitor Gold loudspeakers with grace and authority. It's a classic combinationâBritish valve heritage meeting British loudspeaker mastery. The synergy is unmistakable.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n  After using many transistorised amplifiers, I wanted to create a real vintage, circa 1960s system, so with that itch to scratch, a pair of QUAD II's were a perfect match together with my Tannoy Monitor Gold loudspeakers in Lancaster cabinets and my Thorens TD124 MKII turntable.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n  But before we get to the QUAD II's, in my search for a perfect set of vintage monoblock amplifiers I first bought a pair of LEAK TL12+ monos together with a

2LEAK Point One preamplifier. The Point One was actually converted to a passive unit and using it with several amplifiers afterwards, it sounded really nice indeed.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n  The TL12+ monoblocks looked smashing, but I found that they just didn't seem to drive the\n  Tannoys as well as I wished.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n  On low volume with uncomplicated music, they sounded really lush but try to fire them up with\n  some dance or heavy rock and, well, forget it. The sound stage simply fell apart at the seams.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n  I was a little surprised by this as the Tannoys are really easy to drive but unfortunately, it wasn't\n  to be.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEiBj6A8lHGD3CPLchYTfBgcHzgAmotYpNvhUaqZJ0Ryq6HeY4YiElJwKmffKsCZQoiFTP0DKTnySai0eZnK6-5MxGF_3ohBq0QhV_RK3SGsK39I3QmmcYwol1wNI29O94ZECD2we-b4g1ctrJUlgSUxqrotCMnZ7raaxkY-BIbOtuHS2CTHHU4I3H4r7A=s866\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEiBj6A8lHGD3CPLchYTfBgcHzgAmotYpNvhUaqZJ0Ryq6HeY4YiElJwKmffKsCZQoiFTP0DKTnySai0eZnK6-5MxGF_3ohBq0QhV_RK3SGsK39I3QmmcYwol1wNI29O94ZECD2we-b4g1ctrJUlgSUxqrotCMnZ7raaxkY-BIbOtuHS2CTHHU4I3H4r7A=s16000\"\n\nalt=\"LEAK TL-12 Monoblock Amplifiers\"\n\ntitle=\"LEAK TL-12 Monoblock Amplifiers - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"866\"\n\nheight=\"609\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEgjqDz7etvacivcpub7sbVcluLJybWFpHmya7Bl086olcY8k_41vhFGbImCGU75OHnEAoHM0BO3C2WOquu0hqXXpaokdZqkXQMXw8u2LV8Xa6qzLGFDxoEKDXz1MI4GLcm9VgR4cFpF-aX7xDkpqWgo4wnPuSN5uT65iS-QLDQJS2rxBglv1nSnp81CvQ=s866\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEgjqDz7etvacivcpub7sbVcluLJybWFpHmya7Bl086olcY8k_41vhFGbImCGU75OHnEAoHM0BO3C2WOquu0hqXXpaokdZqkXQMXw8u2LV8Xa6qzLGFDxoEKDXz1MI4GLcm9VgR4cFpF-aX7xDkpqWgo4wnPuSN5uT65iS-QLDQJS2rxBglv1nSnp81CvQ=s16000\"\n\nalt=\"LEAK TL-12 Monoblock Amplifiers\"\n\ntitle=\"LEAK TL-12 Monoblock Amplifiers - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"866\"\n\nheight=\"609\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEj--hlX78XpWQ3Y2piTNZi02_XCgHHZtyYkRYNnRzZTxej12RTYY2jxKp0ggMYiWDu4pDMLYDS3VQY3UKAl3FIzBy3x2LNGAeUlw6VRZk-xuxlEvBxrSUDyzpliyt9FEP_xqP0Y7CWBbHTcVyStEoIIAPzyFqQk3NpN2hAodZ9bMMH65HGUGOAORHBeeQ=s866\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEj--hlX78XpWQ3Y2piTNZi02_XCgHHZtyYkRYNnRzZTxej12RTYY2jxKp0ggMYiWDu4pDMLYDS3VQY3UKAl3FIzBy3x2LNGAeUlw6VRZk-xuxlEvBxrSUDyzpliyt9FEP_xqP0Y7CWBbHTcVyStEoIIAPzyFqQk3NpN2hAodZ9bMMH65HGUGOAORHBeeQ=s16000\"\n\nalt=\"LEAK Point One Preamplifier\"\n\ntitle=\"LEAK Point One Preamplifier - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"866\"\n\nheight=\"609\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n  So, in steps the QUAD II's.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n  These beautiful QUAD II monoblocks were converted from using KT66's to KT88's by Glenn\n  Croft. Unfortunately, when they were converted was unknown to me, but Glenn Croft was\n  nicely surprised to get them back for a service, so my guess was early to mid-1990s.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEjkeWcKKQaTfSIR66bkUwb79kYJWRGndzpgzUGdMSsPkj_FZWoCViH3GGldRU8631NjQsEA04i0OjR9MmO6kb8wWRnh3ypjoTVWAQzjaJXLfJMKOaD_vOcDLTI18WiX83GscdEw2TdxFYfiURqDBzrvJVmLawMnGDbYnsC-48oYg7ZFQrdFoagDkSaytQ=s16000-rw\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEjkeWcKKQaTfSIR66bkUwb79kYJWRGndzpgzUGdMSsPkj_FZWoCViH3GGldRU8631NjQsEA04i0OjR9MmO6kb8wWRnh3ypjoTVWAQzjaJXLfJMKOaD_vOcDLTI18WiX83GscdEw2TdxFYfiURqDBzrvJVmLawMnGDbYnsC-48oYg7ZFQrdFoagDkSaytQ=s16000-rw\"\n\nalt=\"Croft QUAD II Monoblock Amplifiers and Thorens TD124 MKII\"\n\ntitle=\"Croft QUAD II Monoblock Amplifiers and Thorens TD124 MKII - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"866\"\n\nheight=\"609\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEhfThs8CvgH99K3XOn8XV9RRJ

2KWvhDFcSaI5sG4CW9_7hafx5HxEzTgure3B9Jic_I5oZCoYSrWxfvi6XViocVglmT_7bc_cqvO5C-ibg3CQdktXScNlHHg2DbtxMvBcEonqeerFOyUcupCtKOIac_BqUsXOpc7US2INflxp4a4gD14KlRV9Z3Er4ZhYQ=s866\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEhfThs8CvgH99K3XOn8XV9RRJKWvhDFcSaI5sG4CW9_7hafx5HxEzTgure3B9Jic_I5oZCoYSrWxfvi6XViocVglmT_7bc_cqvO5C-ibg3CQdktXScNlHHg2DbtxMvBcEonqeerFOyUcupCtKOIac_BqUsXOpc7US2INflxp4a4gD14KlRV9Z3Er4ZhYQ=s16000\"\n\nalt=\"Croft QUAD II Monoblock Amplifiers and Thorens TD124 MKII\"\n\ntitle=\"Croft QUAD II Monoblock Amplifiers and Thorens TD124 MKII - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"866\"\n\nheight=\"609\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n  When I bought them, they were using the Gold Lion KT88 valves accompanied with Brimar and\n  Mullard signal and regulator valves. The casework was at some point re-sprayed to a brighter\n  grey\/blue colour which updated their look nicely.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n  When they were being serviced, Glenn checked everything out and replaced some parts for\n  good measure. I was very pleased to know that they were still in perfect working order.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEhTkyVpPufj2Uudbg-FS5uIJ5VGyt806u5ueKdcPnoACunYYP69r92wHFTkJtKCr4wnaPEod_Dym1EK3SUCBYM8wlgNiC4i4xGzy7bOlRpdVK-kH6adyiFWoCobfdY0AnPxwlK-r0OEZ8A6zGWwP95uA8-RRiVn1SDw4KuYGqJfdW6-hVu0V9_l7qM1IA=s866\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEhTkyVpPufj2Uudbg-FS5uIJ5VGyt806u5ueKdcPnoACunYYP69r92wHFTkJtKCr4wnaPEod_Dym1EK3SUCBYM8wlgNiC4i4xGzy7bOlRpdVK-kH6adyiFWoCobfdY0AnPxwlK-r0OEZ8A6zGWwP95uA8-RRiVn1SDw4KuYGqJfdW6-hVu0V9_l7qM1IA=s16000\"\n\nalt=\"Inside the Croft QUAD II Monoblock Amplifiers\"\n\ntitle=\"Inside the Croft QUAD II Monoblock Amplifiers - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"866\"\n\nheight=\"609\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n  The QUAD II amplifiers were created by Peter Walker in 1953 and the build quality of these old\n  Quads is simply wonderful, but they do need some space around them â they can get very\n  warm. I was told they were manufactured back in the early 1960s which was nice to know.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n  When I got them back from Glenn, I powered them up and sat down to listen. I couldn't believe\n  how much bloom and life the Tannoys gave with these little things in charge. After about 30\n  minutes of warm-up, it was time to really try them out and give them some 'V'. This is the point\n  where the LEAK TL12's really fell apart â they didn't like demanding music at higher volumes,\n  so with that in mind I started with some Spiritualized, Deep Purple, and Wolfmother.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEizRzP39UFiuOiCKeCx81fTd-fBGaH3BnoWuiUgJVbRqYR4SH7ZmqW3DU6FVAEN5urYM1bk7Tp_FBz73fWkscW1A5QiNqdxvLkt3dxf7g7Jm4FDeTTSi58Rai2j5UKo8keCrd7_cUpCDylM9VvsC5zgfmRLhqx7W8lVmuZznjv_vFFJigI2RwzHGboFzw=s866\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEizRzP39UFiuOiCKeCx81fTd-fBGaH3BnoWuiUgJVbRqYR4SH7ZmqW3DU6FVAEN5urYM1bk7Tp_FBz73fWkscW1A5QiNqdxvLkt3dxf7g7Jm4FDeTTSi58Rai2j5UKo8keCrd7_cUpCDylM9VvsC5zgfmRLhqx7W8lVmuZznjv_vFFJigI2RwzHGboFzw=s16000\"\n\nalt=\"Croft QUAD II Monoblock Amplifiers and Thorens TD124 MKII\"\n\ntitle=\"Croft QUAD II Monoblock Amplifiers and Thorens TD124 MKII - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"866\"\n\nheight=\"609\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n  Wow ... straight away, the Tannoys sang, pushing out a full range of psychedelic dynamic\n  goodness. Powerful and authoritative, I was a very happy bunny indeed. Playing ambient, Goa\n  and dance also brought a smile to my face. The bass was great â not as focused as I would\n  have liked, but still very nice.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n  The next step was to set out to buy some top-notch vintage valves.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n  My first choices were Genelex or Brimar, but I finally fell on some original 1950s GEC KT88s and\n  signal valves.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003C!-- GEC KT88 Image 1 --\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEiyzG62p1JQdAo6lR9p_nTpOj_ijx7Uszp54JEURM7OmHo4oUkTOWu1DkjhRte6QRDgX6io3YgwjuF1cFelyOagzcDfHNigFZSuLKAgE2RwavmBvV2A_A2ZGD9LYFL4yZVC9RH4vecTnT0wtMANPMtxGj1pDw7rfgUcz4vdOQ2KzyFWR3VpOU1VnLK8jQ=s866\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEiyzG62p1JQdAo6lR9p_nTpOj_ijx7Uszp54JEURM7OmHo4oUkTOWu1DkjhRte6QRDgX6io3YgwjuF1cFelyOagzcDfHNigFZSuLKAgE2RwavmBvV2A_A2ZGD9LYFL4yZVC9RH4vecTnT0wtMANPMtxGj1pDw7rfgUcz4vdOQ2KzyFWR3VpOU1VnLK8jQ=s16000\"\n\nalt=\"Croft QUAD II Monoblock Amplifiers\"\n\ntitle=\"Croft QUAD II Monoblock Amplifiers - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"866\"\n\nheight=\"609\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- GEC KT88 Image 2 --\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEgRTJhjdQLaV2agJCx1nKHHi6r-dnCNxCE1AczoQkWzwuE4gk0aahBYwOx0DJnUQczM9-2jkoi4rl7Cq0eZi3ktnIdK6eYG1LT_ULnNXC4U1m2jhOPiKK75OKBij6f_XhgzsyU8lwM0wGfFf_lLSw2KpH9h65ybNOYRwsTiXFX-YI36WHtfYEjKxuDAnw=s866\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEgRTJhjdQLaV2agJCx1nKHHi6r-dnCNxCE1AczoQkWzwuE4gk0aahBYwOx0DJnUQczM9-2jkoi4rl7Cq0eZi3ktnIdK6eYG1LT_ULnNXC4U1m2jhOPiKK75OKBij6f_XhgzsyU8lwM0wGfFf_lLSw2KpH9h65ybNOYRwsTiXFX-YI36WHtfYEjKxuDAnw=s16000\"\n\nalt=\"Croft QUAD II Monoblock Amplifiers\"\n\ntitle=\"Croft QUAD II Monoblock Amplifiers - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"866\"\n\nheight=\"609\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- GEC KT88 Image 3 --\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEhdAX8czcsndDOZAXrWaTw3Rwi4eQwl_Reqh07OPTNwtw44tr3h1D2BBdLk0gXPUtsbmmmWSxAfAWRLJj17xAkMAKJrnB2-3r2pmbNUKuHCERUT4MHytNnLW5WvDjTPdFkTfWPaieHLhe5YmLwPeRs3hYmnvJCSw0IF2eQRBVk57a1TC1ypFfh2TQwleg=s866\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEhdAX8czcsndDOZAXrWaTw3Rwi4eQwl_Reqh07OPTNwtw44tr3h1D2BBdLk0gXPUtsbmmmWSxAfAWRLJj17xAkMAKJrnB2-3r2pmbNUKuHCERUT4MHytNnLW5WvDjTPdFkTfWPaieHLhe5YmLwPeRs3hYmnvJCSw0IF2eQRBVk57a1TC1ypFfh2TQwleg=s16000\"\n\nalt=\"Croft QUAD II Monoblock Amplifiers\"\n\ntitle=\"Croft QUAD II Monoblock Amplifiers - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"866\"\n\nheight=\"609\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- GEC KT88 Image 4 --\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEj-_0pMZMra1N6jf6cob3xX3Yj1rg5sFjq8EY7u8rm7pkW3T1-HV_9dgweMBGVxBbRRwTXO6plL40dF0Y8qWyYfyzySWFyQQrTEYQxknkhuWWpJMUX48uen5Kd3yKKTfbUm_4aZnim4Pf6OBdyCm_VS45Yd2USd4ozBA02JFLm4p9X2Q8wnksSAl8aX_Q=s866\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEj-_0pMZMra1N6jf6cob3xX3Yj1rg5sFjq8EY7u8rm7pkW3T1-HV_9dgweMBGVxBbRRwTXO6plL40dF0Y8qWyYfyzySWFyQQrTEYQxknkhuWWpJMUX48uen5Kd3yKKTfbUm_4aZnim4Pf6OBdyCm_VS45Yd2USd4ozBA02JFLm4p9X2Q8wnksSAl8aX_Q=s16000\"\n\nalt=\"GEC KT88 valves for the Croft QUAD II Monoblock Amplifiers\"\n\ntitle=\"GEC KT88 valves for the Croft QUAD II Monoblock Amplifiers - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"866\"\n\nheight=\"609\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n  Once the GECs were in the amplifiers, things improved even more. I was so surprised. The bass\n  was now more focused and had more authority whilst the mids were slightly leaned back. This\n  wasn't a bad thing as it brought out everything with more ambience.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n  Another thing I found with the QUADs was that given a 1-hour+ warm-up, things really started\n  to boogie.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n  Another worthwhile upgrade was using the Mark Grant interconnects together with some Van\n  Den Hul The Wind MKII Hybrid speaker cable. I found Mar

2k Grant cables really gave the\n  QUADs a more natural sound â highly recommended.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n  To my knowledge, these QUAD II's were a one-off custom job from Croft Acoustics. But I would\n  recommend having the same modifications done to any old and tired QUAD II's. You will\n  certainly fall in love with these little anvil-like wonders again.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- Final System Image --\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEgwbwpLN1gMZrZVoBtH19Le7AUkndjQEqrVwHTV1r0pR1xYNhmOMr9e6iVFjCuIf9hTE57XwNBBXaERzwE4KSm3ZEKpQzLXaUPTXBb4GME848Yk3Fw0abX9rm9HnCc4M8hAzr5hYVbsC3nuNGvjT88Y0L6gJJHpK7vG1zpM-fqikQ0qH3rqn55LeXqMuQ=s866\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEgwbwpLN1gMZrZVoBtH19Le7AUkndjQEqrVwHTV1r0pR1xYNhmOMr9e6iVFjCuIf9hTE57XwNBBXaERzwE4KSm3ZEKpQzLXaUPTXBb4GME848Yk3Fw0abX9rm9HnCc4M8hAzr5hYVbsC3nuNGvjT88Y0L6gJJHpK7vG1zpM-fqikQ0qH3rqn55LeXqMuQ=s16000\"\n\nalt=\"Tannoyista vintage system\"\n\ntitle=\"Tannoyista vintage system - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"866\"\n\nheight=\"609\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n  Once the GEC valves were installed, the QUAD II amplifiers reached a new level of refinement.\n  The bass gained authority, the midrange opened up with more ambience, and the overall\n  presentation became more atmospheric and engaging.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n  With over an hour of warm-up, the QUADs really came alive. Their synergy with the Tannoy\n  Monitor Golds was unmistakable â a pairing that delivered musicality, bloom and dynamic\n  expression in a way that modern amplifiers often struggle to replicate.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n  Upgrading the interconnects to Mark Grant cables and using Van Den Hul The Wind MKII Hybrid\n  speaker cable further enhanced the natural, open sound of the system. Highly recommended.\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- FAQ SCHEMA (SEO - NOT VISIBLE) --\u003E\n\n\u003Cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003E\n\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/2011\/02\/croft-quad2-amplifiers.html#faq\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Are the QUAD II monoblock amplifiers still good today?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Absolutely. Even decades after their original release, the QUAD II monoblocks remain some of the most musical and engaging valve amplifiers ever produced. Their timeless design, rich tonal balance and compatibility with high-sensitivity loudspeakers make them highly desirable among vintage hi-fi enthusiasts.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What modifications did Glenn Croft make to these QUAD II amplifiers?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"These particular QUAD II monoblocks were modified by Glenn Croft to run KT88 output valves instead of the original KT66 valves. The amplifiers also received bespoke circuit upgrades and servicing work designed to improve reliability, dynamics and overall sonic performance.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Do QUAD II amplifiers work well with Tannoy Monitor Gold speakers?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes â the pairing between QUAD II monoblocks and Tannoy Monitor Gold loudspeakers is exceptional. The amplifiers deliver excellent midrange presence, smooth treble and a wonderfully spacious soundstage that perfectly complements vintage Tannoy dual-concentric drivers.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Do vintage valve amplifiers require warm-up time?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Definitely. The QUAD II amplifiers improved noticeably after around 30 minutes to one hour of operation. Once fully warmed through, the sound became fuller, more dynamic and considerably more immersive.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Did changing to vintage GEC KT88 valves improve the sound?\",\n      \"acceptedA

2nswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Very much so. Installing original vintage GEC KT88 valves brought tighter bass, greater authority and a more atmospheric presentation. The upgrade also improved overall musicality and helped the amplifiers sound more refined and effortless.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n\n\u003C\/script\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- VISIBLE FAQ SECTION (ON PAGE) --\u003E\n\n\u003Csection style=\"margin-top:30px; padding:20px; background:#f9f9f9; border-left:4px solid #46b0dc;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ch2 style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003E\n\nFrequently Asked Questions\n\n\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv style=\"margin-top:15px; line-height:1.7; font-size:15px;\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch3 style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003E\n\nAre the QUAD II monoblock amplifiers still good today?\n\n\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003E\n\nAbsolutely. Even decades after their original release, the QUAD II monoblocks remain some of\nthe most musical and engaging valve amplifiers ever produced. Their timeless design, rich tonal\nbalance and compatibility with high-sensitivity loudspeakers make them highly desirable among\nvintage hi-fi enthusiasts.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch3 style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003E\n\nWhat modifications did Glenn Croft make to these QUAD II amplifiers?\n\n\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003E\n\nThese particular QUAD II monoblocks were modified by Glenn Croft to run KT88 output valves\ninstead of the original KT66 valves. The amplifiers also received bespoke circuit upgrades and\nservicing work designed to improve reliability, dynamics and overall sonic performance.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch3 style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003E\n\nDo QUAD II amplifiers work well with Tannoy Monitor Gold speakers?\n\n\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003E\n\nYes â the pairing between QUAD II monoblocks and Tannoy Monitor Gold loudspeakers is\nexceptional. The amplifiers deliver excellent midrange presence, smooth treble and a\nwonderfully spacious soundstage that perfectly complements vintage Tannoy dual-concentric\ndrivers.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch3 style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003E\n\nDo vintage valve amplifiers require warm-up time?\n\n\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003E\n\nDefinitely. The QUAD II amplifiers improved noticeably after around 30 minutes to one hour of\noperation. Once fully warmed through, the sound became fuller, more dynamic and considerably\nmore immersive.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch3 style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003E\n\nDid changing to vintage GEC KT88 valves improve the sound?\n\n\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003E\n\nVery much so. Installing original vintage GEC KT88 valves brought tighter bass, greater\nauthority and a more atmospheric presentation. The upgrade also improved overall musicality\nand helped the amplifiers sound more refined and effortless.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\u003C\/section\u003E\n\n\u003C!-- ABOUT AUTHOR --\u003E\n\n\u003Csection style=\"margin-top:30px;\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch2\u003E\n\nAbout the Author\n\n\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003EJosie Willow-Hecate Lewis\u003C\/strong\u003E â audiophile equipment reviewer with more than 30 years of experience covering analogue turntables, valve amplification, loudspeakers, studio monitoring systems and high-end hi-fi design.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/section\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- RELATED CONTENT --\u003E\n\n\n\u003Csection style=\"background:#f9f9f9;border-left:4px solid #46b0dc;margin-top:30px;padding:20px;\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch2 style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003E\n\nExplore More Amplifiers Reviews\n\n\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin:0;\"\u003E\n\nDiscover more detailed Amplifiers reviews, comparisons and listening impressions from the Tannoyista archive.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-top:12px;\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/search\/label\/Amplifiers?max-results=6\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003E\n\n\nBrowse all Amplifiers reviews on Tannoyista\n\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/section\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- BRANDING --\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; margin-top: 30px; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nalt=\"Tannoyista High-End Audio Reviews\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nheight=\"214\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh-guUQpmMz8Eyh3lvdKyalL8vC3Ws4oBxPbHmJkl9E5m0lZYfWEpq25wYSW_H4DS7heEzGghftajQH5-pYbmibhjo0Xmo3hfuUxhir6AKF7swHMOkmrqW5AQQG7GgK9KCYk

2B2sOQrj-FBg\/w640-h214\/Tannoyista_title_logo.png\"\n\nwidth=\"640\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7914857458101136851\/posts\/default\/8408135615681661685"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7914857458101136851\/posts\/default\/8408135615681661685"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/2011\/02\/croft-quad2-amplifiers.html","title":"The Croft Acoustics QUAD II KT88 Amplifiers - Review 2011"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Tannoyista"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12998016317024529054"},"email":{"$t":"[email protected]"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"17","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiAAxNWz8Jt-7PjeCc0k-5WPWSwAY5JPLJTyacilpESBIG0Yn8zis41cmiV-he3wxpxO8vbdLsi4n1MzAVnHenKikaw1JIXk8lZ6KlEsWRLmDfNxxdkSQejJTDuc2oM6Fg\/s149\/tannoyista.png"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/a\/AVvXsEi21Arg8OgY8qeFD1WlIA4JKi2smvNFgO5NE3qtS5-Ecwfli8N03sgaS1W-AbOH9yyD61WX5JYpTRa4PgYfM-Rmb6ZcetuXsUsOrl__-C53HoRmHvD46_vWQ0_lQX7GvT8-S3YHhrAhTzts4YbgqTqLiCPC_CRvDYThMjsJVQs83gLI8oMkwfBYpKszMg=s72-c-rw","height":"72","width":"72"}},{"id":{"$t":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7914857458101136851.post-2138182922803975873"},"published":{"$t":"2010-09-21T13:34:00.066+01:00"},"updated":{"$t":"2026-07-08T13:30:24.734+01:00"},"category":[{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Amplifiers"},{"scheme":"http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#","term":"Chord Electronics"}],"title":{"type":"text","$t":"CHORD CPM 2600, SPM 600 \u0026 SPA 1032 Amplifiers - Review 2009"},"content":{"type":"html","$t":"\u003C!-- AI SUMMARY --\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv style=\"box-sizing:border-box;width:100%;background:#f7f7f7;border-left:4px solid #46b0dc;padding:14px;margin:0 0 20px 0;font-size:15px;line-height:1.7;\"\u003E\n\nThe Chord CPM2600, SPM600 and SPA1032 amplifier review examines a combination of Chord amplification components used in different configurations, including integrated operation, external power amplification and bi-amping. The review covers build quality, engineering features, system matching and listening experiences with a range of source components and loudspeakers.\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- BREADCRUMBS --\u003E\n\n\u003Cnav style=\"margin:0 0 18px 0;font-size:14px;line-height:1.5;\" aria-label=\"breadcrumb\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\"\u003E\n\nHome\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\nâº\n\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/search\/label\/Amplifiers?max-results=6\"\u003E\n\nAmplifiers\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\nâº\n\n\n\u003Cspan\u003E\n\nChord CPM2600, SPM600 \u0026amp; SPA1032 Review\n\n\u003C\/span\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/nav\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- REVIEW SUMMARY TABLE --\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv style=\"box-sizing:border-box;width:100%;background:#f9f9f9;border-left:4px solid #46b0dc;padding:16px;margin:0 0 24px 0;\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cstrong style=\"font-size:17px;\"\u003E\n\nEquipment Overview \u0026amp; Review Summary\n\n\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctable style=\"width:100%;margin-top:14px;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:15px;line-height:1.8;\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctr\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"width:170px;padding:6px 10px 6px 0;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003EProduct\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd\u003E\n\nChord CPM2600, SPM600 \u0026amp; SPA1032\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctr\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:6px 10px 6px 0;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003EType\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd\u003E\n\nIntegrated amplifier and stereo power amplifiers\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctr\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:6px 10px 6px 0;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003ECategory\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd\u003E\n\nAmplifiers\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctr\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:6px 10px 6px 0;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003EKey Technologies\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd\u003E\n\nHigh-frequency and ultra-low ESR power supplies, direct decoupling, balanced inputs and outputs, aluminium chassis construction\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctr\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:6px 10px 6px 0;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003ERecommended For\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd\u003E\n\nListeners looking for high-end Chord amplification systems and flexible amplifier configurations\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctr\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:6px 10px 6px 0;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003EVerdict\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd\u003E\n\nThe review examines the CPM2600 as an integrated amplifier and its use with Chord power amplifiers including the SPM600 and SPA1032.\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ctr\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd style=\"padding:6px 10px 6px 0;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003ETannoyista Rating\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003Ctd\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003E4.0 \/ 5\u003C\/strong\u003E\n\n\u003C\/td\u003E\n\n\u003C\/tr\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/table\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- REVIEWER INFORMATION --\u003E\n\n\u003Csection style=\"margin-top:20px;\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003EJosie Willow-Hecate Lewis\u003C\/strong\u003E â 21st September 2010.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/section\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- SCHEMA.ORG PRODUCT REVIEW MARKUP (SEO - NO VISUAL IMPACT) --\u003E\n\n\u003Cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003E\n{\n  \"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\":\"Product\",\n  \"name\":\"Chord CPM2600, SPM600 \u0026 SPA1032 Amplifiers\",\n  \"image\":[\n    \"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjlebG-2T7XB2rt0hCsEjO2E3H3po9n_fhSfIDHV-2g0IA_4CEOtiYMBK97BSUs9TlE3cpJT8x1qVT-tXF-tXjyNQJrAfEZ_QZAJBruuQiYMbJzKpuxzjGOShDdunCAxGpho5oI0icc7sct\/s1920\/SLIDE_CHORD.jpg\"\n  ],\n  \"url\":\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/2010\/09\/chord-cpm2600-spm600-spm1032-amplifiers.html\",\n  \"brand\":{\n    \"@type\":\"Brand\",\n    \"name\":\"Chord Electronics\"\n  },\n  \"description\":\"Review of the Chord CPM2600 integrated amplifier together with the SPM600 and SPA1032 power amplifiers, covering build quality, engineering, system matching and listening experiences.\",\n  \"review\":{\n    \"@type\":\"Review\",\n    \"author\":{\n      \"@type\":\"Person\",\n      \"name\":\"Josie Willow-Hecate Lewis\"\n    },\n    \"datePublished\":\"2010-09-21\",\n    \"reviewBody\":\"Review covering the Chord CPM2600 integrated amplifier and its use with the SPM600 and SPA1032 power amplifiers in multiple system configurations.\",\n    \"reviewRating\":{\n      \"@type\":\"Rating\",\n      \"ratingValue\":\"4.0\",\n      \"bestRating\"

2:\"5\",\n      \"worstRating\":\"1\"\n    }\n  }\n}\n\u003C\/script\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- ORIGINAL REVIEW CONTENT --\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch2 id=\"discover-the-chord-cpm2600-spm600-spa1032-power-amplifiers\" style=\"text-align:center;font-size:x-large;\"\u003E\n\nDiscover the Chord CPM2600, SPM600 \u0026amp; SPA1032 Power Amplifiers\n\n\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align:left;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cspan style=\"float:left;font-family:Times,serif;font-size:68px;font-weight:bold;line-height:50px;margin:1px 5px 5px 1px;\"\u003E\n\nB\n\n\u003C\/span\u003E\n\nack in 2009, my amplification setup featured the Chord CPM2600 integrated amplifier, bi-amped first with the SPM600 and later with the SPA1032. It was a formidable trioâeach unit contributing its own sonic signature to a system built for clarity, control, and musicality.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjlebG-2T7XB2rt0hCsEjO2E3H3po9n_fhSfIDHV-2g0IA_4CEOtiYMBK97BSUs9TlE3cpJT8x1qVT-tXF-tXjyNQJrAfEZ_QZAJBruuQiYMbJzKpuxzjGOShDdunCAxGpho5oI0icc7sct\/s1920\/SLIDE_CHORD.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjlebG-2T7XB2rt0hCsEjO2E3H3po9n_fhSfIDHV-2g0IA_4CEOtiYMBK97BSUs9TlE3cpJT8x1qVT-tXF-tXjyNQJrAfEZ_QZAJBruuQiYMbJzKpuxzjGOShDdunCAxGpho5oI0icc7sct\/s1920\/SLIDE_CHORD.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"Chord amplifiers - SPM 2600 and SPM 600\"\n\ntitle=\"Chord CPM2600, SPM600 \u0026 SPA1032 Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"1920\"\n\nheight=\"1350\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nChord amplifiers are renowned for their engineering precision. Even the CPM2600 alone,\noperating as a standalone integrated, is a complete and compelling package. With its thick\naluminium chassis and substantial weight, the build quality is second to noneâboth visually\nand sonically substantial.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nThe CPM2600 weighs in at 20kgs including the chunky Integra legs.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nLet's take a look at it:\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nFirstly, for some, the styling is way too chunky and some say too fussy, even OTT. Of course,\nthe unit looks like it came from an era of excess but it doesn't look out of place in a serious\nmusical environment. The style could be considered as 'masculine' but also austere, which can\nbe considered as more utilitarian.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- IMAGE STANDARDISATION CONTINUES IN PART 2 --\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEi2oOLRf-j6fVrdhglmBTZsWwu9e1Vx9BX2gayzgQWGmrYheXgpxHsZP-9agey7tKYJz-FTn9evBquI5y-ApbLJXmTZrCQ6TndswlL4HhFd0XOuQOgPSNOoGRMXjs7zjkUyn5bhk_lESUha\/s866\/Tannoyista_CHORD_01.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEi2oOLRf-j6fVrdhglmBTZsWwu9e1Vx9BX2gayzgQWGmrYheXgpxHsZP-9agey7tKYJz-FTn9evBquI5y-ApbLJXmTZrCQ6TndswlL4HhFd0XOuQOgPSNOoGRMXjs7zjkUyn5bhk_lESUha\/s16000\/Tannoyista_CHORD_01.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"Chord amplifiers - SPM 2600 and SPM 600, Raysonic CD128\"\n\ntitle=\"Chord CPM2600, SPM600 \u0026 SPA1032 Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"1920\"\n\nheight=\"1350\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nSo with those words bouncing around, are Chord amplifiers pleasing to own from an audiophile\npoint of view? Well, without actually owning one, or having it in your own system, in your own\nroom, you don't really get to appreciate it. In the flesh, it's really very pleasing. And compared to\nsome of the kit out there in tin boxes, its presence certainly lets you feel that you have something\nquality.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nChord is out there ... waaaaay out there when it comes to quality and price. In the long run, I'd\ncertainly aire to the side of value for money. These amplifiers are built with so much passion and\nexpertise.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nChord comes from the professional side of audio and although they moved into the consumer\nmarket, their kit is always made with one foot in the studio. So we get things like channel\nindicators and balanced inputs and outputs.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nChord make amplifiers for some of the most important studios in the world, for example,\nAbbey Road and even the Royal Opera House which used a massive array of them â over\n200 units.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nThe technology Chord included inside the CPM2600 is their own high-frequency and ultra-low\nESR power supplies and direct decoupling which keeps the distortion down to a vanishingly\nlow amount.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgnXqyuWWZEH56cTHBoz-f4Ro1YPLc2ZjnUO4oKWVizsJBZYBUKoeK7dJ6HocTUzc4YtKcSOm6vicoCnFAEpXI1sNf2ovPiFLOrCDkHjBWawWLN1RGcbHJ-aG8OIRCP_qXATOeFsLcmyYQw\/s16000-rw\/Tannoyista_CHORD_04.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgnXqyuWWZEH56cTHBoz-f4Ro1YPLc2ZjnUO4oKWVizsJBZYBUKoeK7dJ6HocTUzc4YtKcSOm6vicoCnFAEpXI1sNf2ovPiFLOrCDkHjBWawWLN1RGcbHJ-aG8OIRCP_qXATOeFsLcmyYQw\/s16000-rw\/Tannoyista_CHORD_04.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"Chord amplifiers - SPM 2600\"\n\ntitle=\"Chord CPM2600, SPM600 \u0026 SPA1032 Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"1920\"\n\nheight=\"1350\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg8UuceINlxwMQNw931xm_U8S4ILZr7w_oVXhSjrQkbmtHxfbSNEg2m7GqyzcPzGEkr_u3oLUIFomol1A8-P_nXryMe-pDopnpMdtdczWTRHuG1_SPZnjRyt_To37Fdw7OsO2_UFKBikphD\/s866\/Tannoyista_CHORD_05.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEg8UuceINlxwMQNw931xm_U8S4ILZr7w_oVXhSjrQkbmtHxfbSNEg2m7GqyzcPzGEkr_u3oLUIFomol1A8-P_nXryMe-pDopnpMdtdczWTRHuG1_SPZnjRyt_To37Fdw7OsO2_UFKBikphD\/s16000\/Tannoyista_CHORD_05.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"Chord amplifiers - SPM 2600\"\n\ntitle=\"Chord CPM2600, SPM600 \u0026 SPA1032 Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"1920\"\n\nheight=\"1350\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjsn49IjsybktUwBUVCv50I9ludTd-uHcCi0_51EqKfzW2ejGNy3141JdRM358Ww2lFppquNKty0rYo1IZf6YpPy4ZSrG3ofyzbDUvTKFqPq4azYLtJzqA2w2LWTYaLYl_C_0oY8tpJCVIw\/s866\/Tannoyista_CHORD_18.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjsn49IjsybktUwBUVCv50I9ludTd-uHcCi0_51EqKfzW2ejGNy3141JdRM358Ww2lFppquNKty0rYo1IZf6YpPy4ZSrG3ofyzbDUvTKFqPq4azYLtJzqA2w2LWTYaLYl_C_0oY8tpJCVIw\/s16000\/Tannoyista_CHORD_18.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"Chord amplifiers - SPM 2600 Inside\"\n\ntitle=\"Chord CPM2600, SPM600 \u0026 SPA1032 Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"1920\"\n\nheight=\"1350\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjbxYXSJXjTc2XUNksT-GbpSrUhKaPCUZ8rF7UzxX7WmpddB9JLinbrxHzJl3_f0JGZSBxKpIUFN_5UZSdG0xvOj4239hvZjWnTwD_S5UvTwmw5bdv3gfUTdMJ-BMbNCQku3qxKv

2s6euAhb\/s866\/Tannoyista_CHORD_19.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjbxYXSJXjTc2XUNksT-GbpSrUhKaPCUZ8rF7UzxX7WmpddB9JLinbrxHzJl3_f0JGZSBxKpIUFN_5UZSdG0xvOj4239hvZjWnTwD_S5UvTwmw5bdv3gfUTdMJ-BMbNCQku3qxKvs6euAhb\/s16000\/Tannoyista_CHORD_19.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"Chord amplifiers - SPM 2600\"\n\ntitle=\"Chord CPM2600, SPM600 \u0026 SPA1032 Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"1920\"\n\nheight=\"1350\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhepvGws0Eh5rtB16iNqZnFTWC83UqZRF0vwsSg4W8YoGlP8E7CfaC66q9nuDJ8n-vbozEsj5sADnAZohPRr1JS2F1lTBEeZhSxEdLPsk6VOuGZjJyq-l7YrCNuQtOZhWqg_24JGTKFn-6m\/s866\/Tannoyista_CHORD_20.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEhepvGws0Eh5rtB16iNqZnFTWC83UqZRF0vwsSg4W8YoGlP8E7CfaC66q9nuDJ8n-vbozEsj5sADnAZohPRr1JS2F1lTBEeZhSxEdLPsk6VOuGZjJyq-l7YrCNuQtOZhWqg_24JGTKFn-6m\/s16000\/Tannoyista_CHORD_20.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"Chord amplifiers - SPM 2600\"\n\ntitle=\"Chord CPM2600, SPM600 \u0026 SPA1032 Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"1920\"\n\nheight=\"1350\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nThe sound:\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nAt the source end of the CPM2600 is the Raysonic CD128 and a Pioneer PD-91 and at the\nspeaker end is a set of beautiful DALI Helicon 800 MK2s and some Harbeth SHL5s.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nThe first set-up was using the Raysonic CD128 and then the Pioneer PD-91 CDP.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- CONTINUED IN PART 3 --\u003E\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgMGKtrl0JGc_zbOIe6cUFnlYmij_PHjd0snR-oroap2AliQtWQ9Wd9O8I8deneY-vMqivwPXyJpG3shDefy64DIQcVvoudNVTY6mEUkoYgpBaOZgSBn_abuDqY2a8aiK9e81dXOYbcEuoX\/s866\/Tannoyista_CHORD_11.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEgMGKtrl0JGc_zbOIe6cUFnlYmij_PHjd0snR-oroap2AliQtWQ9Wd9O8I8deneY-vMqivwPXyJpG3shDefy64DIQcVvoudNVTY6mEUkoYgpBaOZgSBn_abuDqY2a8aiK9e81dXOYbcEuoX\/s16000\/Tannoyista_CHORD_11.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"Raysonic CD128\"\n\ntitle=\"Chord CPM2600, SPM600 \u0026 SPA1032 Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"1920\"\n\nheight=\"1350\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nOn switch on, like many large amplifiers, the sound can be noted as a little reedy, a bit thin.\nBut give it an hour and things really start to happen. The resolution in the higher registers is\nsimply phenomenal.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nThe development in sound on warm-up took a little longer for the first time because the house\nwas really cold and the amplifier had to be left in my spare room overnight due to lots of dust\nfrom some renovation work and it was a cold night.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nBut once the warmth started to kick in, the full picture started to emerge. Everything was so\neffortless, no matter what I played â classical, Rock, Dance ... the Chord simply took it in its\nstride with ease.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nThe matching of the DALIs was also great. I had previously used numerous amplifiers with\nthem but the Chord won hands down.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEj31T2MBA-RoVr8RUM3NeQvjpdVAjX1g_e92NGR2C_jaqhEYQpURiOUNYY_YWf8kAbS7ngjo4miMNPzm88CZ_nNeusYLr4YzKX_rYDDEzNWpDcdjszX_kJkbm-jnvaC0jjRf1rVm6ascjeE\/s16000-rw\/Tannoyista_CHORD_10.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEj31T2MBA-RoVr8RUM3NeQvjpdVAjX1g_e92NGR2C_jaqhEYQpURiOUNYY_YWf8kAbS7ngjo4miMNPzm88CZ_nNeusYLr4YzKX_rYDDEzNWpDcdjszX_kJkbm-jnvaC0jjRf1rVm6ascjeE\/s16000-rw\/Tannoyista_CHORD_10.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"Chord amplifiers - SPM 2600, SPM 600, Raysonic CD128 and DALI Helicon 800 MK2\"\n\ntitle=\"Chord CPM2600, SPM600 \u0026 SPA1032 Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"1920\"\n\nheight=\"1350\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nThe next step was to change the source. The Raysonic is a very nice CDP, but I always detected\na slight harshness to it. On some music it was undetectable but on other material, you could\nhear it quite notably.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nSo, moving over to the Pioneer PD-91 made the difference. In fact, the Chord coupled with the\nPD-91 and the Dali speakers was a very nice match.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEga0Lldm5o5e-zahO-2JiqyxxsFARV1k7fadJXuzFkDc2eV2kmdT2mtxDyzOYPe0QQlIAsIMJFbhgx8oCTl2oTp1Cv5uPjqY8l3xaHNNpsj_7_TGtklkyy3tE8JzjcvpEdhl9CuwEtsDZzy\/s866\/Tannoyista_CHORD_13.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEga0Lldm5o5e-zahO-2JiqyxxsFARV1k7fadJXuzFkDc2eV2kmdT2mtxDyzOYPe0QQlIAsIMJFbhgx8oCTl2oTp1Cv5uPjqY8l3xaHNNpsj_7_TGtklkyy3tE8JzjcvpEdhl9CuwEtsDZzy\/s16000\/Tannoyista_CHORD_13.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"Pioneer PD-91 CDP\"\n\ntitle=\"Chord CPM2600, SPM600 \u0026 SPA1032 Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"1920\"\n\nheight=\"1350\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nThe amount of detail was phenomenal whilst the mid-range and low-frequency registers flowed\nwith ease. The only aspect I could return as a negative was that on some tracks, the sound stage\nwas slightly flat. This was something I found with the CPM2600 at times but this was improved\nwith a change of speakers.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nSo, on with the next stage. The Pioneer PD-91, CPM2600 and the Harbeth SHL5s.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiWW4qHDCq2RCKuX-Raeb2knU5_q0lQL4M_YHoFJPXBzC8vB3NK18zh8gpPquObWAv-Qr61vQdUBBD5-7-_SlCnrrz-dQBmGMSbwCk6dVe1PgneaU8v_U9jiK1eknrBziapKVoB4NrHCOdd\/s866\/Tannoyista_CHORD_17.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiWW4qHDCq2RCKuX-Raeb2knU5_q0lQL4M_YHoFJPXBzC8vB3NK18zh8gpPquObWAv-Qr61vQdUBBD5-7-_SlCnrrz-dQBmGMSbwCk6dVe1PgneaU8v_U9jiK1eknrBziapKVoB4NrHCOdd\/s16000\/Tannoyista_CHORD_17.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"Harbeth SHL5 loudspeakers\"\n\ntitle=\"Chord CPM2600, SPM600 \u0026 SPA1032 Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"1920\"\n\nheight=\"1350\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nThe Harbeths are a much smaller loudspeaker to the Dali's. Whilst the Dali's have more of a\nvertical wall of sound, the Harbeths rely on a more front-facing studio monitor format. Of course,\nthese two sets of loudspeakers are totally different so we cannot compare them like potatoes.\nSo with the Harbeths, I wanted to take a deep breath and give a stand-alone aspect.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nWith the Harbeths, the sound is more in y

2our face. And with a more conventional design in\ndrivers and tweeters, the sound brings itself down to a more factual portrayal. The height of the\nDali's made for great air and ambience but the CPM2600 with the Harbeths brought the mix in\nfront of you and with more accuracy.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nWas it more enjoyable? Well, the CPM2600 still had a little bit of a flat feeling, it wasn't as\napparent as with the Dali's but it was still there ... But the energy and the dynamics with the\nHarbeths was much more fun.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- CONTINUED IN PART 4 --\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nThe CPM2600 at this point was still one of the best-integrated amplifiers I've heard. So\nimpressed I figured that maybe I should try another Chord amplifier and use CPM2600 as a\npreamp only. So I bought the SPM600. Could this remove that veil of flatness?\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh0tSCGcfozbRoBRFSB1WtcfxM-x6cDnn9nYIhQSg8sw7lEacLq_zBiVsLsBobLAfh4Qb_FUTCS9S42O9c2uW1vTvoG8nMJPHWF_LEKkNqGLOuC4pCOCekaj6fSbhyphenhyphen9Ju55p3OHwQrwZCo5\/s16000-rw\/Tannoyista_CHORD_06.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh0tSCGcfozbRoBRFSB1WtcfxM-x6cDnn9nYIhQSg8sw7lEacLq_zBiVsLsBobLAfh4Qb_FUTCS9S42O9c2uW1vTvoG8nMJPHWF_LEKkNqGLOuC4pCOCekaj6fSbhyphenhyphen9Ju55p3OHwQrwZCo5\/s16000-rw\/Tannoyista_CHORD_06.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"Chord amplifiers - SPM 600\"\n\ntitle=\"Chord CPM2600, SPM600 \u0026 SPA1032 Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"1920\"\n\nheight=\"1350\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEj9rld_3rDwdfRijm6_cdjGU0TPXbj_IJArwPofCK_Lxc2S0yXxc7HvpgShZQ-Z-TSyqTFqJ3PWtdV1FdgMTUoVpTIWVKKs37Ns0MY-vFjFNtNnWhkzhAwDNqohXkPSQrn7UCHccGMuejQD\/s866\/Tannoyista_CHORD_07.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEj9rld_3rDwdfRijm6_cdjGU0TPXbj_IJArwPofCK_Lxc2S0yXxc7HvpgShZQ-Z-TSyqTFqJ3PWtdV1FdgMTUoVpTIWVKKs37Ns0MY-vFjFNtNnWhkzhAwDNqohXkPSQrn7UCHccGMuejQD\/s16000\/Tannoyista_CHORD_07.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"Chord amplifiers - SPM 600\"\n\ntitle=\"Chord CPM2600, SPM600 \u0026 SPA1032 Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"1920\"\n\nheight=\"1350\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nAt first, the SPM600 was used as the main amplifier, using the CPM2600 as a preamp only.\nThis was a great move. The SPM600 really kicked out the jams with even more clout and slam.\nNow the Dali's were really singing. The flatness almost vanished with a richer, more open and\ndeeper sound stage. So, my next experiment was to use them both and bi-amp them.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nTo be honest, I was expecting even more by doing this but I was slightly underwhelmed. Yes, a\nlittle better, but that flatness came back slightly more. So, connecting it back to using the\nSPM600 was the best configuration. Once hooked up, the sound was marvellous.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nAnd changing over to the Harbeths at this point really put the bounce back into the mix.\nFabulous.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nMy next Chord amplifier to try was the SPA1032. This amplifier came out of a sound studio\nwhere they had 6 of them running in parallel. At this point, I didn't know what to expect. The\nSPM600 was certainly a huge step up from just the integrated.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nWell, the SPA1032 certainly didn't disappoint and again, using the CPM2600 as the pre, whilst\nthe SPA1032 as the amplifier, the sound was unbelievable.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiCuiURWg-FcDlDiZ7zIzHq0DNZPW3NNkf2PAYul6D-3aeZ2e09z0zATxTsh_5frEtgtEK2xH5myWmiUsim0hShYBlUOhl8Y_TpUCPRxMaewi8KiQIR0c6D2OukwcUejrWeTh7Or7-SLGuF\/s866\/Tannoyista_CHORD_08.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiCuiURWg-FcDlDiZ7zIzHq0DNZPW3NNkf2PAYul6D-3aeZ2e09z0zATxTsh_5frEtgtEK2xH5myWmiUsim0hShYBlUOhl8Y_TpUCPRxMaewi8KiQIR0c6D2OukwcUejrWeTh7Or7-SLGuF\/s16000\/Tannoyista_CHORD_08.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"Chord amplifiers - SPA 1032\"\n\ntitle=\"Chord CPM2600, SPM600 \u0026 SPA1032 Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"1920\"\n\nheight=\"1350\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEic0bfMzYBnhkVtvNTiN7wZS81x9TPera0rSyRzzAgTUJTSUHFfGMsofPJGG25-XkBB7y1EyuFE_eyAE6T5u-mzp9dsB3fI7EJSG21VRcfuP0e_97iDur2rAeRtST-BxIT8Hr2Hxaa5VmpB\/s866\/Tannoyista_CHORD_21.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEic0bfMzYBnhkVtvNTiN7wZS81x9TPera0rSyRzzAgTUJTSUHFfGMsofPJGG25-XkBB7y1EyuFE_eyAE6T5u-mzp9dsB3fI7EJSG21VRcfuP0e_97iDur2rAeRtST-BxIT8Hr2Hxaa5VmpB\/s16000\/Tannoyista_CHORD_21.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"Chord amplifiers - SPA 1032\"\n\ntitle=\"Chord CPM2600, SPM600 \u0026 SPA1032 Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"1920\"\n\nheight=\"1350\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjOYWW6CEPtbKIFxdO2o3JAcbbxsyZ6Icw8RqXpgGKH9BH71tzh_XqtvekJRRfO0pgmhru8Onmg8FI1LP0G0iVsHTPaBBJMFrAi

2xHYmodLd8vgIR4cY_17VTZMog7FqIasMpo6Ia40l-pr0\/s866\/Tannoyista_CHORD_22.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjOYWW6CEPtbKIFxdO2o3JAcbbxsyZ6Icw8RqXpgGKH9BH71tzh_XqtvekJRRfO0pgmhru8Onmg8FI1LP0G0iVsHTPaBBJMFrAixHYmodLd8vgIR4cY_17VTZMog7FqIasMpo6Ia40l-pr0\/s16000\/Tannoyista_CHORD_22.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"Chord amplifiers - SPA 1032\"\n\ntitle=\"Chord CPM2600, SPM600 \u0026 SPA1032 Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"1920\"\n\nheight=\"1350\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nThe only problem with the SPA1032 was the sound of the cooling fans. But, with a quick call to\nChord they advised me on how to switch the fans off and they would only kick in if the amp\nbecame overloaded.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nWith that, the interesting factor was that I then preferred the Dali's to the Harbeths. So,\nsomething had certainly changed in regards to synergy.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- CONTINUED IN PART 5 --\u003E\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nThe next thing I wanted to try was to use the balanced outputs from the Raysonic CD128. The\nPioneer was unbalanced so this was something to look into. What I found was that the Raysonic\ngave more of the music out using fully balanced connections directly into the CPM2600 than\nunbalanced. An interesting discovery for sure. But ... saying that:\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nThe Pioneer RT-909 still wins hands down. The pace and the smoothness made the PD-91 the\nwinner on this front. Very analogue and voluptuous and matching was much easier.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear:both;text-align:center;\"\u003E\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiCCAt95xKBCYJxO52a0DghPDUETCxqWZvSd6iPKCnIZ14cQL4zHjz3nsDCvhfQ0mP1v_Sh0pv9PhNyzJgRCjW5gPtrz3neKdcDuaOrgMU5C84xZmO_r7LoEctWDQXvqU2YjJpE5meprC-r\/s866\/Tannoyista_CHORD_02.jpg\"\u003E\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiCCAt95xKBCYJxO52a0DghPDUETCxqWZvSd6iPKCnIZ14cQL4zHjz3nsDCvhfQ0mP1v_Sh0pv9PhNyzJgRCjW5gPtrz3neKdcDuaOrgMU5C84xZmO_r7LoEctWDQXvqU2YjJpE5meprC-r\/s16000\/Tannoyista_CHORD_02.jpg\"\n\nalt=\"Chord amplifiers - SPM 2600 and SPM 600\"\n\ntitle=\"Chord CPM2600, SPM600 \u0026 SPA1032 Review - Tannoyista\"\n\nwidth=\"1920\"\n\nheight=\"1350\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nTo finish. The CPM2600 by itself is a wonderful unit for sure. But, it may have a rather\nuninteresting sound stage for some. Coupled with an external amplifier, Chord or maybe\notherwise, it makes for a very nice unit to own. So, why have an integrated if all you're using is\nthe preamp circuit?\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nWell, indeed ... But, for some the integrated on its own will be perfectly fine. And, partnering with\ndifferent speakers, the sound stage may open up even more.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\nThe CPM2600 by itself is an amazing piece of kit. Expensive, even second hand but, yes ...\nwell worth it.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- FAQ SCHEMA (SEO - NOT VISIBLE) --\u003E\n\n\u003Cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003E\n\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/2010\/09\/chord-cpm2600-spm600-spm1032-amplifiers.html#faq\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Is the Chord CPM2600 an integrated amplifier?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes. The Chord CPM2600 is reviewed as an integrated amplifier that was also used with external Chord power amplifiers including the SPM600 and SPA1032.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Which Chord power amplifiers were used with the CPM2600 in this review?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The review describes using the Chord SPM600 and SPA1032 with the CPM2600 in different system configurations.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What louds

2peakers were used during the Chord amplifier review?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The review describes listening with DALI Helicon 800 MK2 loudspeakers and Harbeth SHL5 loudspeakers.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What sources were used with the Chord CPM2600 system?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The review describes using the Raysonic CD128, Pioneer PD-91 and Pioneer RT-909 as source components.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Does the review discuss bi-amping with the Chord amplifiers?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes. The review describes using the CPM2600, SPM600 and SPA1032 in different configurations including bi-amping.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n\n\u003C\/script\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- VISIBLE FAQ SECTION (ON PAGE) --\u003E\n\n\n\u003Csection style=\"margin-top:30px; padding:20px; background:#f9f9f9; border-left:4px solid #46b0dc;\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch2 style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003E\n\nFrequently Asked Questions\n\n\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv style=\"margin-top:15px; line-height:1.7; font-size:15px;\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch3 style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003E\n\nIs the Chord CPM2600 an integrated amplifier?\n\n\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003E\n\nYes. The Chord CPM2600 is reviewed as an integrated amplifier that was also used with external Chord power amplifiers including the SPM600 and SPA1032.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch3 style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003E\n\nWhich Chord power amplifiers were used with the CPM2600 in this review?\n\n\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003E\n\nThe review describes using the Chord SPM600 and SPA1032 with the CPM2600 in different system configurations.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch3 style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003E\n\nWhat loudspeakers were used during the Chord amplifier review?\n\n\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003E\n\nThe review describes listening with DALI Helicon 800 MK2 loudspeakers and Harbeth SHL5 loudspeakers.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch3 style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003E\n\nWhat sources were used with the Chord CPM2600 system?\n\n\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003E\n\nThe review describes using the Raysonic CD128, Pioneer PD-91 and Pioneer RT-909 as source components.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch3 style=\"margin-bottom:6px;\"\u003E\n\nDoes the review discuss bi-amping with the Chord amplifiers?\n\n\u003C\/h3\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003E\n\nYes. The review describes using the CPM2600, SPM600 and SPA1032 in different configurations including bi-amping.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/section\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- CONTINUED IN PART 6 --\u003E\n\n\u003C!-- ABOUT AUTHOR --\u003E\n\n\n\u003Csection style=\"margin-top:30px;\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch2\u003E\n\nAbout the Author\n\n\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp\u003E\n\n\u003Cstrong\u003EJosie Willow-Hecate Lewis\u003C\/strong\u003E â audiophile equipment reviewer with more than 30 years of experience covering analogue turntables, valve amplification, loudspeakers, studio monitoring systems and high-end hi-fi design.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/section\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- RELATED CONTENT --\u003E\n\n\n\u003Csection style=\"background:#f9f9f9;border-left:4px solid #46b0dc;margin-top:30px;padding:20px;\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ch2 style=\"margin-top:0;\"\u003E\n\nExplore More Amplifiers Reviews\n\n\u003C\/h2\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin:0;\"\u003E\n\nDiscover more detailed Amplifiers reviews, comparisons and listening impressions from the Tannoyista archive.\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cp style=\"margin-top:12px;\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/search\/label\/Amplifiers?max-results=6\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003E\n\n\nBrowse all Amplifiers reviews on Tannoyista\n\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/p\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/section\u003E\n\n\n\u003C!-- BRANDING --\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; margin-top: 30px; text-align: center;\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003E\n\n\n\u003Cimg\n\nalt=\"Tannoyista High-End Audio Reviews\"\n\nborder=\"0\"\n\ndecoding=\"async\"\n\nheight=\"214\"\n\nloading=\"lazy\"\n\nsrc=\"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEh-guUQpmMz8Eyh3lvdKyalL8vC3Ws4oBxPbHmJkl9E5m0lZYfWEpq25wYSW_H4DS7heEzGghftajQH5-pYbmibhjo0Xmo3hfuUxhir6AKF7swHMOkmrqW5AQQG7GgK9KCYk

2B2sOQrj-FBg\/w640-h214\/Tannoyista_title_logo.png\"\n\nwidth=\"640\"\n\n\/\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/a\u003E\n\n\n\u003C\/div\u003E"},"link":[{"rel":"edit","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7914857458101136851\/posts\/default\/2138182922803975873"},{"rel":"self","type":"application/atom+xml","href":"https:\/\/www.blogger.com\/feeds\/7914857458101136851\/posts\/default\/2138182922803975873"},{"rel":"alternate","type":"text/html","href":"https:\/\/www.tannoyista.com\/2010\/09\/chord-cpm2600-spm600-spm1032-amplifiers.html","title":"CHORD CPM 2600, SPM 600 \u0026 SPA 1032 Amplifiers - Review 2009"}],"author":[{"name":{"$t":"Tannoyista"},"uri":{"$t":"http:\/\/www.blogger.com\/profile\/12998016317024529054"},"email":{"$t":"[email protected]"},"gd$image":{"rel":"http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail","width":"32","height":"17","src":"\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEiAAxNWz8Jt-7PjeCc0k-5WPWSwAY5JPLJTyacilpESBIG0Yn8zis41cmiV-he3wxpxO8vbdLsi4n1MzAVnHenKikaw1JIXk8lZ6KlEsWRLmDfNxxdkSQejJTDuc2oM6Fg\/s149\/tannoyista.png"}}],"media$thumbnail":{"xmlns$media":"http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/","url":"https:\/\/blogger.googleusercontent.com\/img\/b\/R29vZ2xl\/AVvXsEjlebG-2T7XB2rt0hCsEjO2E3H3po9n_fhSfIDHV-2g0IA_4CEOtiYMBK97BSUs9TlE3cpJT8x1qVT-tXF-tXjyNQJrAfEZ_QZAJBruuQiYMbJzKpuxzjGOShDdunCAxGpho5oI0icc7sct\/s72-c\/SLIDE_CHORD.jpg","height":"72","width":"72"}}]}});

Line numbers count LF bytes from the start of the resource, as the search results do. Vendor segments are library code the classifier recognised; they are stored but not indexed. Bytes are shown as Latin1 characters, one per byte.