Super Separates and Ascendant Integrated Amplification

 

It wasn’t only convergence being spoken of in the high end, however. Stalwarts of the old school still commanded attention and deservedly so. Notably, the eagerly awaited Cambridge Azur separates–the 840E preamp ($1499) and 840W amplifier ($2199)–were displayed, and should be shipping by April. The 840E will feature eight inputs including a balanced pair, input gain trims, nameable tone controls, and a customizable front-panel display.

The 840W pumps out a healthy 200Wpc via second-generation Class XD–a design that, according to Cambridge “gives pure Class A operation at low levelsâ€? and moves “smoothly into an enhanced version of Class B at higher levels.â€? It can be set up to run in a biamp configuration or in bridged mode, which yields 500W in mono. Both units will be available in black or silver.

I also enjoyed a sweet demo of the Electrocompaniet five-channel amplifier system that should make both cinema and stereo hobbyists happy. Fed by the EMP-1 Multiplayer ($11,000) and the EC 4.9 Complete pre/pro ($8500), the five channels of amplification reside in a pair of amps–the AW3×120-M three-channel ($9400) and the AW2×120-M two-channel ($7400). Linked by microprocessors and remote control, they selectively can output in 5-channel mode; however, if the listener so desires, a mere flick of a button switches each amp into 400W bridged two-channel mode (the third channel of the three-channel amp is bypassed).

 

The recent surge in uptown integrated amplification continues as audiophile icon Pass Labs unveiled its first-ever integrated, the oversized and intimidating INT-150 ($6500). In typical Pass fashion it outputs 150W into 8 ohms and doubles that number into 4 ohms. No wonder it bristles with heavy heatsinks. Based on the company’s acclaimed X-150.5 stereo amplifier, the INT-150 embodies the design technology and refinements–including patented Super-Symmetry circuit–of the X150.5 and Pass Labs’ larger X.5 Series amplifiers.

 

The Jeff Rowland Design Group rolled out the Continuum, an integrated amp available in two iterations based on the Class D technology of JRDG’s 501 and 201 monoblocks. With a choice of 500Wpc or 250Wpc, driving any loudspeaker should be a walk in the park. The 500 version ($8800) adds active power factor correction (PFC) and universal AC input voltage for a new level in power conditioning. The 250 version is $7200. Quality is inimitably Rowland, with chassis and lustrous casework that would make Tiffany & Co. envious.

Finally, GamuT has added the 120Wpc Si-100 ($5000) integrated to bolster the success of its integrated $10k flagship, the DI-150. It combines prodigious headroom in a more compact, lower-profile package.

Next: Now Shipping from Boulder, NuForce
 

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