Description

If you are ready to hear your music at its absolute best, a separate stereo pre-amplifier and power amplifier is what you really need.

The Arcam C31 pre-amp provides a level of performance and flexibility that will convince you that your music can sound even more amazing than you thought possible. We're convinced it will offer a new experience in listening to even the most seasoned listener. Key to the C31's sophisticated sound is a low noise supply which ensures a solid soundstage. This works in much the same way as a tripod provides a base for exceptionally clear and detailed photographs. The C31 pre-amp uses the latest generation volume control and amplification components.

It features hermetically sealed reed relays that will switch greater than 50 million operations fault free and have immeasurable distortion and noise. The four-layer printed circuit board allows for the cleanest possible power supply and grounding layout as well as ultra short signal paths. Critical components benefit from the use of sorbothane dampening material to minimise the microphonic effects that can mask low level detail in the music.

The C31 comes equipped with both single ended and balanced output stages. You can use the single ended phono outputs to connect to an adjacent power amplifier; or where long cable runs are used with Arcam's p1 monobloc amplifiers, better results can be obtained by using the xlr balanced outputs provided. The C31 also incorporates a separate high quality headphones output that is driven by a separate headphones amplifier section.

The C31 also uses carefully selected audiophile grade components throughout. Using cutting-edge dampening materials and a superior chassis gives the C31 a further sound advantage over its competitors. Perhaps you have a treasured vinyl collection. To get the best sound from your vinyl, the C31 has an optional very high-quality phono stage module for moving coil and moving magnet cartridges. The C31 pre-amplifier has Arcam's sophisticated software system control that allows you to switch inputs without changes in volume level. fmj has always featured the best technology and design expertise available. The C31 represents state of the art performance that will raise the standard of music reproduction to our highest ever level.

Description

The Arcam P1 concept is simple yet stunning: take the latest in feedback amplifier technology, combine it with a huge power supply for each channel, add a team of engineers who worry over every detail and spend months listening and fine tuning. The resulting creation is one of the finest power amplifiers on the market and Arcam's first monobloc amplifier.

Description

Bryston BP-6C: The Bryston BP-6 C-Series preamplifier is a simplified state of the art preamplifier offering 4 high level stereo inputs. Bryston’s BP-6 combines outstanding function with complete musical accuracy. It provides an exact duplication of the original recording experience, without distortion or coloration.

Bryston proprietary Class A Discrete Operational Amplifiers are used throughout. All signal circuitry is fully discrete to avoid the compromises, phase shift and nonlinearities inherent in IC’s.

Controls are practical and convenient: source switching, tape monitoring, mute, balance and volume. The BP-6 features four high level inputs. Output is provided by two pair of single-ended RCA outputs. A headphone output on the front panel allows for monitoring and private listening. A motor driven volume up/down hand held remote control is also available as an option if required. No internal wiring is designed into Bryston’s preamp circuitry. Components plug directly into boards, eliminating variations in signal travel and wire interaction. Volume controls are laser trimmed to within 1/4 dB accuracy for a firm image balance between the left and right channels. Low output impedance and high current availability allow you to run long cables between the preamp and power amp without any loss of frequency response, so you can position your amp as close to your speakers as possible.

The BP-6 is also available with an optional internal MM Phono Stage (BP-6P) input or our now famous Digital (DAC) input BP-6 DA if required.

The BP-6DA has a coaxial S/PDIF digital input. Anyone who is tired of the marginal sound quality coming from the analogue outputs of their CD or DVD player should strongly consider this system. The Bryston DAC provides an easy upgrade path that will substantially increase the resolution of your audio system.

Optional Remote $749

Description

Bryston BP-16C: The new Bryston BP-16 is based on our world famous B-100 SST integrated amplifier. In fact the BP-16 is the identical preamplifier section from the B-100. Technical specifications are identical to the B-100 amplifier section (see pg 8). This provides a very cost effective solution for us to manufacture a full-featured versatile preamplifier for our customers.

The BP-16 is a state of the art analog stereo preamplifier which utilizes ‘software’ control. The software allows us to provide many more features and functions while still adhering to traditional fully discrete analog circuits throughout the preamplifier. An example of how innovative this new BP-16 is at maintaining the superiority of discrete analog class A circuits while taking advantage of the ‘software control’ is in our new digitally controlled volume.

The digitally controlled volume utilizes a resistance network on a chip. This technology, in reference to the signal path, is still implemented in the analog mode. It offers many advantages, for instance perfect channel balance, a simple integrated balance adjustment without additional parts, practically zero adjustment noises, first class behavior in reference to noise and distortion, as well as adjustment via software.

Optional Remote $999

Description

Bryston BP-26C: Bryston's BP26 series preamplifiers offer a significant step forward in capturing the subtleties, nuances and emotions of recorded music. Designed inside and out to reflect the improvements in the entire Bryston line, these preamplifiers are a perfect match to our new SST series of amplifiers. All aspects of the signal flow are greatly improved, with lower noise and distortion figures, and higher overload levels.

FEATURES INCLUDE

All BP26 series preamplifiers are housed in steel cabinets for shielding to reduce electromagnetic interference effects. Buffered inputs provide for lower distortion and improved linearity from source components. A ground plane has been incorporated in this new design to further reduce crosstalk and noise throughout the internal circuitry. The power transformer is mounted externally to eliminate power-supply noise interference.

Each and every BP26 series amplifier is assembled by hand and burned in for 100 hours to ensure performance for many years to come. It is backed by a 20 Year Warranty - unrivaled in the industry.

Would you like a free Bryston CD player?

Limited offer-Till the 31/12/09 if you purchase a Bryston BP26 Pre-amp, MPS2 Power Supply with a 4 BBST Power Amp at $13,497 you will receive a Bryston BCD-1 CD Player worth $4499 for FREE.

See Promotion

MM/MC Phono Option $2199

MM Phono Option $999

DAC Option $2199

Description

Bryston 2BSST: The first 2B started life way back in 1979 and has become a Classic among discriminating audiophiles worldwide. This latest version of our 2B incorporates all the new SST2 circuitry and provides twice the power of our original 2B.

From input to output, all the circuitry in the 2B SST2 amplifier has been optimized for the most accurate performance possible. The Bryston 2B SST2 amplifier is a compact, high quality 100 watt per channel, (8 ohms), stereo amplifier intended for use in home sound systems requiring a musically accurate, extremely reliable, no compromise power source.

While the 2B has for years been thought of as an exceptionally lucid and transparent amplifier for traditional two-channel stereo setups, it is now finding additional acceptance in such installations as multimedia surround-sound systems, and in the most ambitious music systems with multi-amplified speakers using electronic crossovers.

Description

Bryston 3BSST: The 3B SST2 stereo amplifier, at 150 Watts per channel at 8 ohms, provides all the sonic virtues and the same high value as our more powerful 4B SST2 but in a package which is both compact and less costly. Historically, the 3B has found favor in a wide range of audio/video systems which call for medium to high amounts of power but wish to avoid sacrificing sonic accuracy and long-term reliability.

Description

Bryston 4BSST: The Bryston 4B is something of a legend. As our most popular model, it has attained international status as an amplifier suitable for the finest and most sophisticated sound systems. In its latest incarnation, the 4B SST2, it is a dual mono design delivering a massive 300 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms. Whatever the venue, be it recording studio, concert stage, broadcast facility, home theater installation, or state-of-the-art stereo system, the 4B SST2 continues as the number one choice.

Audio Legend:

The 4B SST2 is a pure dual mono design and offers 300 watts per channel into 8 Ohms, 500 watts into 4 Ohms and over 1000 watts available in bridged mono mode.

Description

Bryston 7BSST: The 7B SST2 single-channel amplifier employs a balanced-output design that reduces THD and IMD to unprecedented low values (typically 0.001% or less).

With a low noise floor (typically below -118dB) and excellent signal tracking characteristics (slew rate of 120 Volts per microsecond), the 7B SST2 monoblock assures a new degree of transparency, musicality, and ease of listening.

Capable of delivering a truly prodigious 600 Watts continuously into 8 Ohms, and with tremendous power reserves, the 7B SST2 offers virtually perfect freedom from overload on any type of speaker or music.

Description

Bryston 14BSST: Probably the best value "esoteric" high power 2-channel amplifier on the market today, the 14B SST2 is basically a pair of 7B SST2 amplifiers on a single compact chassis.

Its superbly low noise floor yields an inky black silence between notes for hauntingly realistic reproduction. As a dual mono modular design, it has the power to drive, with breath-taking ease and clarity, speakers which have been considered "impossible" loads in the past.

Description

Bryston 28BSST: To design a state of the art 1000 watt power amplifier that does not compromise performance at 1/10th power.

A significant part of the design criteria for the 28B SST 2 was to develop a very powerful amplifier that would drive any speaker on the planet but maintain an ideal power curve at 1 watt as well as at 1000 watts and every power level in between. Most amplifiers exhibit a power curve whereby the best noise floor, drive capability and distortion is maintained from about 1/3 power and up.

The Bryston 28B-SST 2 Mono amplifier maintains its power curve right from the first watt. This results in a BIG POWERFUL amplifier that sounds incredibly detailed and musical at very low levels and maintains that same sophistication and drive capability with even the most difficult, inefficient speakers, large or small.

The Bryston 28B-SST 2 is a fully balanced output amplifier (BRIDGED), which has reduced THD and IMD to unprecedented low values, (typically 0.001% or less), for a new degree of transparency, musicality and ease of listening. Superbly low noise floor, typically below – 115dB, yields an inky black silence between notes for hauntingly realistic reproduction. Tremendous power reserves give the 28B-SST 2 virtually perfect freedom from overload on any type of speaker or music, bringing the performance and realism directly into your listening environment. The 28B’s ability to resolve subtle musical details has to be heard to be believed – it truly sets a new standard : Mission accomplished.

Absolute Sound Editors Choice Award 2010

Description

NAD C165BEE: The C 165BEE is an all new design representing a lifetime of design experience from NAD’s renowned Director of Advanced Developments, Bjorn Erik Edvardsen. New semiconductors and improved production techniques such as surface mount devices (SMDs) have created opportunities for performance far beyond expectation when compared to previous products in this price range. Compared to its predecessor the C 162, an improved tone control circuit and revised PCB layout has reduced distortion and noise to unprecedented levels when combined with the high signal capacity of the NAD Class A Gain Modules.

Description

NAD C275BEE: The C 275BEE boasts many upgrades and refinements taken directly from the highly acclaimed NAD Masters Series M3 Amplifier. These include application of Bjorn Erik Edvardsen's innovative and patented Distortion Canceling Circuit in the output stage and BEE Clamp in the power supply. A carefully engineered PCB layout has reduced distortion and noise to unprecedented levels. Taken together, these improvements mark a sharp upturn in performance that simply must be heard, to be fully appreciated.

• 150W x 2 Continuous Power into 4 ohms and 8 ohms
• 250W, 410W, 600W IHF Dynamic power into 8, 4 and 2 ohms, respectively
• PowerDrive™ circuit
• Holmgren Toroidal Power transformer
• All discrete circuitry
• Class A Voltage Stages
• Distortion Canceling Circuit
• BEE Anti-saturation Clamp
• Short signal path from input to output
• All sockets Gold plated
• Soft Clipping™
• ATOLogic 12 volt trigger/ signal sensing input
• Detachable IEC Power Cable
• <1W Standby Power Consumption
• Free of lead and other environmentally dangerous substances

Description

Many of today's stereo and AV amplifiers and receivers have either eliminated the phonograph input altogether, or included a low cost - and low performance - circuit for attaching your turntable. The PP 2 offers superb performance in a clean and simple package for a very reasonable cost. The NAD PP 2 is a vastly improved successor to the very popular PP 1, arguably the most successful device of its kind.

Description

NAD P3: NAD’s PP-3 combines the award winning PP-2 MM/MC Phono Preamp with a high quality Analogue-to-Digital converter with USB interface. Utilizing VinylStudio™ Lite PC Software (CD included - Apple Computers not supported) copy your LPs directly to a PC as either .wav or .mp3 files. Once your analogue LPs are digitized, the music can be burned onto CD-Rs’ or transferred to portable music players. The PP-3 also includes the same analogue outputs as the PP-2 for connection to an analogue stereo system.

The PP-3 phono preamp consists of a low noise discrete MC preamp followed by a low noise opamp-based RIAA MM stage incorporating a 12 dB /octave infrasonic filter to attenuate turntable “rumble” noise. The output feeds the Line Output as well as the soft clipped input of an A/D converter with USB Output. This can be connected to any PC for recording from vinyl disc to PC hard drive. (Apple Computers not supported)

Description

Mono power amplifier

Good sound from sound technology

• Metal case shields the electronics from vibrational and electromagnetic interference
• Trigger in and out
• Gold plated RCA connection sockets
• Outboard power supply included
• Available in black and silver .

Read the Review:

Description

The Parasound Halo JC 2 is a precision analog stereo preamplifier that audiophiles will use to switch between audio source components and to control the output level of the connected power amplifier. While this role may seem relatively simple, many designers and engineers have devoted lifetimes to getting it right.

According to Parasound's president, Richard Schram, "We conceived the Halo JC 2 in the spirit of the JC 1, commissioning John Curl to design a two-channel preamplifier without compromise. The resulting product achieves a higher level of sonic and measured performance than any preamplifier since Parasound was founded in 1981. The sound of the Halo JC 2 is alive with musical detail against a silent background that will give serious audiophiles both the opportunity and desire to re-explore their music collections."

The JC-2 is intended as a companion to the well-received JC-1 power amp. From the beginning, Parasound made quiet operation a priority. To that end, the unit is a true dual mono design, which reduces inter-channel crosstalk. Balanced inputs and outputs are included (as well as single-ended) for their superior noise rejection. And the JC-2 uses solid aluminum partitions to isolate power and control circuitry from sensitive audio elements.

Read the Review:

Description

The JC 1 is a brawny brute weighing 29 Kgs. It outputs 400W into 8 ohms, 800W into 4 ohms, 135 amps of peak current, and 25W of pure class-A power into 8 ohms. According to a blurb by John Curl that accompanies the amp, the design is "based on a complementary differential J-FET input stage followed by two stages of selected push-pull MOSFETs ultimately driving nine pairs of the most powerful complementary bipolar power transistors that are available today."

Curl describes the JC 1 as an outgrowth of his Parasound HCA-2200 from 1997. The JC 1 has much larger heatsinks, twice the power supply, better internal componentry and layout, and its range of operation in class-A has been extended to 25W, which should be enough to keep it from class-AB operation on all but the most demanding musical passages. Even at idle, the JC 1 puts out plenty of heat, so ample ventilation is critical. A switch on the rear allows users to drop class-A operation down to 10W for placement in tight spaces. The direct-coupled design uses a fast-acting DC servo circuit to keep DC from ever reaching the output. Protection for both amplifier and loudspeaker is also provided by a gold-plated relay, and by current-sensing transistors that will open the relay if the current draw exceeds a predetermined amount, whether due to the impedance dropping below 1 ohm or a short at the speaker terminals.

The Rega Cursa 3 is a high performance audio pre-amplifier using the Improved "type 3" Rega Alpha-Encoder control system comprising of high quality loss-less relays, and a digitally controlled analog switched resistor network volume control. The Cursa 3 is housed in the Rega custom-built extruded aluminum case.

Rega has further improved the technical & sonic performance by using a dual FET differential input stage within the discrete Op-Amp circuit.Evox Polypropylene capacitors have been used in the signal path.

The Cursa 3 is a fully remote controlled (remote control not included) pre amplifier with full flexibility within the range. There are three phono input plug in card options; of Moving Magnet, Moving Coil & standard Line level. There are two Power amplifier outputs, which can be set to any one of the three different output levels. This enables the Cursa to drive most types of power amplifiers.

The Rega Cursa 3 performs superbly with both Rega Power Amplifiers and with some of our other favourite brands...

Rega Cursa 3 with Remote Control $2,300.

MM or MC Phono Stage is an extra $200.

Description

The Rega Maia 3 is an 85 watt per channel high performance audio power amplifier housed in the Rega custom built extruded aluminium case. The amplifier has a fully protected output stage with DC and electronic thermal protection, and a power monitor for both transformers. High quality Evox capacitors have been used in the signal path throughout.

The Maia 3 uses the Rega "common base driver stage" circuit design. Rega used circuit modelling and listening tests to design this amplifier resulting in superb reliability and exceptional sound quality. Sanken 200w output transistors are used in a high current output stage and will drive the most awkward of speaker systems.

The power supply uses two generously rated toroidal transformers with 28,200mF of parallel connected smoothing capacitors, which will provide enough current to drive the hardest of loads.

The Rega Exon 3 is a high performance symmetrical circuit power amplifier housed in the new Rega built extruded aluminium case with heat sink. Rega has improved on the original Exon power amplifier but still kept the same level of sonic performance and synergy as the original.

The Exon 3 Amplifier has a fully protected output stage with DC and electronic thermal protection and supply monitor for both transformers. High performance Evox polypropylene capacitors have been used in the signal path.

The power Amplifier uses a fully symmetrical circuit topology throughout, with a low distortion high linearity and bandwidth common base voltage amplifier driver stage. This type of circuit topology will provide the necessary voltage swing, to enable the Exon to drive the speaker system with the minimum of distortion. Four sanken 200 watt output transistors are used in a "triple" high current output stage, thus enabling the Exon to drive the most awkward of speaker systems. Circuit modelling and listening tests have been used to give the highest level of sonic performance and reliability.

We thoroughly concur with the points listed above and can only suggest that you bring in some favourite albums or CDs and really find out what the British Invasion is all about.

Rotel RC-1550: The RC-1550 delivers an extraordinary level of performance. Its rock-solid power supply is comprised of a custom made toroidal transformer and select grade BHC slit foil capacitors. RC-1550 features six line-level inputs in addition to a phono input for moving magnet cartridges. A convenient contour control allows easy and repeatable timbre adjustments. With two sets of main outputs, a 12 volt “trigger “ jack, and a Rotel-system remote control for both the pre-amplifier and a companion Rotel CD, tuner, or DVD player, the RC-1550 brings the flexibility and sound quality of Rotel separates within easy reach.

Rotel RB-1582: Rotel has been engineering and manufacturing power amplifiers for decades. The RB-1582 presented here is the culmination of everything we have learned to date about amplifier design and sound quality. It showcases our experience in Class AB design with the implementation of select grade components throughout and over-sized power supplies featuring large toroidal transformers. Rugged, stable, and natural sounding the RB-1582 is the ideal foundation for a high performance music system. Features include 12-volt triggers for remote operation and an IEC detachable power cord. The rated output is 2 x 200 watts into 8 ohms.

Rotel RB-1552: The RB-1552 has all of the advanced design features of the higher powered RB-1582, but with a slightly more modest output of 2 x 120 watts into 8 ohms. The rock solid power supply, select grade components, and refined sound are all hallmarks of Rotel’s nearly 50 years in audio design and manufacturing. RB-1552 features include 12-volt triggers for remote operation and an IEC detachable power cord.

The Vincent SA-96: The SA-96 was primarily developed as a prestage for the SP-996. It incorporates an excellent headphone amplifier and, as an additional function, a USB input. This allows you to play your entirely personal music choice by means of a USB Stick or another MP3 player. In this case, the player is operated via the SA-96. It comes with a remote control and a Rec. Out

Available in Black or Silver

The Vincent SA-T1 is a very special hybrid pre-amplifier. The visible tube takes care of the current supply whereas the signal processing tubes are located at the rear part of the pre-amplifier in order to achieve the shortest signal path possible. In a review of STEREOPLAY magazine (07/2003) this pre-amp could demonstrate that it's not only pretty to look at. The verdict of STEREOPLAY was "Top Class" with an outstanding price-performance ratio: "....quite unlike many of its competitors, the SAT-1 did not flatten the musical rendition but was able to display the music's vividness, atmosphere, light and information of space with stunning verve."

Available in Black or Silver

The Vincent SA-T8: A valve prestage to meet the highest standards. Inside, the 4x12AX7 and 3x12AU7 valves provide the perfect pre-amplification for weak signals. The circuitry with its negative feedback design is the optimum of linearity and sound. Gold-plated high-grade Neutrik XLR input and output connectors take the relevant cables, giving the best possible quality, and they guarantee a clean sound.

Available in Black or Silver

Vincent SP-T100: It looks great and sounds as good as it looks., STEREOPLAY's verdict: Top Class with outstanding price-performance ratio. The SP-T100 is a hybrid mono block with tubes in the input stage where voltage is amplified. The power output Amplifier circuitry works without feedback.

The results are: "Gigantic! Marvellous, rock-solid basses, most beautiful sound colours and a brilliant soundstage for a budget price."(STEREOPLAY 07/2003)

Available in Black or Silver

Vincent SP-T800: The best of the bunch. The pre-amplification is by Russian 6922 valves and two 6N6 valves. Eight high-power transistors deliver a powerful 200W at 8 Ohm. The 500W transformer and elcos with a total of 80,000 uF offer excellent bass. The new FET mains connector ensures high signal noise distance in this end stage, very little distortion and a clear and open sound.

Available in Black or Silver