Synthesis A100 Titan Valve Amplifier
In stock
Available - Usually ships within 2-3 days
Features
| Remote Control | No |
|---|---|
| Brand Color | None |
| Warranty The length of time your product is protected by warranty | 2 Years |
| Product Type | Other |
Tech Specs
Valve Amplifier
- Power stage (1 ch.) - 4 X KT66
- Input stage (1 ch.) - 1 X 12AX7/ECC83
- Driver stage (1 ch.) - 1 X 12BH7
- Input impedance - 50KOhm - 75 Ohm (S/PDIF)
- Input sensitivity - 150mV RMS
- Output tap - 6 Ohm
- Configuration - Push-Pull Ultra linear 43% tap
- Power output (1 ch., THD < 1%) - 100W RMS @ 6Ohm
- Frequency response - from 20Hz to 20KHz ± 0.5dB
- Distortion - 1% @ 1KHz (Max Power)
- S/N ratio - >90dB “A” weighted
- Inputs - 4 line inputs
- 1 S/PDIF input - 1 USB input
- D/A Converter - 2 X WM8740, dual mono configuration, 192KHz oversampling
- S/PDIF format - PCM 32-192KHz, 16-24 bit
- USB interface - PCM 16bit 48KHz, standard audio device, no driver required
- Outputs - Pre out (variable level)
- Bias setting - Manual adjustment, independent for each power tube
- Dimensions (w,d,h) - 410x520x235mm
- Weight - 40Kg
- Line power - 117, 230, 245 Vac 50/60 Hz (see rear label)
- Fuse - See rear label
- Power consumption - 450W Max
Remote Control
- Body - Anodized black aluminium
- Transmission type - Infrared
- Protocol - RC5
- Functions - Volume, mute, input selection, st-by
- Batteries - 2 x CR2032
- Weight - 200g
Description
The Synthesis A100 Titan Valve Amplifier is a blend of modern and vintage technology that provides a warm and detailed sound. There are four output valves in each channel. These provide 100 watts of output. The valves are operated in ultra-linear mode for minimized distortion.
The rigid chassis also reduces the chance of any vibration and a newly designed output transformer is used. Moreover, a DAC is built in for CD players and a PC can be connected via USB. Additionally, a remote control is provided. The remote has a CNC machined case and a soft button design. Lastly, there are four analogue inputs and a pre-out.
100 Watts per channel Push-pull output
Eight KT66 valves are used four per channel. These operate in a push-pull, ultra-linear, configuration and provide a rich sound that is faithful to the original. The no-compromise design uses only the best materials and there is a new custom-designed output transformer with a high-grade iron-silicon core.
The tube heaters are DC-powered to prevent hum pickup. Only the best components are used and are sonically chosen for the best sound. Lastly, the tubes are computer-monitored and then selected to have a matching gain.
Rigid chassis
The heavy-weight chassis used for the Synthesis A100 Titan Valve Amplifier uses an extremely rigid “H” structure to mount the PSU and output transformers. This prevents any vibration from reaching the valves.
The feet are made of machined aluminium that has an insert of natural rubber. This minimizes vibration and isolates the unit from external interference.
Built-in DAC
The Synthesis A100 Titan Valve Amplifier can be used as a stand-alone unit as it has a built-in DAC. The DAC is a high-end Wolfson unit that can operate at 24Bit 192KHz. Notably, the DAC can be used for a CD player or to play from a PC. Additionally, a PC can be connected via USB.
Good connectivity
There is a good range of connectivity options with the Synthesis A100 Titan Valve Amplifier. Digital inputs include USB, coaxial, and optical. The output binding posts are gold-plated to prevent oxidization and the RCA inputs are also gold-plated. Four line inputs are provided as is a pre-out that is level controlled.
Why valves?
Valves have been in use for amplification since 1903 and are thought to have a warm and natural sound. The first valves were simple triodes with three terminals. However, the Synthesis A100 Titan Valve Amplifier uses four pentode KT66 valves for each channel. Pentode valves have extra elements to improve the sound. In particular a screen grid.
This is used to operate the KT66s in ultra-linear mode. In this mode, around 43% of the output is fed back to the screen grid. This has the effect of reducing distortion to an unusually low level. The feedback is taken from a tap on the output transformer.
Upgrades
A simple upgrade would be to add a preamp as the Synthesis A100 Titan Valve Amplifier has no tone control or streaming services built in. However, a PC can be connected via USB. Another upgrade would be a phono preamp.
Features
- USB & S/PDIF input
- Four CNC machined aluminium feet with an insert of natural rubber. The depth & form of these rubber feet has been calculated to minimise vibrations of the amplifier in isolation from its surroundings.
- DC Powered tube heater
- Gold-plated ceramic sockets for a continued oxidisation-free connection further improve sound refinement.