AMP 8

AMP 8 High End Power Amplifier

In 2012 T+A introduced a unique digital / analogue converter in the form of the DAC 8, which within a very brief time has been widely acknowledged as one of the best of its type; we have been totally overwhelmed by the superb magazine reviews. In basic terms our DAC 8 is capable of everything required to convert all forms of digital source into analogue signals at the highest possible standard of quality. Moreover it is even equipped with an outstanding pre-amplifier and a fully symmetrical „State of the Art“ output stage of discrete circuit layout! It constitutes a High-End machine which maintains the most rigorous standards from start to finish – from the case right through to the mains sections – and actually only lacks one factor to form a complete High-End system: namely an output stage of similar excellence!
Now we can make good the shortfall with the AMP 8, another machine constructed entirely of aluminium: the base plate and top cover are machined from solid 6 mm thick aluminium plates, while the side and front panels consist of aluminium profiles produced using sophisticated extruding tools. This means that the device contains no ferro-magnetic materials of any description which could generate interference. The heavy case rests on vibration-damping absorber feet.
The overall circuit design of the AMP 8 is that of our sensational PA 3000 HV integrated amplifier, which is why the input stage and the voltage amplifier stage operate at much higher voltage potentials (HV – High Voltage concept). The input stage is a cross-coupled J-FET cascode amplifier, while the voltage amplifier stage is a single-ended Class-A Hawksford FET cascode. The output stage is responsible for current amplification, and is equipped with ThermalTrak TM high-performance audio transistors to ensure that the bias point is totally stable and free of inertia effects. The voltage amplifier stage and the current amplifier stage are completely separate from each other, and each has its own power supply. This prevents any feedback effects from the loudspeakers influencing the voltage amplifiers, which are crucial to sound quality. We call this circuit concept ICA (Isolated Current Amplifier), and developed it years ago for our R-series of equipment. The individual stages are of extremely linear, broad-band design, with the result that the AMP 8 requires very low levels of „overall“ negative feedback; the bandwidth is more than 200 kHz! Our engineers have invested tremendous effort in creating a circuit track layout with absolutely minimal inductivity, thereby helping to achieve superb transient and dynamic response. At those points in the circuit which are crucial to sound quality we employ carefully selected audiophile components such as amagnetic Vishay resistors and special WIMA and ELNA audio capacitors!
The mains power supply is designed to cope with extremely severe and difficult loads. Its torroidal transformer generates up to 400 Wattss whilst maintaining low leakage fields, and is capable of driving even very demanding loudspeakers effortlessly. The power supplies for the amplifier stages are completely separate for each channel, and feature their own reservoir capacity and buffering. In consequence there is no trace of interaction of any kind between the channels.
The AMP 8 sounds sensational: vigorous, dynamic, high-resolution yet delicate, subtle and audiophile. The combination of DAC 8 and AMP 8 sets new standards far beyond its price class!