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The world’s leading DACs needed an amplifier to match. The result was a clean slate design that could meet our DAC’s ultra-high dynamic range head-on. With the amplifier’s architecture optimized in critical areas, audio performance, longevity, and the ability to drive any speaker became our principal design parameters. We redefined the idea of what an amplifier can be, embedding the S500 with a fully modular design alongside a 1.0 Farad Power Core, a matched impedance input stage, and an all-billet CNC case. The finest amplifier we’ve ever created, the 500 series redefines excellence and sets a new bar in the industry.
The S500 features a discrete design featuring a class A matched impedance input stage. This result is a product with minimized signal reflections, input noise, and distortion while also maximizing power transfer and dynamic range in a zero negative feedback design. With custom low-noise high-current toroidal transformers and rugged high-current output buffers, the S500 provides a transparent, holographic listening experience that’s completely fatigue-free. All components were meticulously chosen for their sonic performance and longevity, ensuring your amplifier is built to last.
The 500 series amplifier is designed and lovingly crafted in our factory based in California. Each of the heatsinks starts out as a 51lb aluminum block before sixty percent is removed over eight hours of machining, resulting in 17.5 lbs of refined aluminum. This high-efficiency design provides a surface area of over 10,000 in² per amplifier. What’s more–the fin thickness is slightly varied to help reduce resonances and ringing in the heatsinks, while multiple high-power heat pipes distribute heat evenly for optimal thermal and electrical performance.
Building the 500 series amplifiers with a core enclosure greatly improved their reliability and performance. Upon completion, the cores are rigorously tested and stocked for orders, ensuring the highest quality product is ready at a moment’s notice. With this segmentation, your system is optimized for performance and resilience.
The S500 is equipped with a simple, user-friendly control interface. Intuitive push buttons, remote commands, and the 12V triggers guarantee control over power and standby modes. Further control of amplifier “power on” timers and soft-start circuits allows a multi-amplifier system to power up without putting strain on your listening room’s electrical system.
Intuitively oriented speaker lugs direct your speaker cables in the right direction without strain. Multiple ground posts enable EMI reduction strategies, including shielded cables and system star grounds. A 20 amp IEC connection is provided for high current delivery, while three gain settings optimize dynamic range for any speaker.