Primare A60 High-End Sztereó Végerősítő

We recieved a full info about new high-end components by Primare. The PRE60 is a reference audiophile dual-mono pre-amplifier designed to complement all high-end power amplifiers but chiefly as a companion to its matching A60 UFPD power amp. With these new components Primare reclaims its presence in the high-end music system market, reprising the iconic designs of previous decades with ravishing new separates, complete with state-of-the-art audio streaming performance and striking twotone bodywork. By combining our traditional build quality and analogue circuit design with the finest digital processing, the first 60 series music system represents a major step-up from the 30 series and introduces a new supremely audiophile level of performance to Primares product range. The PRE60 features the comprehensive OLED display and control parameters established by the EISA award-winning I32 integrated amplifier. It is housed in a heavy gauge alloy steel chassis (15-mm front panel), and incorporates two pairs (L/R) of low-noise balanced XLR inputs and 4 pairs of RCA inputs. In addition there are two pairs of RCA outputs and 2 pairs balanced XLR outputs, as well as a record output, RS232, trigger, IR and RF inputs. The PRE60s integrated DAC/media board offers MEDIA/streaming connections such as USB, iPod, LAN etc. It provides up to 24 bit/192 kHz streaming of files from Internet, NAS or PCs, as well as Internet radio content and also a digital audio input from a range of devices including CD players, smart phones, personal players, sat boxes etc. All signal paths are fully balanced and as short as possible. All signal treatments (source selection, volume and channel balance trims) are performed purely in the analogue domain. Unbalanced inputs are converted to balanced signals by a conversion stage buffered by the excellent sounding Burr Brown OPA2134 op-amps and fed to volume and balance controls employing closely matched NJW1195 attenuators in a balanced configuration. Source selection is via high performance signal relays. Balanced signal transmission means that two identical signal lines are used to carry the same signal with opposite phase. Any noise is common to both lines is present in equal amounts and with identical phase. At the receiving end a (differential) receiver retains the opposite phase signals (music) and rejects the common phase ones (noise), leaving only the pure original signal. Balanced circuits therefore keep the signal as free as possible from interference. The four (L/R balanced) single-ended 16-dB gain stage modules are fully separated. Each has its own proprietary PCB. The gain module layout is fully integrated with the PRE60s main PCB and incorporates ultra-short signal paths and only the finest discrete components such as MOSFET transistors, MELF resistors and polypropylene capacitors. Active, well-balanced current sources are used instead of passive resistor networks. The fully-balanced DAC section uses the flagship Crystal DSD DAC CS4398 (same as DAC30). It features an improved output buffer employing a discrete FET output device. To ensure the cleanest signal transfer, a gold pin connection from the media board to analogue pre amplifier stage is used. The PRE60 is DC coupled from input to output. There are no capacitors in the signal path. Instead, active DC servos are used to compensate for any DC present, ensuring that the outputs are always free from DC components. All the front panel control components are kept well separated from the analogue part of the PRE60 by the front panels intuitive design: the electronics are placed between the front panel and the main steel chassis. The PRE60 uses a very high quality, ultra-quiet C-core transformer, custom-made for the role. Discrete analogue and digital power supplies are kept well separated. For the analogue side, a discrete ultra-fast voltage regulation circuit using discrete power transistors is deployed. The power supply capacitor bank is very large (43.000uF) and for lower ESR and best performance, is divided between many smaller capacitors. These measures have produced excellent THD+N and S/N ratio figures for the PRE60. The PRE60 incorporates a very low eco mode for standby. Power consumption is just 0.2 W. In order to minimise high frequency components originating from the standby (high performance switch-mode) power supply when the PRE60 is in operation, the standby supply is switched off when the PRE60 is powered up, and a linear power supply comprising high quality discrete components and the C-core mains transformer takes over. An easy set-up menu is available via the PRE60s graphical display, which is dimmable in four steps. The display auto-dims after a few seconds and returns to programmed brightness at the touch of a control. Set-up includes power-up volume, input re-naming (up to 6 characters), input disabling and trim function (volume and balance) in steps of 1dB, as well as a surround processor bypass feature. The A60 is a reference audiophile, fully balanced 2 x 250W UFPD stereo power amplifier designed to complement all high-end pre-amplifiers but chiefly as a companion to its matching PRE60 pre-amplifier. With the 60 series components, Primare reclaims its presence in the high-end music system market, reprising the iconic designs of previous decades with ravishing new separates, complete with state-of-the-art audio streaming performance and striking two-tone bodywork. By combining our traditional build quality and analogue circuit design with the finest digital processing, the first 60 series music system represents a major step-up from the 30 series and introduces a new supremely audiophile level of performance to our product range. The A60 is designed to provide high power output with very low distortion for our PRE60, as well as multi-channel audio processors. UFPDs instantaneous rise time results in a naturally fast, clean and agile sound over a much wider frequency range and with exceptional headroom. Ecologically the A60 is far superior to conventional Class A/B designs being extremely efficient without generating excessive heat. The A60 houses four discrete UFPD amplifiers (two per channel) in a fully balanced configuration, housed in a heavy gauge alloy steel chassis (15mm aluminum front panel), which provides strength, rigidity, and screening, while being effective at damping vibrations from external sources. Each channel incorporates unbalanced RCA and balanced Neutrik XLR inputs, as well as high quality WBT Nextgen speaker terminals, trigger and RS232 control inputs. Unbalanced input signals are converted to balanced signals by an integral high quality conversion stage. Balanced signal transmission means that two identical signal lines are used to carry the same signal with opposite phase. Any noise is common to both lines is present in equal amounts and with identical phase. At the receiving end a (differential) receiver retains the opposite phase signals (music) and rejects the common phase ones (noise), leaving only the pure original signal. Balanced circuits therefore keep the signal as free as possible from interference. The A60 design employs a discrete, heavy-duty, regulated switch-mode power supply (2600 VA peak) feeding a four-layer board incorporating custom heat sinks, excellent 1% MELF transistors, very short signal paths and optimized grounding for best performance. The A60 is fully protected against DC or overheating by the automatic muting of the loudspeaker output. Van Den Hul SCS12 cable is used for internal connection to the speaker terminals. Primare optimized the performance of the A60s innovative UFPD design with the precise selection of circuit component values and quality, verifying the design with extensive measurement and listening. The use of switch mode power electronics is gaining in popularity as the result of its lower energy consumption and as a way to squeeze more amplifier channels into smaller spaces. Unfortunately Class D amplifiers and their switch mode power supplies have traditionally deserved a reputation for poor audio quality because it is very difficult to produce a full range ‘hi-fi signal through them. A major source of distortion is the demodulation filter on the output which becomes unstable with variations in loudspeaker impedance, unless its controlled by sufficient feedback. The failure to provide enough feedback to cope with dynamic changes in loudspeaker impedance across the audio band results in the ‘classic Class D sound of rising THD with frequency. While very dynamic and vivid initially, it can sound tiring and uncontrolled in the long term, especially when driving complex loads like multi-driver speakers. UFPD (Ultra-Fast Power Device) provides for the possibilities of an audiophile Class D design. It is a Class D technology which has a consistent 26dB feedback loop gain across the entire audio range and is stable way beyond the audio band. This is quite easy to achieve in conventional linear ‘continuous signal amplifiers, but much more difficult in non-continuous high speed switching amplifiers. Rather than have the amplifier and then the filter as discrete stages, the UFPD design integrates the two, making control with feedback much more immediate and accurate. The UFPD amplifier actively adapts the loop gain to keep the total loop stable during start up, clipping and current limit. It senses the changes to the filter output and compensates by applying the precise amount of feedback. This adaptive pole control allows for several more dBs of constant loop gain across the audio band and maintains performance irrespective of load (impedance) variations. UFPD treats all signals equally regardless of frequency or slew rate and has the ability to suppress the filter resonance entirely. Consequently THD is kept very low at all frequencies. With a very wide ‘load independent frequency response UFPD is able to drive any speaker while maintaining control and accuracy.

PRE60 features: - Custom made C-core transformer for very quiet power supply - Power supply capacitor bank is very large (43000uF) - Separate power supply for the analogue pre-amplifier stage and the media board - Four-layer board for very short signal paths and optimum grounding - Excellent 1% MELF resistors - Unbalanced input signal will be transformed to balanced - Discrete regulated power supply for the analogue stage - Selectable 6dB internal gain for High gain inputs - 2 pair XLR output (Neutrik) - 2 pair RCA output (Nextgen) - Switch mode power supply for ECO standby - Heavy duty chasses with 15mm front panel - Media board - Fully balanced DAC section using the Crystal DSD DAC (same as DAC30) - Improved Output buffer with FET output device (discrete) - Gold pin connection from media board to analogue pre-amplifier stage

A60 features: - Fully balanced signal transmission - UFPD technology with 4 output models (2 for each channel) in balanced configuration. - Heavy Switch mode power supplies (2600VA peak) - Excellent 1% MELF resistors - Multi-layer Board (4) for very short signal paths, optimum grounding and best performance - Fully protected (In case of DC or overheating is indicated, the A60 will mute the loudspeaker output) - Custom made heat-sinks for best signal path and performance (direct mount on the PCB board) - High grade WBT nextgen Speaker connectors (two pairs) - High grade WBT nextgen RCA sockets - Neutrik XLR connections - Van Den Hul SCS12 Cable (for internal speaker connection) - Unbalanced input signal will be transformed to balanced - Discrete regulated power supply for the input stage - Heavy-duty chassis with aluminium front panel (15mm) - Integrated LOGO, standby/power button - RS232, trigger in/out