WHAT THE MANUFACTURER SAYS:

The HQA’s sound performance is underpinned by its generous 2x80W power output, capable of driving the vast majority of speakers on the market. It offers exceptional performance with high-end speakers that are above its price range. The HQA gives the impression of a very low level of distortion with respect for the real dynamics. The sound reproduction seems so pure and free of the veiling that often distinguishes real sound from recorded sound, that you will want to turn up the volume! The HQA is highly transparent, a consequence of its compact design and very wide bandwidth (1Hz to 300KHz). It has a very high level of definition across the entire spectrum, capable of bringing out the tiniest details of a sound recording, the spatial positioning of sound sources and reverberation noise. I’ve put all my expertise and experience into this device to achieve the least noticeable sound signature.

The output is provided by special audio MOS transistors with a high current capacity (16A). The supply to the driver stages is separate from the power supply and incorporates shunt regulation. Great care has been taken to avoid electro-magnetic coupling. The components used were chosen following extensive listening tests and based on experience gained with our CD players. The HQA also features overload and short-circuit protection that protects both the amplifier and the loudspeakers.

IMPLEMENTATION 

The HQA doesn’t overdo it; it gets it just right. The power supply uses a low-noise, low-loss 300VA toroidal transformer followed by several rectifier bridges and capacitive filtering totalling 44,000uF, which is very comfortable for a 2X80W amplifier. It only uses Vishay 105°C capacitors. The chassis is mechanically welded for rigidity, with a non-conductive 6mm PMMA rear panel. This provides mechanical decoupling and reduces electrical coupling between the various connectors (mains – speakers – inputs). The chassis rests on 3 machined Delrin feet, another important detail. The two rotary knobs are machined from solid aluminium. On the scales, the HQA weighs in at a respectable but not outrageous 14 kg. The layout of the printed circuit board is deliberately “spaced out” to make it easy to read and repair in the future. An experienced technician, even without the electronic diagram, should be able to repair this amplifier in 30 years’ time.

CABLING AND CONNECTORS

We have chosen components that guarantee the best sound quality and durability:

• RCA inputs with high-quality gold-plated insulated plugs
• XLR inputs for the compatibility with balanced preamps or sources
• nickel-plated speaker sockets with high current capacity and low mass
• loudspeaker wiring using the new Neodio Fractal 8 wire (8 insulated copper strands twisted in a pseudo-random fashion and covered with cotton)

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS