T100SPA Stereo Power Amplifier

Technology

Using current feedback with exceptionally high bandwidth and a minimal component count, this solid-state class A/B stereo power amplifier gives a gripping and propulsive performance.
Our new amplifier module uses state-of-the-art surface-mount technology to reduce circuit inductance which also allows us to ensure that we keep everything in one box. Each amplifier module is mounted directly on the heatsink with a single pair of MOSFET transistors, ensuring that lead inductance is minimal. This arrangement means that the T100SPA delivers awe-inspiring levels of detail and realism.
Power amplifiers are often severely disadvantaged by high levels of microphonic noise, robbing the signal of dynamic energy and accuracy. The T100SPA benefits from our QPower™ system incorporating d.c. blocking, high-frequency noise reduction and vibration isolation of the transformer and bridge rectifiers from the audio boards. This decoupling of vibration prevents board components from generating erroneous microphonic-generated noise. This is essential for a power amplifier to drive even the most demanding speakers.
Inputs and outputs are decoupled from the preamplifier using our proprietary EMI/RFI absorption. This technology is a highly efficient bi-directional high-frequency block preventing intermodulation with the musical signal. Uniquely, this technology does not disrupt the musical signal in any way, thanks to our patented approach.
That’s a lot of technology to squeeze into a single box. This proved to be one of the biggest engineering challenges faced by our designers. The result is an amplifier that reveals even the tiniest detail and can truly keep pace with the music.

Specifications

Technology

Using current feedback with exceptionally high bandwidth and a minimal component count, this solid-state class A/B stereo power amplifier gives a gripping and propulsive performance that is truly class-leading.

High levels of microphonic noise often severely disadvantage power amplifiers, robbing the signal of dynamic energy and accuracy. During the development phase, our primary objective of this design was to prevent these effects. The culmination of this work has achieved this goal in four ways:

• With a robust power supply employing a custom-wound transformer and low-microphonic components, all fully coupled to our patented absorption matrix technology. Using the highest-grade Japanese steel at its core, our transformers have a higher magnetic flux density, ensuring clean power even when the amplifier works with the most demanding asks.
• By using significant vibration protection in and around the sensitive analogue input stages.
• By employing a dual-mono topology. Critically, this includes independent low resonance and acoustically disruptive heatsinks for the left and right output devices.
• An exceptionally high-quality filter using Audio Note Kaisei non-polar capacitors results in a low impedance and highly responsive power supply.
• Deployment of the QPower™ noise suppression system.

QPower™ is the system around the d.c. power supply to the audio boards and the IEC socket to the rear panel. When an amplifier is asked to provide power in demanding situations, the power supply transmits vibration that is often transferred into the audio electronics backwards through the mains connection and forwards into the audio boards. Although not often observable to the human ear, this vibration causes electronic components to exhibit noise known as microphonic, adding to the musical signal through intermodulation.

The first major vibration source is when the transformer exceeds its magnetic flux density. In this case, it is possible to hear the vibration resulting, and despite views that this does not impact the performance of the audio circuits, nothing could be further from reality. It can also be very annoying to listen to! One persistent cause of transformer hum is a d.c. offset, which is increasingly caused by the prevalence of LED light bulbs. We use a non-intrusive approach to blocking the d.c before it reaches the transformer’s primary windings. Our toroidal transformers are designed to be silent and stay that way.

Even though we cannot hear further vibration in the transformer, we know it is there and still causing havoc in electronics upstream to the mains and downstream to the audio boards. Here, we use an internal version of highly acclaimed Peak Mains Modules inside the amplifier.

Next, we handle the problem of bridge rectification vibrating at approximately 100Hz and its associated harmonics cascading into the rest of the circuit. This is done by building the rectification and DC smoothing circuits directly on top of our absorption matrix before the output is sent to the DC rails on the board.

The T100SPA uses a total of 5 modules in its QPower™ configuration, and the result is less pollution of the critically important phase information needed to demonstrate realism and musical presence.

Casework is machined using high-grade aluminium and uses Quiescent proprietary techniques for managing vibration and electrical noise. The Quiescent heatsinks are carefully crafted to dampen any remaining vibration and prevent signal damage in the audio boards. The top of the unit is a high-grade, non-metallic plate preventing the unwanted effects caused by the Faraday cage. All casework is made to our design, and we never buy off-the-shelf casework components as they exhibit RFI/EMI characteristics that do not meet our exacting standards.

Addressing vibration problems allows us to maximise the other key features of the amplifier. Current feedback and high bandwidth offer speed and precision that is detailed and transparent with exceptionally low phase error, resulting in superb imaging and soundstage. Additionally, extensive EMI and RFI reduction throughout keeps noise and RF inter-modulation, leading to an unprecedented low noise floor revealing intricate levels of detail, timing, accuracy, and musical expression of the original recording.

Specifications