In Q1 2003, we got a request from a customer interested in using NorhTec computers to create a 150 wpc amplifier with a "full-bit" switching power supply. "Full-bit" power supplies are more efficient and deliver a higher percentage of their available power to the amplifiers output stage. In order to bid on this project, we needed to develop a switching power supply and we needed to use a design other than the TDA7294 that is the heart of the nOrh Multiamp and Le Amp. The opportunity was a bid opportunity where we had to develop a prototype prior to award. We decided to use this new design as the foundation for our new products. The Multiamp was introduced almost five years ago. The Multiamp was one of the first high-end amplifier that used an Op Amplifier. In its power range, the Multiamp sounded as good as many much more expensive amplifiers. Curt Wishman of IRD designed Le Amp and the IRD Audio mb100 using the same device. The new amplifier improved bass performance and squeezed even more power out of the TDA 7294. In order to get to 150 watts RMS, we needed a new design.

All great amplifiers require sufficient power. Le Amp II uses a full-bit 800 V/A switching power supply. This means there is a 1600 V/A capacity for two channels. Le Amp's switching power supply is very advanced. While this power supply could have built three years ago, it would have cost ten times what it now costs us. Although the cost to build a high powered switching power supply is much lower, the know how to build one is as rare as it was three years ago.

The reason we are now able to offer a switching power supply is because NorhTec is contracting to build thousands of fanless switching power supplies for their computers.

Conventional power supplies use transformers. Nelson Pass says that the typical power supply in a 200 wpc system should weigh 200 pounds.

I have a 15 year old Bedini 250 watt per channel amplifier. The unit comes with a 600 V/A IE Core transformer. I have been using the Bedini with a step down transformer as it was designed for 120 volts while we have 240 volts here in Thailand.

I had the power supply in my Bedini replaced with our own 800 V/A power switching power supply. The sound was faster, more dynamic and more detailed. What was most impressive was that the amplifier was now much lighter than before.

Le Amp has a CLASS A gain JFET gain stage. Many high-end amplifiers that claim to be CLASS A or Pure CLASS A only use CLASS A for their gain stage. Even amplifiers that have CLASS A for their output stage only operate in CLASS A up to a small amount of power. We believe that the Le Amp II design can compete head-to-head with some of the best amplifiers available. We are using Toshiba devices as these are among the most linear available. Many of the most expensive amplifiers in the world use the same parts. The output stage is based on a CLASS A/B bipolar devices by Toshiba.

Toshiba 817 / 1047 devices

Le Amp II uses no negative feedback. We use a DC Servo circuit so there are no capacitors in the signal path and no DC offset. Le Amp II will put itself into standby if there is no input signal. Le Amp with then turn itself on when it senses an input signal. Le Amp will be completely protected from thermal and shorts. There is a relay that disconnects the loudspeakers as soon as Le Amp II is turned off and doesn't connect the loudspeakers until the power comes up to full.

Le Amp is designed so that the power board and power supply boards can be easily swapped out. This means that repairs can be made by swapping out any failed board. We plan to put a diagnostic system into Le Amp that will show what board has failed.

Think about it. 180 watts, CLASS A JFET input, Bipolar Output, 800 V/A switching power supply, DC Servo, and no negative feedback. How much would a Stereo amplifier with 1600 V/A power supply cost? We are talking very high-end territory here.

I was surprised seeing the June 2003 issue of Stereophile. The front page had a photo of a Perreux R200i integrated amplifier. The reason I was surprised was that the heatsinks looked a lot like the heatsinks we had custom ordered for our unit. From the photo, the heatsinks looked smaller but they looked very similar. Even more striking was that they were using an aluminum faceplate with a screen. This was ironic because we were also going after the same look.

I opened up the issue and started reading about the 200i. The article said that the amplifier is rated at 200 watts per channel. Our amplifier is also rated at 200 watts. Then I read that the 200i used six Toshiba MOSFETs per channel. We use six Toshiba devices per channel. We use three Toshiba JFETS for the gain stage and three Toshiba bipolar for the output. Like us, they also have an XLR connector.

The 200i looks like an outstanding integrated amplifier. The price includes a preamplifier. I am not trying to compare Le Amp 2 to the Perreux unit. I have not heard it but I do know Perreux builds outstanding products. The point is that just because Le Amp 2 is inexpensive ($300 each), doesn't mean that it sacrifices anything. We have built Le Amp 2 to be as good an amplifier as we can -- not just to build a high powered/low cost amplifier.

Le Amp 2 has turned out to cost us more than we expected. The large custom heatsinks have turned out to be very expensive. We have added the balanced inputs, upgrade the unit to 200 watts and improved the overall look. I believe everyone will agree that these features and this look is completely unexpected at this price. We want Le Amp 2 to be our flagship solid state amplifier for a long time. We believe that Le Amp 2 completely redefines what is possible for a low cost amplifier. We believe that Le Amp 2 is a stunning achievement. Prev < Introduction|Top|Next > Pricing