Class D - but damn good.

The ACOUSENCE pow-amp utilizes analog pulse-width modulation (PWM), an operating principle that first found its way into large-scale industrial manufacturing because it enables the construction of particularly powerful yet compact amplifiers.

Simplified, the input signal, which is in the form of a modulated oscillation, is translated analogically into a sequence of square-wave pulses with a pulse width modulated by the input signal. This pulse sequence is then amplified and finally converted back into a modulated oscillation by an analog low-pass filter.

When this operating principle is placed in the uncompromising service of the highest transmission quality, results can be achieved that would be impossible or very difficult to attain with conventional technology: it combines the speed and delicacy of tubes with the power and low distortion of transistors.

The key to success is the output filter. The final output signal is generated only within the filter. Therefore, this stage is essential in determining the sound of such an amplifier. The bandwidth for the useful signal must be large enough to transmit all sonic subtleties. At the same time, unwanted effects from the process must be kept away from the useful signal. Our multi-stage filter achieves both in an excellent manner.

Another advantage of this operating principle is its high energy efficiency. It breaks the paradigm of conventional amplifier designs, according to which good devices are large, heavy, and produce a lot of heat in order to drive "power-hungry" speakers. We measured it ourselves: one hour of listening to music with the pow-amp consumed only 60Wh, even with the most power-hungry 3-ohm speakers at deafening volumes. Yes, even though impulse powers of up to 1000 watts are possible, music is very dynamic, and on average, only a fraction of that is actually needed over time. In comparison, a 35-watt Class-A power amplifier often "burns" 200Wh just from quiescent current – entirely without music playing.

Triple PSU

A clean and stable power supply for the device is, of course, essential. Added to this are regulatory requirements for efficiency and EMC. Furthermore, the power supply must not interfere with the sensitive audio electronics in its immediate vicinity within the same housing.

Analog input (XLR)

As a standard, an analog input balanced by transformer is provided. Due to high costs, transformers have become increasingly unattractive over the decades. However, especially in today's world, where interference from radiation (Wi-Fi, mobile communications, etc.) poses a serious problem, transformers offer great advantages in connection and interfacing technology.

Fully balanced analog signal processing

After the input stage, the audio signal remains fully balanced up to the power amplifiers. These output the signal symmetrically again, and subsequently, the output filters and speaker outputs are also designed symmetrically. This results in a higher signal-to-noise ratio and greater immunity to interference of any kind.

Output filter

Only at the output of the amplifier is the PWM signal converted by a filter into the modulated oscillation that must be passed on to the loudspeaker. This step is absolutely decisive for the level of quality.

Impedance matching

Because there are known to be different impedances – usually between 4 and 8 ohms – an adjustment to the speaker impedance can be switched on the back of the pow-amp. This individual adjustment specifically linearizes the time response of the filter.

Rated power
2 ohms: 1000 watts
3 ohms: 600 watts
4 ohms: 450 watts
8 ohms: 300 watts

Power supply headroom at all impedances: 1000 watts continuous

2 analog XLR inputs, level up to approx. +21 dBu max., transformer-balanced, impedance 10 kΩ

+6 dB switchable input sensitivity

2 analog speaker outputs via gold-plated Mundorf screw terminals

Frequency response:
20 Hz – 87 kHz

Power supply:
shielded mains transformer + input filter + 1000W SMPS

Input voltage EU version: 230 volts, 50 Hz (standby <0.5W)

Dimensions (WxHxD):
450x139x315 mm (housing) or 450x146x315 mm with feet

Weight: 14 kg

Herstellerangaben:

ACOUSENCE GmbH & Co. KG
5 Eleonorenstraße
55597 , Wöllstein
Germany
info@acousence.de

Verantwortliche Person:

ATR – Audio Trade HiFi – Sales Company LLC
2 Wallufer Street
65343 , Eltville am Rhein
Germany
info@acousence.de