£79,500

The S500 Stereo Amplifier

Superior performance. Amplified.

Powered by innovation.

The world’s leading DACs needed an amplifier to match. The result was a clean slate design that could meet our DAC’s ultra high dynamic range head on. With the amplifier’s architecture optimized in critical areas, audio performance, longevity, and an ability to drive any speaker became our principal design parameters. We redefined the idea of what an amplifier can be, embedding the S500 with a fully modular design alongside a 1.0 Farad Power Core, a matched impedance input stage and an all billet CNC case. The finest amplifier we’ve ever created, the 500 series redefines excellence and sets a new bar in the industry.

Design without compromise.

The S500 features a discrete design featuring a class A matched impedance input stage. This result is a product with minimized signal reflections, input noise, and distortion while also maximizing power transfer and dynamic range in a zero negative feedback design. With custom low-noise high-current toroidal transformers and rugged high-current output buffers, the S500 provides a transparent, holographic listening experience that’s completely fatigue free. All components were meticulously chosen for their sonic performance and longevity, ensuring your amplifier is built to last.

Billet CNC heatsink.

The 500 series amplifier is designed and lovingly crafted in our factory based in California. Each of the heatsinks start out as a 51lb aluminum block before sixty percent is removed over eight hours of machining, resulting in 17.5 lbs of refined aluminum. This high efficiency design provides a surface area of over 10,000 in² per amplifier. What’s more–the fin thickness is slightly varied to help reduce resonances and ringing in the heatsinks, while multiple high power heat pipes distribute heat evenly for optimal thermal and electrical performance.

Core values.

Building the 500 series amplifiers with a core enclosure greatly improved their reliability and performance. Upon completion, the cores are rigorously tested and stocked for orders, ensuring the highest quality product is ready at a moment’s notice. With this segmentation, your system is optimized for performance and resilience.


Smart control features.

The S500 is equipped with a simple, user-friendly control interface. Intuitive push buttons, remote commands, and the 12V triggers guarantee control over power and standby modes. Further control of amplifier “power on” timers and soft-start circuits allow a multi-amplifier system to power up without putting strain on your listening room’s electrical system.

Powerful configurations.

Intuitively oriented speaker lugs direct your speaker cables in the right direction without strain. Multiple ground posts enable EMI reduction strategies, including shielded cables and system star grounds. A 20 amp IEC connection is provided for high current delivery, while three gain settings optimize dynamic range for any speaker.

Anodized finishes.

Elegant yet commanding, our finishes are available in a matte silver or matte black anodize. Any audiophile M6X1 foot can be installed to optimize your system.

Specifications

Static Power Consumption270 Watts On Standby power less than 2 watts
Operating Voltage Range120/240V (Autoswitching) 100V (Fixed)
Fuse1/4"x1-1/4" 15A 250V Slow Blow
Input2x XLR Input
Output1x Binding post set per channel
ControlsGain switch Input Impedance Switch On/Off Button Standby button Display Dimmer 12V Mode Switch 2x MSB 12V trigger port
Continuous Power Output (8Ω) < 1% distortion500 W
Continuous Power Output (4Ω) < 1% distortion900 W
Frequency Response (20 to 20kHz)±0.025dB
Signal to Noise (20 to 22kHz)>136dB (>140dBA)
Equivalent Input Noise (22kHz BW)0.5μV
Crosstalk @ 2kHz<-110dB
Low Gain (75Ω source impedance)16.2dB
Medium Gain (75Ω source impedance)22.2dB
High Gain (75Ω source impedance)28.2dB
Input Impedance (User Selectable)75Ω / 300Ω / 1.2kΩ
Output Impedance (20 to 20kHz)0.07Ω
TopologyInput/Gain Stage - Class-A - Double balanced - Impedance matched - Fully discrete - Independent power and transformer Output Stage - Class-AB - Balanced - High bias - Current gain only
Chassis DimensionsWidth: 15 in (381 mm) Depth: 23.25 in (590 mm) Height: 10.5 in (267 mm) Without Feet 11 in (279 mm) With Feet Weight: 135 lbs (61.25 kg) Product Feet: M6X1 Thread 3 or 4 Foot Configuration
Shipping DimensionsWidth: 23 in (585 mm) Depth: 35 in (889 mm) Height: 21 in (534 mm) Weight: 194 lbs (88 kg)
Included AccessoriesUser Manual IEC C19 Power Cord