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Quad Platinum Stereo AmplifierThe engineers of Quad had to spend more than 7 years to develop amplification components of Platinum line. The purpose was the creation of quite a powerful amplifier which could able to groove any speaker system and at the same time have low noise level and high dynamics. According to the words of the manufacturer, Platinum Stereo amplifier turned out to be precisely this. Its output power reaches 150W per channel (at the load of 8 Ohms) with nonlinear distortion less than 0,01%. Such impressive showings are provided by the construction of "double mono", use of selected components in sound path and the branded circuit technic. So, high current Sanken transistors (2SA1216/2SC2922), mounted on the massive heatsinks, are used in the final stages. You can see both linear and balanced inputs on the back panel for the connection of pre-amplifier or source with the regulated output. There are two pairs of speaker screw terminals that provide the possibility of connection with speaker system by bi-wiring scheme. The British amplifier has an extremely focused sound with clearly posed kick and great control in the area of the lowest frequencies. It shows very powerful energy with correct and deep penetration into bass register. For example, in comparison with some other amplifiers the bass guitar here doesn't combine with drum kick that indicates the perfect resolution in bass. We will also note the neutrality of the presentation of musical material among the value features of Platinum Stereo, without audibly noticeable coloring and hard transistor components in the area of HF. The upper range is amazingly clear and free of overhangs, but their loop is very skillfully controlled. Meanwhile, macrodynamics does not struggler here, it rather looks sufficient so you can't refer the model to the followers of impetuous drive. However, there is no lack of dynamic qualities at the listening of the very difficult symphonic compositions. You can complain a little bit about poor transfer of the middle where you inadvertently expect a little more colors. But in most cases we would refer the complete absence of wheeze rather to pluses, because you can always give a characteristic tone to sound (with a help of cables). ![]() |