Future-Ready and Loaded with FeaturesDrawing upon its pedigree in pure analog circuitry, Magnum Dynalab introduces its most uncompromising two-channel integrated amplifier. It uses the same Hybrid-Acoustic circuitry found in Magnum Dynalab's MD-209 Audio Receiver, including proprietary 6922 Cryovalve tubes. Loaded with features while boasting premium build quality and audio engineering, the MD-309 is a future-ready centerpiece for a high-performance home audio system. Hybrid-Acoustic TechnologyThe MD-309's unique and proprietary Hybrid-Acoustic circuitry combines the musicality, soundstaging, and audio realism of the company's 6922 CryoTubes with the crisp detail, harmonics, and long life of a solid state device. The simple and efficient treatment of the analog signal throughout the MD-209 is, without a doubt, the hallmark of this marvelously musical component. Magnum Dynalab's Director of Design Zdenko Zivkovic has worked tirelessly to develop the Hybrid-Acoustic design platform as the backbone of this amplifier. This distinctive circuit path delivers the unique combination of long tube life (expected to be greater than seven years under normal use), with high-current output (225 watts into 8 ohms and 450 watts into 4 ohms) in a design that generates half of its gain from the triode stage. The result is reference-quality audio realism and soundstaging of a full triode design combined with the sharp detail and harmonics characterized by the very best solid-state devices. Sophisticated Solid State Output StageThis unique combination of long tube-life and high current output is achieved not by the use of output transformers, which add weight, limit frequency response, and ultimately, harm the harmonics of the resultant signal. Instead, the MD-309 is equipped with an output stage that generates power through the use of 40 Sanken output transistors (10 per phase per channel). These amplify current, rather than voltage, taking critical stress off the 6922 Cryovalve tubes and eliminating the need for traditional output tubes. When combined with a collection of world-leading components -- including Mundorf Supreme capacitors in the tube gain stage, Kimber Hyper-Pure cables throughout the device, and a unique audio stage that delivers the signal fully balanced before the output stage -- the result is a perfect reproduction of the original dynamic signal from the source component. Formidable Power SupplyMagnum Dynalab has also equipped the MD-209 with a 650VA power plant that is more than capable of delivering current to all critical components. A shielded torroidal transformer and 8 Mundorf M-Lytic capacitors delivering 22,000uF each (total of 176,000uF of filtration) both help to ensure that the MD-309 is free of ripple, with zero noise at 60 Hz, 120 Hz and 180 Hz. Finally, each channel has its own axis bridge from the transformer, ensuring an ample reserve of current is available to reach the operating components of the device, making certain current supply is never an issue. Easy and Intuitive OperationWith an intuitive LCD touchscreen and a functional remote, the MD-309 is as easy to operate as it is attractive. The large knobs on the front panel offer the option of manual volume control and input select, and if desired, you can pre-select listening levels for each input. The five analog inputs (two balanced XLR, three single-ended RCA) provide plenty of source options, and includes a SSP (Surround Sound Processor) input, which disengages the preamp section to allow the MD-309 to act as the amplifier for the two mains in multi-channel applications. Finally, in addition to the five analog inputs, the DAC board enables the integration of any digital source into your home audio system, via a USB or coaxial connection. Built-in 24-bit, 192 kHz DACThe superior analog design of the MD-309 necessitated a digital interface board that provided the same high level of performance. This unique circuit design uses two industry leading core components for the receiving and rendering of the digital signal, with the front end of the board driven by the CS8416 192kHz Digital Audio Receiver from CIRRUS Logic, capable of incredibly high performance standards. Magnum Dynalab has taken special care to feed the I2S signal through state of the art components, first through the PCM 2707 DAC chip, then the OPA 827 OP AMP, recognized by many in the field as the best available. When combined with the Texas Instruments PCM1792, 200k Hz current output Delta-Sigma over-sampling DAC for audio rendering and the SRC 4192 full-time upconverting / upsampling DSP, the signal is always operating at 24 bit, 192 kHz, ensuring a perfectly clocked, incredibly accurate output that is virtually jitter-free. The sonic result of this elimination of jitter is immediately recognizable, transforming any digital signal into a focused, clear, and accurate signal in the analog domain.
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Magnum Dynalab MD309 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier Product Reviews | ||
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