Technics Amplifies Benefits Of DVD-Audio With High Performance Components
DVD-Audio affords new levels of listening enjoyment, opening up a world in which recorded music breathes with both the energy and nuance of a live musical performance. One of the keys to unlocking that level of fidelity, however, is the amplifier. The SE-A1010 power amp and SU-C1010 control amp are only two of a full line of DVD-Audio-ready components from Technics. Meeting the rigid performance specifications of DVD-Audio, these products, according to the company, were specially engineered to give consumers the full sonic benefits of this next-generation music standard. Because DVD-Audioís stereo mode uses a sampling frequency of 192kHz - more than four times that of CD - overtones can be reproduced up to nearly 100kHz and audible digital artifacts disappear. According to Technics, while most modern amps can reproduce such high-end extension, they are unable to deal effectively with the standardís 24-bit resolution (compact disc resolution is only 16-bit). This higher degree of resolution reduces noise far below the practical limits of conventional amplifier circuits. The SU-C1010 control amplifier uses proprietary Variable Gain Control Amplifier (VGCA) technology to deliver DVD-Audio without amplifier circuit noise. Rather than attenuating the input signal and then applying fixed gain again, VGCA uses a feedback circuit to adjust the amplifierís gain for attenuation between 14dB and infinity. VGCA's net result is claimed to be low noise under actual conditions of use. VGCA also achieves a signal-to-noise ratio of 112dB, surpassing that of a traditional amp volume control by up to +12dB. This is vitally important, as it gives listeners a clean background on which detailed musical performances can be painted. Reducing the noise floor also means a correspondingly wider dynamic range before bumping into the distortion ceiling. At 112dB S/N, Technics says that the VGCA opens the doors to a depth and richness of music rarely attainable outside of a live performance. Aside from VGCA, the SU-C1010 and SE-A1010 have several enhancements to ensure clean, clear sound and faithful reproduction. From Ta-Ke II (tah-kay) capacitors for outstanding transparency to an unusual battery drive system to eliminate AC noise, these components are equipped to make the very most of DVD-Audio. SU-C1010 Stereo Control Amplifier Ta-Ke II bamboo fiber in the control amp's capacitor is said to contribute to remarkable clarity and neutral yet powerful sound. This capacitor also features a spiral copper coil around the aluminum case, helping eliminate audible distortion while increasing high-range transparency, for an overall improvement in mid-high range fidelity. Proven in the lab and in the listening room, Technics' Ta-Ke II audiophile capacitors are claimed to deliver dynamic, lifelike sound that preserves the delicate nuances of musical expression. Because AC power is one of the biggest contributors to signal path noise, the SU-C1010 gets around it in an ingenious way: it doesn't use any. When the unit is off, it's built-in NiCad battery is charging, and can deliver up to eight hours of noise-free operation when the amp is switched on. Only when battery strength gets low will the amp switch to AC power. This arrangement keeps the signal path completely separate from the AC power supply, allowing for cleaner audio. Other control amplifier features include Technicsí exclusive ""R Core"" transformer, which the company says helps eliminate magnetic flux leakage for reduced harshness at the high end; an eight-position input selector, including DVD 6-channel, CD and others; a tape monitor button; tone and balance controls; and a remote control that can operate Panasonic and Technics DVD and DVD-Audio players. The amplifier exhibits an elegant aluminum front panel that hints at its high-end performance. SE-A1010 Stereo Power Amplifier The other half of the audio equation is the power amplifier, and the SE-A1010 is equally innovative. Technics takes its own Class AA circuit developed for high power, excellent sound quality and high efficiency, and adds a MOS FET voltage-amplifying transistor and a bipolar transistor current drive amp. The result is an amp circuit boasting the linearity advantages of MOS FET with little voltage loss, at an affordable price. The power amp, which also includes Ta-Ke II capacitors, delivers 70W x 2 stereo output (20Hz - 20kHz, 0.01% THD, 8 ohms). A large needle-type power level meter highlights its matching aluminum front panel. Besides high-tech black, the SU-C1O1O and SE-A1010 come in sophisticated champagne-gold finishes (SU-C1O1ON and SE-A1O1ON). The champagne-gold units can be matched with the champagne gold SH-AC500DN DolbyÆ Digital/DTSÆ Digital Surround decoder for exceptional 5.1 channel surround sound thatís as aesthetically pleasing as it is high performing. Consumers seeking more information on the company's products can call Panasonicís Customer Call Center at 800-211-PANA or access Technicsí home page at www.technicsusa.com. SU-A1O1O Control Amp will be available September, 1999 at a price of $599.95 SE-A1010 Power Amp will be available September, 1999 at a price of $599.95