Blue Circle Audio to Release New Class D Amplifiers with “User-Selectable Hybrid” Capability at RMAF 2015
For the first time in its history, Blue Circle Audio is offering a line of power and integrated amplifiers that employ a class D output stage. This newly developed output stage is the result of years of research by Blue Circle’s legendary designer Gilbert Yeung. These amplifiers are not only highly efficient and very powerful; they are also far more musical than what we have all come to expect from your typical class D amplifier.
The 2K line of power amplifiers employ a unique “differential-balanced parallel topology” input stage first developed for their reference-standard NSL power amplifier. The precision-biased class A/B input stage and the class D output stage each get their own separate power supplies. As with all Blue Circle amplifiers, the power supplies are truly massive.
There are four models in the Blue Circle 2K lineup and two versions of each model. The 2K2 is rated at 150 watts per channel into an 8 Ω load. The 2K4, 2K6, and 2K8 are rated at 300 watts, 1000 watts, and 2000 watts per channel respectively. The 2K2 and 2K4 are both bridgeable which doubles their output power. All models are stereo except for the 2K8s which are mono blocks. All models can be ordered with 5 V or 12 V triggers as well as cooling fans for enclosed installations at no extra charge.
Each model in the 2K lineup can also be ordered as a “user-selectable hybrid”. In this configuration a unity-gain 6SN7-based circuit is added to the input stage of the amplifier. The listener can then choose between a purely solid-state operating mode and a hybrid mode, simply with the touch of a switch. What is unique about these selectable hybrids is that they can be switched seamlessly between these two modes while the music is playing. It is like getting two very good, but slightly different sounding amplifiers for the price of one. You get to choose which sound signature sounds best on your system, in your room, on any specific piece of music.
In addition to the 2K line of power amps, Blue Circle will also be introducing two user-selectable hybrid integrated amplifiers at RMAF this year. Both components employ the same class D output stage as the 2K line of power amps. The preamp circuitry is based on Blue Circle’s reference BC107 solid-state line-stage preamplifier. The ELD integrated is a 135 watt per channel into 8 Ω (270 W into 4 Ω) selectable hybrid. The larger ELD-BD, or “Big-Dog”, is rated at 300 watts into 8 Ω and 600 watts into 4 Ω. Like the 2K line of power amps, both ELD models allow real-time seamless switching between solid-state and hybrid operating modes.
These new Blue Circle user-selectable hybrid power and integrated amplifiers offer the listener a unique flexibility and the option to tailor the sound of their system to meet their own personal needs. All Blue Circle audio components are hand-crafted in Canada by Gilbert Yeung.
Company Information:
Website: www.bluecircleadio.com
Inside Sales: Toby Boydell
519-449-1514
