LSA Group Standard Integrated Amplifier

Review by James L. Darby

Here
is what we previously said about the Standard:

 “The LSA is an integrated two-channel hybrid tube/solid state
amplifier whose output is 150 watts per channel at 8 ohms and a whopping 800
wpc at 1.3 ohms. At 77 pounds, the amp is massively overbuilt in all stages,
inside and out. The amplification stage is class AB solid state with special
topology to reduce heat and yet produce a high linear output. The pre-amp
section employs two 6922 tubes (one per channel) to give the sound a tube
quality to mate with the very high output solid-state section. It also employs
the use of the Cardas Golden Ratio bypass capacitors in critical circuit areas.

The LSA is fully balanced via 2 XLRs on the rear. The power cord is not captive if you
wish to upgrade.

We are thrilled to report
that there is also a phono pre input for MM
cartridges and hi-output MCs. It is isolated from the rest of the circuitry to
limit noise. Total inputs number

four. Like me, you probably know of several integrateds that
neglect a phono pre. Kudos to LSA for including one.

The quality construction
extends to the remote control as well. It feels like it was cast as a single
block of metal. Solid. It is actually machined aluminum, the type one usually
sees in much more expensive lines.

The remote has the functions most needed without being complex
and fussy. Two buttons turn the volume up and down; another toggles through the
inputs with the last button used for taking the unit in and out of standby
mode. There is a master on/off switch on the rear of the amp.

The design of the remote
and the quiet volume motor allows for the ideal adjustment of volume – not to
fast, not too slow. Sensitive to very slight increments so that the proper
volume level can be set effortlessly.  I have seen much more expensive
amps that will not do that. Another huge plus is that the remote is not finicky
about distance or angle. In the picture, you might notice that the screening is
two-color with the only red used in one character in the ‘III”. If you’ve ever
paid for printing, you know two-color costs more, but this is just the level of
detail found throughout the product. 

One look inside continues
their quality theme. Look at those massive dual power supplies and the physical
separation of the channels. It’s about as close to combining two monoblocks in
one chassis as you can get. The two tubes are placed close to the inputs for
low noise and distortion. Very high quality WBT-style connectors are used as
well.

Clean. Neat and tidy. No wasted space or long circuit paths.
Limited wires kept to shortest lengths. Substantial heat sinks to assure long
life and low maintenance.

It is obvious that much
thought and engineering went into the overall design.

PRETTY FACE, TOO

The front panel is
simple, clean and elegant. In the black area, behind a clear panel, four small
squares outline the four input indicators. A small, soft red light signifies
which input is active. For people who listen in the dark, the red lights are
just the right brightness. They do not glare at you, yet are easily visible in
full light, too. Well done, LSA. The left button toggles on/standby and the
right toggles the inputs. The large, center disk adjusts the volume. A
fingertip-size detent is thoughtfully placed to aid in turning. Other than the
large, nicely sculpted handles or “ears”, that’s it. Perfect.”

In the Hifi Choice review of the $5500.00 LSA Standard amp they said:

"What hits you first is the sheer
immediacy and physicality of the sound and its wonderful intimacy; the
sense that all there is between you and the performers is fresh air...

Without lapsing into aggression or
sounding in any way ‘lightweight’ the system’s ability to deliver
lightning-fast transients without blunting or, indeed, hyping the
leading edge is revelatory...

And it isn’t just pace and detail that are stunning. The system’s just as potent in the areas of resolution and texture...

The music comes to you; you don’t have to
concentrate to hear exactly what’s going on. Simpler tunes are handled
with the same majestic confidence and authority... Most importantly of
all, although this system’s powers of analysis are fabulously acute,
they don’t result in a cold, clinical sound. Far from it: an entirely
natural-sounding balance, supports remarkable levels of musical
insight...
Bass is fleet-footed, tuneful and articulate but
convincingly weighty and extended. It isn’t just this system’s ability
to track a rhythm that makes it absorbing, but a rarer skill in cutting
to the heart of the music without being too forensic...

Make no mistake, this is one of the very
best 'Beautiful Systems' to date, which makes it astounding value. A
personal favorite."

I am the original owner of this unit and I purchased this amplifier brand new.

It's truly a great bang for the buck!! you will not be disappointed.

17" (W ) x 9 1/4 " (H) x 19 1/2" (D)

43 cm (W) x 23.5 (H) x 48 (D)

78lb / 38kg

5 years

 I do not have the original Box, however, for safe shipping we have found a heavy duty replacement.