AVI S21MA V2.0

Specifications

Frequency Response (-3dB): 1.5Hz - 250Khz

Input Impedance: 14k Ohms

Input sensitivity (150W into 8 Ohms, 1kHz): 530mV

Maximum Power Output

One Channel Driven:

8 Ohms, 1kHz, 1% distortion = 200W

4 Ohms, 1kHz, 1% distortion = 325W

2 Ohms, 1kHz, 1% distortion = 480W1

Maximum Power Output

Both channels driven:

8 Ohms, 1kHz, 1% distortion = 175W

4 Ohms, 1kHz, 1% distortion = 300W

2 Ohms, 1kHz, 1% distortion = 420W1

Distortion

T.H.D., 1kHz, -1dB below full power:

8 Ohms <0.002%

4 Ohms <0.002%

S+N/N Ratio

Unweighted: 96dB

IEC “A”: 112dB

Absolute Phase: +VE

AC Mains supply (factory pre-set): 110v-120v

AC Mains consumption: 1000W max.

Dimensions (W X D x H): 12.5” x 13.75” x 3.75”

315mm x 350mm x 95mm

Shipping weight: 29 Lbs

12.8Kg

1Before protection circuit engages.

Offered here is a rare and stellar amp from a quirky UK company. Before AVI concentrated their business on extremely accurate and musical powered-speakers, they manufactured exceptional unpowered loudspeakers (I once owned 2 pairs). Unsatisfied with the quality and capabilities of available stereo solid-state amplifiers with which to develop and test their loudspeaker designs, they designed their own amp, using expensive bipolar transistors, other VERY-high-quality components, a huge power transformer, and high-capacity capacitors. They (and Hi-Fi equipment reviewers) were so impressed with their creation that they manufactured a limited quantity for sale to the public. I bought this amp from Overture Audio in Ann Arbor, Michigan, a Linn dealer owned and operated by Keith Moorman, with whom I used to sell Linn kit in the 1980s. I replaced 4 Linn Klouts (used in an active 4-way loudspeaker system) with this one amp. I was not disappointed.

These are hard to come by (check Hifi Shark yourself) and much-loved by those who are lucky enough to have kept their S21MA through the years. Forum-posters who used to own this amp say they regret having sold theirs in search of The Holy Grail of amps. They praise it's clarity, the depth and breath and realism of the soundstage it paints, and the amps ability to drive any loudspeakers, even those presenting a complex load to the amp. I have not found a pair of speakers that this amp will not drive- with ease. Your lights will flicker when you turn it on. Really. Mine have in every home in which I have used it, even when I run power though a power-conditioner with lots of reserve current. It's wild!

So then.... why might I be selling this? I wasn't sure I would ever do so, but am so enamored of the sound of vintage vacuum-tube amplifiers that I've decided there is no turning back.

If you prefer solid-state, I guarantee you will not regret buying this amp. It will hold its value well. Original retail price was $4,000.