MSB Technology S200 amplifier

Beautiful condition Platinum S200 amplifier. Very similar in design to the newer S201 amplifier, with the 201 having increased heat dissipation ability.  Sonically virtually identical. Although discontinued, still one of the best amplifiers available.  Runs pure class A...

Overview

The MSB S200 stereo amplifier is built along the same design approach as the M200 monoblocks. The M200 monoblocks have been well established as the reference amplifier to beat, but they are big and expensive. MSB has taken what they have learned in the monoblock and with some very clever design and packing, fit it into our very successful DAC IV package. The system is now complete. The S200 amplifier makes use of the MSB Isorack Damping Feet which provides stackability and amazing mechanical isolation. The advanced thermal design provides close temperature control for optimum sound in all conditions.

Some amplifiers hold an image together well with multiple instruments playing but were not capable of fully resolving the individual instruments or soundstage. Other amplifiers simply sound wonderful until more than two or three things started happening at once. The S200 amplifier was designed from the ground up to resolve the well organized and truthful harmonics of the best sources like MSB's own DAC IV series. The dynamics get special attention with a quiet and robust power supply with deep current reserves. The S200 plays music beautifully and will hold a solid image for each instrument especially when the music gets complex and many instruments are going at once, without being harsh or edgy.

Both the inputs and the outputs of this amplifier are completely balanced. The S200 also offers a single-ended input which is treated separately from the balanced input. A simple switch located near the input jacks allows you to switch the amplifier between Single-Ended operation, Balanced (high gain, + 6dB) and Balanced (low gain). High quality connectors are used for all inputs.

The S200 has both a total power on/off and standby mode all selected by the front panel switches. When connected to other MSB products it can be powered on and off with the master power controls. The heart of the MSB S200 amplifier is the MSB-designed current mirrors, which allows amazing accuracy. With such great accuracy it can even operate with zero feedback, greatly improving the phase response.  MSB's use of zero feedbackis a significant breakthrough and indicates the care taken in the design. The S200 also includes the use of toroidal transformers to keep noise levels low, as doe's dense packaging.

Specifications

• Inputs: True Balanced (XLR), Input Impedance 36kOhm
               Single-Ended (RCA), Input Impedance 18kOhm
• Input Sensitivity: 2.15 Vpp 200W (High Gain +34db)
                              4.3 Vpp @ 200W (Low Gain +28db) 
• Max. Linear Input Range: 5 Vpp
• Max. Input Voltage: 20 Vpp
• Transistors: All Bi-Polar
• Feedback: Zero Negative Local & Global Feedback
• Damping Factor: 80
• Signal to Noise Ratio: >120 dB
• Power Rating: 200 Watts at 8 Ohms; capable of driving a 2 Ohm load
• Static Power Consumption: 320 Watts
• Filter Capacitance: 249,600 uf
• Common Mode Range: +/- 20 V
• Transformer: Single 1000W Toroidal Transformer   
• Dimensions: 17.5" wide x 12.5" deep x 8.5" tall (including feet)
• Weight: 75 LBS
• Control Features:
 - Switch for Balanced or Single-ended operation.
 - Lighted switch for Standby and Power 
 - Jack for remote power on and of