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to the Audio Hungary Qualiton P200 Power Amplifer
& C200 Preamplifer Experience Review part two...
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to the Audio Hungary Qualiton P200 Power Amplifer
& C200 Preamplifer Experience Review part three...
Information from Audio Hungary
Audio Hungary P200 Power Amplifier
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The P200 is a versatile,
high power amplifier, built on Tung-Sol KT120 (optionally KT150)
beam tetrodes and our latest transformer designs. The P200 features
the latest version of our sophisticated Automatic Bias Control
System for the four power tubes too. This circuit continuously
monitors the behaviour of each tube and regulates the bias voltages
accordingly, ensuring the smallest possible output voltage noise
while guaranteeing the highest degree of linearity of the output
stage. It also prevents the sensitive, high permeability transformer
cores from saturating by precisely equalizing the quiescent
currents of the power tubes. Finally, the bias system has a
built-in soft-start function too, which prevents the tubes from
drawing excessive current during start-up and eliminates pops
and noises during power-up. The above means that no further
adjustment is required once the electron tubes supplied with
the unit have been installed, the circuit automatically takes
care of everything.
The amp has two distinct modes of operation,
STEREO and BRIDGE mode. You can change the operating mode by reconfiguring
the output connections, then use a STEREO INPUT /BRIDGE INPUT
selector switch to select the input source for the chosen operation
mode.
In STEREO mode the P200 can be used as a conventional
stereo power amplifier which has two unbalanced outputs for 4
or 8 Ohm speakers, with a maximum available output power of 2
x 100 W. In this mode you can connect an UNBALANCED or BALANCED
stereo signal source to the amplifier.
In BRIDGE mode the P200 can be used as a monoblock power amplifier
with a BALANCED input. In this mode you can concentrate the total
output power of the P200 into a single channel: the two channels
of P200 are fed from a monaural, symmetrical audio signal (BRIDGE
input), and a single 8 Ohm loudspeaker can be connected between
the two amplifier outputs, bridging the output terminals. The
maximum available bridged, monaural output power is 1 x 200 W.
Audio Hungary C200 Preamplifier
To complete the line-up
of our Classic Series, we designed a true all-rounder preamplifier,
with beautifully balanced sound character, and one of the finest
vintage tubes available, the Tungsram ECC83. The C200 uses 8
of them, so each output gets the flavour of these exceptional
tubes.
As always, the most important aspect
of the design process was to meet the widest possible range of
user needs. Starting at the inputs, we have 4 UNBALANCED and 2
BALANCED line level inputs and a MM PHONO level input available.
On the output side, the C200 is equipped with 2 UNBALANCED line
level outputs (one of which can be connected to a subwoofer),
we also have a BALANCED line level output and a HEADPHONE connection
for dynamic headphones. With this set of I/O ports, users have
plenty of options to connect the C200 into their system. And best
of all, each output port carries the characteristics of classic
Tungsram tube sound, while interference and noise levels have
been reduced to the absolute minimum.
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Along with the C200,
we are also introducing an updated remote control, on which,
in addition to the previous VOLUME UP, VOLUME DOWN and MUTE
buttons, there is also a POWER ON/STANDBY button. After pressing
this button, a circuit provides 1 minute of wake-up / warm-up
time for the tubes. After this time, the C200's outputs will
become active and ready for use.
The listening experience
I added the Audio Hungary A75 Integrated Amplifier
to the short-list after communication from a site viewer and further
endorsement from a respected hi-fi engineer. It did not take long
to get my hands on the A75, subsequent Qualiton P200 Power Amplifier
and C200 Preamplifier. ‘Why did I move up to the P200
Amplifier and C200 Preamplifier?’ Well, it only took
a ten minute listen to the A75 Integrated amplifier to realise
there was something special going on. I wanted to hear MORE of
what this young company had to offer. Thankfully, I received the
P200 and C200 shortly after my request.
Previous experience of valve amplification?
“… I have previously
politely dismissed valve amplification as I felt valves were just
not for me!”
I made the above statement to Von Gaylord proprietor
‘Ray Leung’ during the February 2023 Bristol HI-FI
Show. His brilliant demonstration using revered Von Gaylord amplification,
speakers and cables were the catalyst to widening my new amplifier
search,
which, for many years only included solid state amplification.
Thank you Ray Leung!
In addition to the above, I
also confess to believing valve amplification is (was) just
expensive unnecessary exotica! Previous listening experiences
(admittedly sporadic and limited) largely left me feeling unfulfilled
with thoughts such as… “Mmm, this sounds
quite nice, sweet, very warm… but it just lacks any substantial
impact!” Of course, there have been a few
exceptions to my above stereotypical rule, for example, Von
Gaylord valve amplification (as mentioned above) as well as
the likes of Ear Yoshino and Engström (to name another
two) however, we have to consider the aforementioned amplifiers
are mostly in a completely different price band!
Qualiton P200 Amplifier & C200 Preamplifier
first impressions
It was intriguing and
a little confusing to hear the various changes in presentation
during the first few weeks, however, there were always hints
of what the potential outcome might be ‘sonically.’
Still, almost every listening day sounded and felt different.
There were days when I thought the run in process was complete
due to the added depth, good instrument separation combined
with a more open and defined top end. Then, the same said
improvements would revert slightly the following day. Though
I have experienced similar changes with many other components
over the years, I still questioned my sanity, hearing and
other links in the hi-fi component chain during this time.
I communicated the audible changes to the Audio Hungary distributor,
as well as friends. The consistent advice was,
“be patient!”
It took four weeks (approximately
fifty five hours of playing time) for the amplifier and preamplifier
to fully settle (run in). When the above positive sonic changes
did finally settle, exploration of both vinyl and CD recordings
began...
Further
Recommended
Viewing
|
Use the links below to go to the Audio Hungary
Qualiton P200 Power Amplifer
& C200 Preamplifer Experience Review part two, or part three,
or the Nagra Classic Amplifier & Preamplifer Experience
Review,
or the new music listening room 2023 page one...
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back to Hi-Fi Experience Home Page
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