Audio Analogue Maestro Anniversary 150W Zero Feedback Integrated Amplifier

Audio Analogue Maestro Anniversary Integrated Amplifier Offers Exceptional Power and Precision

The Audio Analogue Maestro Anniversary Integrated Amplifier, crafted in the AIRTECH laboratories, exemplifies a commitment to audio excellence. Inspired by the Puccini Anniversary model, the Maestro features a fully balanced amplification chain from input to power stage, ensuring precision in signal handling before transitioning to an unbalanced output for speaker connection. This design results in doubled amplification and attenuation stages, providing a substantial increase in output power and sonic clarity. With a robust output of 150W on 8Ω, scaling up seamlessly as impedance lowers, the Maestro’s capabilities deliver a refined yet muscular performance.

Balanced Amplification Chain and Zero Feedback for Uncompromising Audio Integrity

The Audio Analogue Maestro Anniversary integrates a balanced architecture throughout its amplification chain, maintaining signal integrity while minimising distortion. This structure, combined with a zero global feedback design across all stages (preamp included), produces an authentic and transparent sound. Unlike conventional amplifiers, the Maestro uses an inverted cascode configuration, creating a single gain stage followed by an output buffer. This innovative setup ensures a clear and natural sound reproduction across frequencies, with minimal noise or distortion.

To stabilise the working point without compromising audio quality, the amplifier is equipped with a DC Servo, which activates only at extremely low frequencies (below the audible range), ensuring stability without intruding on the audio band. High-grade components—including military-standard resistors, polypropylene audiophile capacitors by AIRTECH, 7N OCC pure copper internal wiring, and gold-plated pure copper connectors—complete the Maestro’s refined circuitry.

Triple-Element Design with Separate Power Supply, Amplifier, and Preamplifier Stages

The Maestro Anniversary’s internal design is divided into three independently housed sections: power supply, amplifier, and preamplifier, each residing on its own PCB for optimal isolation. This approach not only enhances signal purity but also mirrors the setup of a separate preamp and power amplifier in a single integrated unit.

1. Power Supply: Each channel is powered by its own 600VA transformer with a bridge rectifier of ultra-fast, 50A discrete diodes. The power filtering capacity is an impressive 67,200µF, ensuring a stable energy reserve for dynamic passages. At startup, temperature-sensitive resistors regulate the current, which are then bypassed to preserve the signal pathway during operation.
2. Amplifier: A fully dual-mono design ensures that ground connections and power supplies are separated for each channel. The PCB copper tracks are twice the standard thickness, enhancing current flow and signal stability. Optocouplers isolate the digital stages for volume control, further protecting the signal from interference.
3. Preamplifier: Dual-mono preamp stages manage the signal independently for each channel, with channel switching relays placed directly behind the input connectors to optimise signal paths. The balanced buffer stages, operating in Class A, drive each channel’s volume control—achieved through four resistor-only volume chips, ensuring precise control without the use of operational amplifiers or global feedback. This design amplifies up to 12dB, providing seamless gain and attenuation.

This segmented construction approach makes the Maestro Anniversary akin to a dedicated power amp, preamp, and power supply, delivering a level of precision and detail rare in integrated amplifiers.

Maestro Anniversary RR Version: Enhanced with Analogue Volume Control

The Maestro Anniversary RR version offers an additional enhancement with an analogue volume attenuation system based on relays and resistors, which further refines sound performance by ensuring even greater accuracy in volume adjustments. This version caters to audiophiles seeking an extra degree of control and performance in sound clarity and balance.

Audio Analogue Maestro Technical Specifications at a Glance

• Output Power (8Ω): 150W at 1% THD + N, achieving substantial headroom
• Output Power (4Ω): 300W, with a strong driving capability for demanding speaker loads
• Output Power (2Ω): 500W, delivering consistent performance across low impedance
• Input Sensitivity: Handles up to 6Vrms, adapting to varied source outputs
• Frequency Response: Up to 90kHz, with a wide audio bandwidth that captures subtle detail
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): ≥100 dB, ensuring minimal background noise
• Noise Level: A-weighted, with extremely low input noise of approximately 10µV
• Standby Power Consumption: 0.7W, providing energy efficiency during idle periods

The Audio Analogue Maestro Anniversary Integrated Amplifier is available in natural aluminium and satin black, combining elegant aesthetics with functional design. With dimensions of 168 x 450 x 550 mm (HxWxD) and weighing 31 kg, this amplifier stands as a centrepiece for high-end audio systems, offering a masterful blend of power, finesse, and audiophile-grade precision.