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Integrated amplifiers — S.A.Lab Luthier Series
Description, images, technical data and specifications
S.A.Lab Luthier Series
Image source — © S.A.Lab
The Luthier Series is a tube integrated amplifier from S.A.Lab, a Russian manufacturer known for considered valve electronics engineering. The Luthier Series brings that approach to a complete integrated chassis built around modest, purist single-ended output.
Key specs that matter
Three single-ended inputs are provided. Output power is a modest 2 x 8W into 8 ohms, rising to 2 x 16W into 4 ohms - figures typical of single-ended triode amplifier design prioritising tonal purity over raw output. Frequency response spans a wide 5Hz to 25,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Signal-to-noise ratio is 97dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise at 0.2%. At 226 x 420 x 310mm and 30kg, the Luthier Series's substantial weight for a modest-power amplifier reflects serious output transformer and power-supply componentry.
Sound and use context
Expect the rich, harmonically saturated tonal character single-ended triode amplifier design is broadly prized for, with the modest 8W-per-channel output calling for efficient loudspeakers to reach satisfying volumes with real dynamic headroom.
Pairing
The modest 8W-per-channel output pairs best with efficient, high-sensitivity loudspeakers, and the substantial internal transformer weight suggests serious build quality despite the modest power figure.
Alternatives
S.A.Lab's broader amplifier catalogue offers alternatives for buyers wanting a different power output within the same considered Russian tube-engineering philosophy.
Key specs that matter
Three single-ended inputs are provided. Output power is a modest 2 x 8W into 8 ohms, rising to 2 x 16W into 4 ohms - figures typical of single-ended triode amplifier design prioritising tonal purity over raw output. Frequency response spans a wide 5Hz to 25,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Signal-to-noise ratio is 97dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise at 0.2%. At 226 x 420 x 310mm and 30kg, the Luthier Series's substantial weight for a modest-power amplifier reflects serious output transformer and power-supply componentry.
Sound and use context
Expect the rich, harmonically saturated tonal character single-ended triode amplifier design is broadly prized for, with the modest 8W-per-channel output calling for efficient loudspeakers to reach satisfying volumes with real dynamic headroom.
Pairing
The modest 8W-per-channel output pairs best with efficient, high-sensitivity loudspeakers, and the substantial internal transformer weight suggests serious build quality despite the modest power figure.
Alternatives
S.A.Lab's broader amplifier catalogue offers alternatives for buyers wanting a different power output within the same considered Russian tube-engineering philosophy.
Specifications
Model name
Luthier Series
Type
integrated amplifier
Analog inputs (balanced)
N/A
Analog inputs (single-ended)
3
Input sensitivity (mV)
N/A
Input impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
D/A conversion
N/A
Phono MM/MC current-sensing input impedance (Ω)
N/A
Output power (8Ω) (W)
2 x 8
Output power (4Ω) (W)
2 x 16
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
5
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
25000
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
97
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (%)
0,2
Damping factor
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
226 x 420 x 310
Weight (kg)
30
Official link