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Power amplifiers stereo — Pearl Acoustics 170 SE
Description, images, technical data and specifications
Pearl Acoustics 170 SE
Image source — © Pearl Acoustics
The 170 SE is an accomplished single-ended tube power amplifier from Pearl Acoustics, built as a dual-mono design with 0dB global feedback around the KT150 tube. The 170 SE brings Pearl Acoustics's considered engineering to a serious, feedback-free power-amplification format.
Key specs that matter
Input sensitivity is 1,000mV, with input impedance at 10,000 ohms single-ended. Output power is 2x18W into 8 ohms, with gain at 21.6dBu. Frequency response spans 20Hz to 20,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Total harmonic distortion at 0% global feedback is 0.5%, with damping factor at 6. The affordable PSVANE "Horizon" KT150 tube delivers excellent holography alongside superb bass and detail without significant loss of output power. At 405 x 235 x 375mm and 31kg, the 170 SE maintains a substantial single-ended tube chassis reflecting Pearl Acoustics's considered engineering standards.
Sound and use context
Expect the exceptionally holographic, richly detailed character single-ended, zero-feedback tube topology is broadly celebrated for, with the KT150 tube's bass and detail retention delivering genuine musicality despite the comparatively modest 18W-per-channel output.
Pairing
The comparatively modest 18W-per-channel output calls for sensitive, high-efficiency loudspeakers to make the most of the 170 SE's holographic character.
Alternatives
Other manufacturers' comparable single-ended KT150 power amplifiers offer alternatives for buyers wanting to compare feedback topologies at a similar price point.
Key specs that matter
Input sensitivity is 1,000mV, with input impedance at 10,000 ohms single-ended. Output power is 2x18W into 8 ohms, with gain at 21.6dBu. Frequency response spans 20Hz to 20,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Total harmonic distortion at 0% global feedback is 0.5%, with damping factor at 6. The affordable PSVANE "Horizon" KT150 tube delivers excellent holography alongside superb bass and detail without significant loss of output power. At 405 x 235 x 375mm and 31kg, the 170 SE maintains a substantial single-ended tube chassis reflecting Pearl Acoustics's considered engineering standards.
Sound and use context
Expect the exceptionally holographic, richly detailed character single-ended, zero-feedback tube topology is broadly celebrated for, with the KT150 tube's bass and detail retention delivering genuine musicality despite the comparatively modest 18W-per-channel output.
Pairing
The comparatively modest 18W-per-channel output calls for sensitive, high-efficiency loudspeakers to make the most of the 170 SE's holographic character.
Alternatives
Other manufacturers' comparable single-ended KT150 power amplifiers offer alternatives for buyers wanting to compare feedback topologies at a similar price point.
Specifications
Model name
170 SE
Input sensitivity (mV)
1000
Input impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
10000
Output impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Max current (A)
N/A
Output power (8Ω) (W)
2 x 18
Output power (4Ω) (W)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
21.6
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
20000
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (0% global feedback) (%)
0.5
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (100% global feedback) (%)
N/A
Max power consumption (W)
N/A
Damping factor
6
Dimensions (mm)
405 x 235 x 375
Weight (kg)
31
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