Интегральные усилители — Audio Note I Zero

The I Zero is a compact integrated amplifier from Audio Note (UK) that places preamplifier and power amplifier sections in one small chassis. It is part of the company's Zero range and uses custom output transformers designed and built by Audio Note (UK) itself. It was designed in the UK and developed in the Baltic states. Buyers choose a fascia in anodised aluminium, black acrylic or white acrylic, and the price is around EUR 2,430.

Key specs that matter

Rated output is 8 W RMS per channel into a 6 ohm load. Four line-level inputs are fitted, with an input sensitivity of 400 mV for full output and an input impedance of 100 kohm. Channel balance is held within 0.3 dB. The chassis is 96 mm high, 300 mm wide and 310 mm deep and weighs 7 kg. Maximum power consumption is 75 W, and the mains input covers both AC 100 to 120 V and 220 to 240 V at 50 or 60 Hz.

Engineering and use context

Four ECL82 triode-pentode valves, two per channel, operate in Class A/B. Each ECL82 combines a triode section and a pentode section in one envelope, so the same four valves handle both voltage gain and the output stage. The output transformers are the part the company highlights, since Audio Note (UK) winds its own transformers rather than buying them in. The dual-range mains input means one version can be configured for markets with either supply voltage. No digital inputs, converter or phono stage are built in, so the amplifier accepts line-level signals only. Operation is entirely manual with a source selector and volume control, with no remote control, and the designer chose the ECL82 partly because it can be bought new on the world market.

Pairing

With its low output, the I Zero is intended for efficient loudspeakers. It forms the Zero chain alongside the R Zero/II phono stage and the CD Zero player, both sharing its chassis size, plus the compact two-way J/D Hemp speakers, whose nominal impedance matches the amplifier rating. Four inputs leave room for a CD player, a phono preamplifier, a network player and a tuner connected together. Digital sources need their own converter or an analogue output.

Alternatives

The Audio Note Cobra is the bigger Audio Note integrated, offering 28 W per channel from EL34 valves in push-pull and a built-in converter.