Интегральные усилители — Audio Resurgence KRAKEN EVOLUTION AR6A

The Kraken Evolution AR6A is an integrated amplifier from Audio Resurgence, the British company that continues the legacy of Alchemist Products, founded in 1989. It recreates Alchemist's original Kraken Class A amplifier of the 1990s. It was first displayed at Ascot's autumn 2025 show and priced at GBP 1,250 with a single external power supply.

Key specs that matter

The AR6A operates partly in Class A. It uses the original Alchemist circuit with much larger heatsinks, extending the Class A range. Volume and input selection use coaxial knobs. The power supply is external, available as a single unit or an upgraded dual supply. An optional moving-magnet phono module plugs in internally. Output exceeds 50 W RMS into 8 ohms at 1 kHz, response runs from 10 Hz to 64 kHz at -3 dB, and input sensitivity is 200 mV. Distortion stays below 1% at 15 V output, with residual noise under 1 mV. The amplifier measures 302 x 300 x 89 mm and weighs 3.9 kg without its supply.

Engineering and use context

In the 1990s Alchemist was known for casework that made heatsinks part of the design and for Class A amplifiers with toroidal transformers housed externally, unusual at its price level. Placing the transformer in a separate case keeps its magnetic field away from the amplifier circuit, lowering hum. Larger heatsinks allow the output stage to dissipate more heat, so the bias can rise and more of the power range remains Class A. The coaxial controls place the volume and selector on one axis, allowing short internal signal paths. The optional dual supply separates the power feeds further. Alchemist's team included designer Andy Light, who created its industrial look, circuit designer Glen Gayle and the late Tim de Paravicini, who contributed to later Signature models. Audio Resurgence is led by Andy Light as founder and CEO, with Glen Gayle as co-founder responsible for the electronics, and the amplifiers are built near Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire. The company calls itself a continuation rather than a revival, since the Alchemist name had been sold. The original Mk1 Kraken had a green-grey hammered finish and side heatsinks, and the new version keeps that styling.

Pairing

With its moderate rated output, the Kraken AR6A is best matched with reasonably sensitive loudspeakers rather than low-impedance, power-hungry designs. The optional moving-magnet phono module lets a turntable connect directly, so a vinyl system needs no separate phono stage.

Alternatives

Audio Resurgence currently lists no other integrated amplifier besides the Kraken AR6A.