Интегральные усилители — Trafomatic Audio Rhapsody

The Rhapsody is a parallel single-ended 300B integrated amplifier from Trafomatic Audio, the Serbian company founded by chief designer Saša Čokić and known for winding its own transformers. Its full name on the front panel reads Rhapsody M2-15 Anniversary stereo PSE 300B. Announced in February 2022 at EUR 18,000, it was Trafomatic's first parallel single-ended 300B integrated amplifier and its third current model based on the 300B.

Key specs that matter

Rated output is 20 W per channel from four 300B valves, with two 6SN7 drivers. Input sensitivity is 0.5 Vrms and input impedance 100 kohm. Bandwidth is 10 Hz to 75 kHz at -3 dB, THD is 0.55% at 1 W and signal-to-noise is 80 dB. Power consumption is 280 VA, and the mains input is 230 V at 50 Hz, with 100, 120, 220 and 240 V versions on request. Connections comprise three RCA pairs and an XLR pair, and output taps for 4 and 8 ohm speakers. The amplifier measures 470 x 370 x 260 mm and weighs 32 kg.

Engineering and use context

A single 300B triode delivers about 8 W in single-ended Class A, so the Rhapsody pairs two 300Bs in parallel per channel, keeping the single-ended topology while doubling the available power. In a single-ended stage, one valve group amplifies the whole waveform with no push-pull pair, so distortion is dominated by the second harmonic. The 6SN7 double triodes drive the output valves. Trafomatic makes the power and output transformers in-house, the core of the brand's reputation. An Anode Dissipation setting allows two operating modes and switching between two types of 300B valves. Front VU meters show output level, two large rotary controls select source and volume, and a remote control adjusts the level. The output transformer taps for 4 and 8 ohms match the valves' high impedance to the speaker. The chassis is finished in metallic red. Trafomatic's range also includes the 300B-based Glenn monoblocks and the Elysian.

Pairing

With the modest power of a parallel single-ended 300B design, the Rhapsody calls for sensitive speakers of at least 90 dB whose impedance stays fairly flat. The RCA inputs take CD players, network streamers or a separate phono preamplifier, while the balanced XLR input connects modern DACs and preamplifiers with balanced outputs.

Alternatives

Trafomatic Audio's EOS+ is the integrated amplifier of the brand with KT150 valves in ultra-linear mode and 50 W per channel.