Интегральные усилители — Einstein Audio Components THE BLACK SHADOW

THE BLACK SHADOW is a transistor integrated amplifier made by the Bochum company EINSTEIN Audio Components and forms part of the Shadow Series together with The Silver Shadow amplifier, a phono preamplifier called The Perfect Match and two four-way floorstanding loudspeakers. The Black Shadow and The Silver Shadow share one design and differ in finish - the black version has a matte black surface, while the silver one carries a brushed top panel. EINSTEIN presents the model as a synthesis of its own integrated amplifier from the 1990s and of its large tube amplifiers. The recommended retail price in Germany was EUR 14,000 in May 2023, and in China it sold for CNY 108,000.

Key specs that matter

Rated power is 80 W per channel into 8 ohm and 130 W into 4 ohm. Line inputs achieve better than 95 dB signal-to-noise, the built-in moving magnet phono stage reaches more than 70 dB, and the optional digital inputs over USB and S/PDIF are each quoted at 95 dB. The chassis measures 430 x 405 x 130 mm and weighs 12 kg.

Engineering and use context

Internally the layout is dual mono, with each channel constructed as its own amplifier within the shared enclosure. EINSTEIN lists a short list of design goals - very short signal paths, a power supply with large current reserves, even thermal conditions throughout the case and a wide bandwidth that avoids phase problems. There are no relays in the loudspeaker signal path, which the company avoids because they could limit dynamic swings. Volume is adjusted by a resistor network instead of a conventional potentiometer. The housing is made of solid aluminium and sits on a purpose-built base intended for thermal and mechanical stability, and its construction is resonance-optimised. Operation is handled through a touchscreen on the unit and a remote control. The digital board is an optional module, so the amplifier can be bought as a purely analogue unit and gain a DAC later.

Pairing

The integrated phono stage accepts moving magnet cartridges directly, and owners who want a separate current-input phono stage can add The Perfect Match from the same series. Once the digital module is fitted, sources can be connected over USB or S/PDIF. Preamplifier outputs are available as an option, which lets the amplifier drive an external power amplifier such as The Poweramp from the EINSTEIN reference range. The Black Shadow Speaker, a black four-way floorstander at the same list price, is the matching loudspeaker in the series.

Alternatives

The EINSTEIN The Amp Ultimate MK108 is the integrated amplifier of the reference range, a symmetrical Circlotron hybrid design listed at EUR 30,000.