Усилители мощности моно — Audio Note Empress

The Empress is a mono power amplifier from Audio Note (UK), built as a pure Class A parallel single-ended valve design. One chassis serves one channel, and a pair is bought for stereo. The amplifier meets the criteria Audio Note sets for its Level 3 equipment, and it is offered in six versions - Empress, Empress Silver and Empress Silver Signature, each also available in a Low Gain variant.

Key specs that matter

Two 2A3 directly heated triodes work in parallel as the output stage of each amplifier, driven by one 6SN7, while a 5R4GY valve rectifies the supply. Rated output is 8 W RMS into either a 4 or 8 ohm load. Input impedance is 100 kilohm at line level, and 115 mV drives the Empress to its rated output. Left and right units match within plus or minus 0.3 dB. The mains section accepts AC 100 to 120 V or 220 to 240 V at 50 or 60 Hz, and maximum draw from the wall is 200 W. Each unit measures 195 mm high, 205 mm wide and 506 mm deep, and weighs 20 kg.

Engineering and use context

Audio Note applies zero negative feedback here, meaning no portion of the output is returned to earlier stages as a correction signal. Valve rectification replaces solid-state diodes in the power supply. Running the pair of 2A3 triodes in parallel rather than as a single tube gives the output transformer more current to work with, while the topology stays single-ended. The Silver version upgrades resistors and transformers over the base model, and the Silver Signature goes further with higher grade parts. The Low Gain variants suit a preamplifier with high output, where the standard input sensitivity would leave little range on the volume control. The narrow chassis and long depth let each monoblock sit close to its loudspeaker. Buyers choose between an anodised aluminium or black acrylic fascia, with an anodised aluminium top plate.

Pairing

A single-digit wattage figure calls for loudspeakers of high efficiency and an easy impedance, such as horn-loaded or large paper-cone designs. A 100 kilohm input is easy to drive for valve preamplifiers with high output impedance, and the standard gain version works with sources that deliver modest voltage. Owners wanting more drive voltage headroom can select a Low Gain version for a more sensitive front end.

Alternatives

Audio Note also builds the Quest monoblocks, which use a single 300B output triode per chassis in place of the parallel 2A3 pair.