Усилители мощности моно — Audionet HEISENBERG

The Heisenberg is the most powerful monoblock from Audionet, the German electronics maker. It was designed as the partner for the Stern preamplifier, and both components were styled by Hartmut Esslinger, founder of frog design and creator of several of Apple's best-known product designs. It was shown in the United States at around USD 105,000 per pair.

Key specs that matter

The Heisenberg delivers 530W into 8 ohms, 1,050W into 4 ohms and 2,100W into 2 ohms, doubling its output each time the load halves. Frequency response extends from 0Hz to 700kHz (-3dB), signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 125dB and the damping factor exceeds 1,800 at 10kHz and 10,000 at 100Hz. Second-harmonic distortion is typically -117dB and third-harmonic -123dB at 25W into 4 ohms, THD+N is better than -106dB at 1kHz from 25W to 700W into 4 ohms, and SMPTE intermodulation is below -110dB. Input impedance is 7 kilohms balanced and 50 kilohms unbalanced, and voltage gain is close to 30dB. Each amplifier weighs about 68kg (150lb).

Engineering and use context

Audionet uses its Ultra-Linear-Amplifier (ULA) circuit technology to reach very low distortion, and its response extends down to DC, meaning no coupling capacitors restrict the lowest frequencies. The very wide upper bandwidth means the amplifier's own phase shift stays negligible across the audio band. The very high damping factor at low frequencies reflects an extremely low output impedance, giving tight electrical control over bass drivers, while output doubling as the load halves shows a power supply and output stage able to deliver very large currents into difficult loads. The patented Floating Pane design gives the enclosure its appearance - side and top panels appear to float close to one another without touching, and the panels are resonance-optimised with massive brass pads mounted on an aluminium frame, isolating them from vibration. Cooling vents and support bars have a triangular cross-section, part of Esslinger's design language. Given its weight, each unit needs its own sturdy support, usually placed close to its loudspeaker to keep speaker cables short.

Pairing

With its power reserves and stability into very low loads, the Heisenberg can drive the largest and most demanding loudspeakers, including multi-tower systems. Its gain is higher than the common 26dB, which should be considered when matching a preamplifier; its natural partner is Audionet's Stern.

Alternatives

Audionet's own Max monoblock offers 400W into 8 ohms with the same ULA technology in a smaller chassis.