Усилители мощности моно — Karan Acoustics POWERa MONO

The POWERa MONO is a transistor monoblock from the Karan Acoustics Master Collection, produced at the factory of the Serbian company in Novi Sad, which Milan Karan founded in 1986. Shipments started in December 2021 at EUR 77,500 per pair, and prices of GBP 79,995 and USD 106,000 per pair were later quoted.

Key specs that matter

Karan rates each unit at 2,100 W into 8 ohm, 3,600 W into 4 ohm and 6,000 W into 2 ohm, with peak output of 2,400 W into 8 ohm. Voltage gain reaches 36 dB and input sensitivity is 2.0 V RMS for full output. Inputs are XLR balanced and RCA single-ended, both presenting 30 kohm. The frequency response is flat within 0 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz and reaches 300 kHz at the 3 dB point, starting from DC. THD and IMD are both given as 0.03 percent, signal-to-noise ratio is above 120 dB unweighted, and rise and settling time is under 450 ns, with a slew rate of 1,500 V per microsecond in the amplification stages.

Engineering and use context

Each monoblock is powered by two low-noise toroidal transformers of 2,700 VA each and a capacitor bank of 210,000 microfarads, with a separate transformer and supply for each polarity half of the circuit. Every transformer has its own on and off switch, and a switchable mains conditioner with DC filter can be engaged during use. Output stages use Sanken bipolar transistors. The input stage uses Audyn-CAP capacitors from Intertechnik alongside Karan's own types, and resistors come from Vishay and Roederstein. Cardas Audio wire runs inside, speaker terminals and RCA sockets are from WBT, and the XLR socket is from Neutrik. The body is a single unibody piece machined from solid aluminium that also works as heatsink, finished in silver and standing on three CMS CS2 footers. Each unit measures 504 x 292 x 603 mm and weighs 105 kg. Mains voltage is set for 115 V or 230 V within a 10 percent tolerance, and Karan covers parts and labour for a five-year term. Three feet rather than four keep the heavy chassis stable on an uneven floor.

Pairing

The very high rating into low loads means low-impedance and hard-to-drive loudspeakers remain inside the amplifier's stated limits, and the input sensitivity matches the balanced output of most modern preamplifiers, including the Karan Master Collection line stages.

Alternatives

The Karan Acoustics POWERb MONO is the smaller monoblock of the same Master Collection, placed below the POWERa MONO in the range.