Усилители мощности стерео — Analog Domain The Calysto

The Calysto is the entry model of the DX9 amplifier series from Analog Domain Audio GmbH, the German firm set up by designer Angel Despotov in Munich in 2010 and now based in Taufkirchen. It is a single-channel monoblock, one unit per channel. Analog Domain describes it as the fidelity-oriented member of the series and suggests it for the mid and high frequency channels of a split system, and its dimensions match the other DX9 models for stacking.

Key specs that matter

Peak power output is rated at 550 W into 8 ohm and 1.1 kW into 4 ohm, and the Calysto is stable into 2 ohm. Peak output voltage is 67 Vac, or plus or minus 95 V peak to peak, with peak output current of 70 A. Voltage gain can be switched between +32 dB and +26 dB, input sensitivity is 1.55 Vrms and input impedance is 10 kohm. The frequency range extends from 1 Hz to 100 kHz, with full-power bandwidth between 5 Hz and 25 kHz. Output noise is below 35 microvolts rms, THD+N is below -92 dB (0.0025%), and dynamic range is over 126 dB linear or 132 dB A-weighted. The damping factor exceeds 1000. The chassis measures 440 x 254 x 545 mm (width, height, depth), and weight is about 64 kg, rising to 75 kg in its shipping crate.

Engineering and use context

Compared with the rest of the series, the output stage has a wider class A operating region, which is aimed at low output levels in the upper midrange and treble. The Calysto is also the only DX9 model with a classic fixed-voltage power supply, while its larger siblings use multi-voltage transformers. Like its siblings, it uses only discrete parts in the signal path and a symmetrical bridged power stage of hand-matched parallel transistors. The proprietary DXDrive bias control, integrated in the DX901 hybrid chip, measures the idling current itself instead of relying on thermal feedback and keeps the operating point steady over changes in temperature, supply voltage and load. At the input, a unity-gain buffer and relay-based selection of XLR or RCA are joined by a limiter that guards against overload. The protection system monitors temperature and covers soft start, mains variations, DC offset at the output and RF interference. Analog Domain covers labour and parts for ten years, with the warranty passing to a new owner.

Pairing

Inputs on XLR and RCA plus 12 V trigger in and out on 3.5 mm jacks suit most preamplifiers and remote power-on. In a split system a Calysto pair can drive the upper section while a larger DX9 model handles the bass.

Alternatives

The Analog Domain Artemis shares the 254 mm tall chassis format but moves up to 1 kW into 8 ohm peak with 52 output transistors and a variable-voltage supply.