Усилители мощности стерео — Schiit Audio WOTAN

The WOTAN is a dual-mono, high-power stereo amplifier from Schiit Audio built around the company's Nexus differential current-feedback topology. Schiit sums it up as true dual-mono design, switchable no overall feedback, intelligent temperature management and Forkbeard control and integration. Its price is USD 1,999.

Key specs that matter

Output is 200 W RMS per channel into 8 ohm and 400 W RMS per channel into 4 ohm. Frequency response runs 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.03 dB and 3 Hz to 500 kHz within 3 dB. With feedback engaged, THD stays under 0.02%, CCIR intermodulation under 0.03% and signal-to-noise ratio above 124 dB A-weighted, while in no-feedback mode the figures are 0.2%, 0.3% and 120 dB. Damping factor exceeds 50 with feedback and 30 without. Gain is 20 times, or 26 dB, in feedback mode and 40 times, or 32 dB, without it. Input impedance is 47 kohm on RCA as well as XLR, and crosstalk is better than 90 dB across the audio band. Maximum power draw is 1,200 W. The case measures 406 x 330 x 98 mm and weighs 24.5 kg.

Engineering and use context

The WOTAN gives every channel a separate 600VA transformer, so the supply is fully split between left and right, and total filter capacitance reaches 160,000 uF. The output stage uses 24 Toshiba devices rated at 150 W each, and every channel runs from 7 internal supply rails. Feedback is switched on or off either on the fascia or in the Forkbeard app, and the input selection between single-ended and balanced is made on the front panel too. Two fans normally stay off and switch on only as temperatures climb, running slowly at first and building to full speed if needed, and a microprocessor monitors the amplifier for overcurrent, thermal and DC faults. Forkbeard integration adds real-time power meters to the system view, allows the input to be changed remotely and sends health alerts for over-temperature and over-current. The Forkbeard module is optional and can be left out at a saving of USD 50. Black and silver versions exist, each supplied for 115 V or 230 V mains. Production takes place in San Antonio, Texas. Schiit backs the WOTAN with a 5-year limited warranty and a 15-day satisfaction guarantee carrying a 5% restocking fee.

Pairing

Output that doubles into halved impedance, backed by the dual-mono supply, suits demanding loudspeakers. The higher gain of the no-feedback setting changes the level seen from the source, so a preamplifier with enough volume range helps when switching modes. A balanced source can use the XLR input at the same impedance as the RCA pair.

Alternatives

The Schiit VIDAR 2F is a Class-AB, Forkbeard-compatible power amp from the same catalogue, rated at 100 W RMS per channel into 8 ohm.