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The DPA-1M Digital Power Amplifier doubles up on the DPA-1’s almost magical combination of power, musicality and efficiency. Even though it’s just 10.5 inches wide, the DPA-1M conjures up an incredible 325 watts per channel into 8 ohms. Because it’s a monoblock, power is doubled and the left and right channels can hit full output and maximum dynamics without impacting the performance of the other channel. Hearing this tiny, cool-running amp produce such incredible dynamics is almost as dazzling watching a wizard change a rabbit into a horse. But it’s not magic, just a masterful combination of a Class A analog input stage with a high-efficiency Class D output stage.
Analog Class A input stage
The input stage is the same essential circuit used in many of the world’s best and most expensive amplifiers: a Class A design built using discrete FETs and powered by a semi-toroidal transformer. Because it’s pure analog all the way through, with no integrated circuits in the signal path, it provides the output stage with an ultra-clean signal and preserves every last tiny detail in the music.
Effortless, efficient power
How does the DPA-1M deliver so much power from such a tiny chassis? The secret behind this magic is a Class D output stage, which runs about 80% efficiency, compared to about 30% for a typical Class AB amp, and idles at about 20 watts rather than the 100 watts many Class AB designs consume. Because the DPA-1M’s output stage produces so little heat, it doesn’t require large heat sinks, a large chassis, or anything more than just minimal ventilation. Thus, it operates flawlessly whether it’s out on the floor on an amp stand, or tucked away in an equipment cabinet or closet.
Key features
- 325 WPC into 8Ω, 400 WPC into 4Ω
- Class A discrete FET input stage
- Cool-running Class D output stage
- XLR and RCA inputs
- Switchable gain and mute