UNCOMPROMISING, BEST-IN-CLASS INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

The simple and efficient treatment of the analog signal throughout the MD-309 Integrated Amplifier is, without a doubt, the hallmark of this musical device. Our Director of Design Zdenko Zivkovic has worked tirelessly to develop the Hybrid-Acoustic design platform, the backbone of this Hybrid Integrated Amplifier. This distinctive circuit path delivers the unique combination of long tube life (expected to be greater than 7 years under normal use), with high-current output (225 watts into 8 ohms and 450 watts into 4 ohms) in a design that generates half of its gain from the triode stage. The result is reference-quality audio realism and soundstaging of a full triode design combined with the sharp detail and harmonics characterized by the very best solid state devices.

This unique combination of long tube-life and high current output is achieved NOT by the use of output transformers, which add weight, limit frequency response, and ultimately, harm the harmonics of the resultant signal. Rather, the MD-309 Integrated Amplifier is equipped with an output stage that generates power through the use of 40 Sanken output transistors (10 per phase per channel), which amplify current, NOT voltage, taking critical stress off the 6922 Cryovalve tubes, and eliminating the need for traditional output tubes that are typical of tube amplifiers. This allows the tubes to operate efficiently, and when combined with a collection of world-leading components, including Mundorf Gold capacitors in the tube gain stage, Kimber Hyper Pure wiring throughout, and a unique audio stage that delivers the signal fully balanced before the output stage, the ultimate result is a perfect reproduction of the original dynamic signal from the source component.

Not to be overlooked, we've also equipped the MD-309 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier with a power plant that is more than capable of delivering current to all critical components. A shielded torroidal transformer and 8 Mundorf M-Lytic capacitors delivering 22,000uF each (total of 176,000uF of filtration) both help to ensure that the MD-309 Integrated Amplifier is free of ripple, with zero noise at 60Hz, 120Hz and 180Hz. Finally, each channel has its own axis bridge from the transformer, ensuring an ample reserve of current is available to reach the operating components of the device, making certain current supply is never an issue.

With an incredible intuitive LCD touchscreen and a functional remote, the MD-309 Integrated Amplifier is as easy to operate as it is attractive. The large knobs on the front panel offer the operator the option of manual volume control and input select, and if desired, users can pre-select listening levels for each input.

The 5 analog inputs (2 Balanced XLR, 3 single-ended) provide plenty of source options, and includes a SSP (Surround Sound Processor) input, which disengages the pre-amp section to allow the MD-309 to act as the amplifier for the 2 mains in multi-channel applications. Finally, in addition to the 5 analog inputs, the DAC board enables the integration of any digital source into your home audio system, via a USB or coaxial connection.

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The highly competent analog design of the MD-309 Integrated Amplifier necessitated a digital interface board that provided the same high level of performance. This unique circuit design uses two industry leading core components for the receiving and rendering of the digital signal, with the front end of the board driven by the CS8416 192kHz Digital Audio Receiver from CIRRUS Logic, capable of incredibly high performance standards.

Further, we have taken special care to feed the I2S signal through only state of the art components, first through the PCM 2707 DAC chip, then the OPA 827 OP AMP, recognized by many in the field as the best available. And when combined with the Texas Instruments PCM1792, 200kHz current output Delta-Sigma over-sampling DAC for audio rendering and the SRC 4192 full-time upconverting/upsampling DSP, the signal is ALWAYS operating at 24 bit/192kHz, ensuring a perfectly clocked, incredibly accurate output that is virtually jitter-free.

The sonic result of this elimination of jitter is immediately recognizable, transforming any digital signal into a focused, clear and accurate signal in the analog domain. This creates a product that is hugely scalable, allowing the MD-309 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier to be a true anchor in your home entertainment system.