SA 400 ALNER HAMBLIN SEMI-DIGITAL POWER AMPLIFIER Return to homepage

Six years ago I was fortunate enough to be selected by Alner Hamblin to receive one of six prototype Digital Amplifiers for evaluation . The sound quality of this amplifier was quite astonishing, indeed better than any other amplifier I had heard regardless of price. I still use the power amplifier to this day because I have not heard anything to better it. Shortly after the evaluation the amplifier went into production and was very well received even though the price was very high.

Fortunately Alner Hamblin have produced a new version with the same huge power supply that is now affordable, but has not compromised sound quality at all (If anything it is even better) This is a very powerful low distortion semi-digital amplifier using the latest Tripath 105a chips. The SA400 has been developed over the last 6 years to produce one of the very best amplifiers available. IPL ACOUSTICS was delighted  to be given the opportunity to sell the new version

The power supply is massive and was designed to make the sound reproduction effortless into any loudspeaker load. This is evident from the RMS continuous power output figures given below. It operates at over 90% efficiency, giving very little heat output.

There are jumpers on the circuit board to alter the sensitivity of the amplifier to suit both passive preamps and conventional preamps with gain. Another jumper lifts the earth to prevent "earth loops"

The SA400 weighs 15kg,  Dimensions are; 445mm width, x 330mm depth, x 95mm height.

RMS continuous power output at 1Khz with 230v mains and both channels driven is as follows;-

8 ohms..................................................307 watts/ch  Bridged..............................................1128 watts

4 ohms..................................................545 watts/ch  Bridged..............................................1368 watts

Power Amp Price £795.00 to include delivery

A very high quality passive Preamp SP400 with 6 inputs and built in the same case is available at £495.00. (including delivery) A link from the preamp is supplied to put the SA400 Power amp into standby.

REVIEW IN HI-FI NEWS (January 06 issue). If you would like to purchase this amplifier or would like further details  please contact myself at IPL ACOUSTICS 01271 867439