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- Use of the highest power ICEpower® modules gaining the largest power supply because experience confirms time and again that in high-end audio one can never have too good a power supply. This has the added less subtle benefit of delivering very high power levels into even the most difficult loads.
- Allow upgrade options including easy bi-amplification connections and further up rating of the power supply system with external capacitance banks.
- Offer models for a variety of applications including integrated, stereo, and mono configurations.
- House the amps in classically styled black or silver all aluminum casework.
- Take advantage of ACG’s low overhead to price the 1000 series amps very keenly.
1000 Direct Amp
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A revolution in hi-fi power amps is coming.
F A
The overarching goal of the Audio Crafters Guild 1000 series product is to deliver 95% of the performance and style of cost-no-object audio systems for 20% of their cost. As the cost of bleeding edge systems soars from deep in multi-$10k territory onto $100,000+ we believe it is important to continue to offer high performance high value components. Now there is nothing inherently wrong with extremely expensive hi-fi gear. On the contrary it has always been the nature of the pursuit that independently wealthy enthusiasts pay for the R&D necessary to advance the state of the art through their support of reference grade components. And they are fun to read about in the magazines and on the web or hear at a show. However the perhaps excessive focus on the uber-expensive component has led some to question is high-end audio a game those without trust funds can play? Audio Crafters Guild answers that question with an emphatic yes. The Audio Crafters Guild 1000 series amplifiers deliver music both emotionally satisfying and viscerally exciting with refinement and power previously available only at far higher price points. Engineering and manufacturing experience allow a direct hit on the point at which the cost/performance curve starts its exponential climb into funny money land. Combining proven subassemblies and parts with hard won experience on how to actually build quality cost effectively in the U.S.A. yields maximum bang for the buck. Reaching this hard won engineering goal would be for naught if the musical performance was simply adequate. The good news is …..it sounds really good……….
After evaluating the options available the decision was made to base the 1000 series amplifiers on the B&O ICEpower® modules. The high-end audio market already has amplifiers using the various ICEpower® modules so careful consideration went into how to maximize both performance and value compared to other amps regardless of the technology used. One of the enduring fascinations of high-end audio design is the multi-discipline multi-dimensional set of goals vs. possible solutions that confront the designer. Of these the following were selected for the 1000 series amplifiers:
The Audio Crafters Guild 1000 series amplifiers debuted in October 2006 at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest driving the Facet Audio Labs Banshee loudspeakers. The speakers were bi-amplified using a full 1000 series stack including the 1000 Direct Amp, 1000 Stereo Amp, and 1000 Energy Pack. Feedback on the resulting sound was very positive.
A 1000 series amplifiers brochure in PDF format can be
downloaded here. Also watch this space for further details, design background, and a FAQ.
Please note that ICEpower® is a registered trademark of Bang & Olufsen ICEpower a/s.