The information provided on this page is for imformation only, because these legacy Blue Circle products are discontinued.
CSD Class D Integrated Amplifier
The goal of the CS series has always been to produce an integrated amp that focuses on performance-per-dollar, not on cosmetics or bells and whistles. The focus is on the stuff that makes music: the guts, the circuitry, the power supply; not on cosmetics or a bunch of options that most people don't really need. In order to keep the price down and the design simple but functional. The chassis is aluminum not steel. The faceplate is the standard Blue Circle stainless steel.
There are only three single-ended line-level inputs, no tape loops or preamp outs. The front panel has only a power button, a laser-trimmed Alps volume control, and an input selector. There is just one set of speaker terminals on the back panel. But if you take a look under the hood, where it really counts, you will see that this is not a typical entry-level amplifier.
The CSD preamp section is based on the BC reference-quality BC107 line stage preamp. This precision-biased class A/B single-ended parallel topology was developed by Gilbert Yeung and is exclusive to Blue Circle Audio. The output stage is derived from a unique class D design that he developed for the new 2K series of power amps. It produces a conservative 145 watts into 8 ohms and 290 watts into 4 ohms. As with all Blue Circle components, power supply filtering is best described as very serious overkill. There is plenty of gas in the tank of this little hot rod.
Optional features
Retail price
Standard unit: $2495.00 E-mail us for optional feature pricing.TLP Audio says...
"I recently had the pleasure of auditioning the production version of the new CSD class D integrated amplifier. Gilbert told me it had already been running for a week straight prior to its arrival here and I believe it because I listened immediately after power on and again several hrs later in the afternoon. There was no discernable difference to me. After being powered on for 6 hrs and running continously, the amp was barely warm to the touch. It sounds UNlike any other solid state amp that I've heard....warm, "toasty", comfortable, expansive, and detailed. I thought sure there was at least 1 tube hiding in there someplace BUT nope! For a retail price of $2500 and short lead/build time of 30-45 days, this should be a good seller for us. It brings back fond memories of the halcyon days of CS integrated.During its hayday, we sold a ton of the original CS (50 wpc) integrated amplifiers and the CSD replaces it with better sound, more power in a lightweight package. What a great way for high-end audio fans to get started in the Blue Circle realm."
Standard Features
Optional features
Technical Information
DAR Integrated Amp
Sparkling highs that make music come to life, a sweet inviting midrange, full-bodied palpable presence, and a rounded controlled bottom end are the hallmarks of the DAR's sound. The DAR will produce stunning, musical bass performance even when driving small stand-mounted monitor speakers but will also tame the overloading often associated with large woofer designs. All of these features combine to present the listener with an enjoyable musical experience.The DAR, a hybrid integrated amplifier with a 6SN7 tube at the input stage, produces 100 watts into 8 ohms and 150 watts into 4 ohms. The innovative design of the DAR presents a number of technical firsts for Blue Circle Audio. It uses a "pancake" style torodal transformer that has high current, high power, and high-speed capacity without the noise that is typically associated with transformer design. Its dual power supply allows the tube and output stages to function independently for better imaging and soundstage creation.
The DAR's discrete circuitry creates smooth sparkling highs and a powerful-controlled bottom end. The circuitry utilizes two ultra high power bi-polar transistors for each channel to ensure that phase coherence is at its best . The over sized heat sink makes ensures that the output devices run at their optimum operating temperature.
Most interestingly, the 6SN7 tube, seen in the following picture, is configured as a unity gain at the input stage. This innovative design feature optimizes the 6SN7 to take full advantage of its sonic signature. The DAR's circuitry is so transparent, it shows off the best of the 6SN7 and allows the seasoned audiophile to roll tubes and fine-tune this exceptional design to their personal preference.
The DAR runs so cool that you can install it in confined space. It needs a scant 5 inches to breathe *. Its multiple protection circuits including DC offset, thermal overload, and short circuit at the output make it safe and easy to use while driving the most difficult loads to satisfying volumes. The DAR also includes a power-on muting delay to avoid turn on transients.
All parts used in the DAR are RoHS (lead-free) compliant. The DAR uses less energy than a 5 watt tube amp during idle. When the power switch is off the unit is disconnected from the power source and draws zero power. The high efficiency output stages are efficient and therefore generate very little heat.
Features
Specifications
* at 25 degrees C room temperature
Read the Reviews
Affordable Audio: February 2008 issue
SoundStage: September 2008 issue
Options
The even better news is that you can order the Shallco attenuator and remote volume control options. Yes, you can have both. Plus, you can choose to have either a balance control or dual Shallco attenuators.
MSRP for standard unit and available options:
KATLAS Integrated Amplifier
The Katlas is a 145 wpc integrated amplifier that shares it's sonic heritage with the GDC. With its extra wattage and power supply storage capacity, the Katlas has a more authoratative bottom end while retaining the overall balanced presentation of the music. Its quick and transparent quality lets you hear through the performance and the venue acoustic*. The Katlas strikes that perfect balance between delicacy and authority that will make you simply want to spend more time listening to music.
TLP Audio says.... We here at TLP audio spend a lot of time doing live recording, mixing and mastering music, as well as listening, of course. When we listen to our live recordings, we hear the space that separates each instrument along with definition. We hear none of that "lost in spaceness" that is typical of today's integrated amplifiers. The music simply sounds more live!
Standard Features
KATLAS prototype shown with optional stainless steel faceplate.
Optional Features
Options
Not all options may be installed in one unit.Specs and Measurements
Retail price
Base unit: $4285.00E-mail us with questions and optional feature pricing.
FtTH2 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier
The Details
Optional Features
Specs (measured w/matched tubes)
Weight: 22 lbs integrated amp; 23 lbs power supply; 9 lbs KQ power box