John Darko
The largest toroidal transformer found in a power amplifier selling for £1500? Leema Acoustics, a Welsh hi-fi manufacturer cofounded by two ex-BBC engineers, reckon it could be in their new Graviton: Class A/B, 150wpc into 8 Ohms, 260wpc into 4 Ohms.
From the press release: “The Graviton has an over-specified single transformer supply and six matched Toshiba output transistors per channel, allowing high instantaneous current delivery for superior transient capability and long-term reliability. Dual speaker binding posts are included to allow easy bi-wiring, plus line level loop through-outputs for bi-amping.”
But the Graviton is only one half of this story. Every power amplifier needs a pre-amplifier to provide source selection and volume attenuation. Joining the Graviton in Leema’s more affordable Quantum range is the Neutron pre-amplifier that boasts thirteen (13!) inputs: 4 single-ended RCA, balanced XLR; MM/MC phono stage; 3 x TOSLINK; 3 x coaxial and USB.
The phono stage is reportedly based on Leema Acoustics’ proprietary design but the DAC comes from ESS Labs to support PCM up to 24bit/192kHz and the volume control from Burr-Brown.
On outputs, we note variable balanced XLR and single-ended RCA, fixed-level RCA; a pair of subwoofer outs and a dedicated headphone amplifier that exits via the front panel’s 6.4mm socket.
Back to the press release: “Quantum borrows heavily from the company’s flagship Constellation series and has been repackaged in order to greatly improve affordability. The casework is simpler, single transformers replace multi-transformers, and the board assembly has been expertly simplified with no loss of component quality. Leema Acoustics famously manufactures its own circuit boards at its UK factory, giving unrivalled quality at its price point. The majority of the PCB components are shared with the Constellation series allowing economies of scale to directly benefit the new Quantum range.”
The Neutron pre-amplifier also sells for £1500 but if you buy the two together you can take £200 off the total. Your choice of silver or black.
Further information: Leema Acoustics
