Audio-GD Master 19 Review
Audio-GD Master 19 Review by KEVIN FISKE
HIGHLIGHTS
- Fully balanced design built by discrete analog stages without any OPA or coupling caps in the signal channels.
- Non- feedback ACSS analog output stage .
- Uses three R-core transformers (135W total), separate power supplies for the digital components, right and left channels.
- More than 50,000uf audio grade NOVER capacitors are used to ensure ample and smooth power supply.
- A total of 9 groups class A PSU’s are used to purify the power supply. To achieve a high S/N ratio, the control circuit is powered with separate regulators.
- Uses high-grade parts and exactly matched transistors.
- Four channel 99 steps digitally controlled relay-based volume control avoids channel imbalance and improves sound quality.
UPDATES
- Single polarity FET buffer stages in input and output, which is had a bit lower distortion and improve on the sound quality. The Single polarity FET stages have non feedback design (Toshiba K170)
- Power supplies improvements; lower noise floor resulting in a darker background.
- Users can enable/disable the “shorten” input signal now.
ANALOG INPUT
- 1. XLR balanced
- 2. RCA single ended
- 3. XLR balanced
- 4. RCA single ended
- 5. ACSS balanced
ANALOG OUTPUT
- Preamp / DAC output : XLR / RCA / ACSS (variable)
- Headphone output : 4 pins XLR / 6.3MM SE
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| Product type | Preamplifier Headphone amplifier |
| Inputs | 2x Single-ended RCA 2x Balanced XLR 1x ACSS |
| Outputs | 1x Single-ended RCA 1x Balanced XLR 1x ACSS 1x Single-ended Jack 6.35mm headphone output 1x Balanced XLR 4 poles headphone output |
| SNR | > 130dB |
| THD | < 0.003% |
| THD+N | < 0.005% |
| Adjustable gain | Low : +16dB (XLR) High : +25dB (XLR) |
| Headphone output power (balanced, Class A) | 9000mW @ 40Ω 3800mW @ 100Ω 1250mW @ 300Ω 175mW @ 600Ω |
| Headphone output power (single-ended, Class A) | 2500mW @ 40Ω 1050mW @ 100Ω 350mW @ 300Ω 175mW @ 600Ω |
| Preamplifier output level | RCA : 10V XLR : 20V ACSS : 2.4+2.4MA |
| Output impedance | 1Ω |
| Input impedance | XLR : 90kΩ ACSS : < 10Ω |
| Frequency response (XLR input) | 20Hz – 20kHz (+/-0dB) 1Hz – 220kHz (+0dB, -3dB) |
| Crosstalk | > 130dB |
| GENERIC | |
|---|---|
| Supply voltage | 110-240VAC 50/60Hz |
| Consumption | 45W |
| Weight | Approx. 7kg |
| Dimensions | 360 x 360 x 85mm |
| Package | 1x Audio-GD Master 19 1x remote control 1x Power cable |
HIGH PRECISION VOLUME CONTROL
Volume control consist of relay-controlled attenuators. Fully-independent, fully-balanced stereo volume controls. The volume controls feature consist of high-precision 0.05% tolerance film resistors and golden contact relays. Buffered inputs and outputs.There 4 channels volume boards are built in the unit to achieve ultimate balanced volume control. They are controlled by a digital signal controlling the high quality relays switching the precision resistors in analog area.
Quality of volume control is very important in balanced applications . It have to effectuate the four channels to work as synchronous as possible to keep the balanced signal in perfect shape. In traditional volume controls the balanced output will introduce distortion which will negatively influence sound quality and performance and might even get worse than a single ended setup and waste the advantages of balanced designed solution.
bert (geverifieerde eigenaar) –
This is so wholesome and fantastic.
using the hifiman Ananda Nano balanced, just wow!
Edin (geverifieerde eigenaar) –
It was all that I expected, it goes excellent with Class D IcePower 1200AS2. It warms and gives some weight to music. Music is richer and more pleasant to listen to.
Preamp is completely silent, no noise or anything. I am really satisfied.
Dean (geverifieerde eigenaar) –
I am so happy, withinthe first minutes – and this is ONLY with a quick test that everything is working – a simple RCA connection / SE out. I plugged in my HIfiman HE6sev2 – just to start with the bigger drive challenge and my goodness – from the first minute on – magic. And I will get some balanced signal into it tomorrow. I can see a great music listening wonderful journey ahead.
Peter van M. (geverifieerde eigenaar) –
My system is improved by adding the Master 19 preamp between the Audio-gd DAC r2r7 and my new poweramp. The poweramp sounded already good directly connected to the DAC but the Master 19 improves the soundstage and bottom end very much. With some recordings I’m hearing things that I never heard before, including very expensive setups at audio shows.
At the same time I have aquired one of the best headphone amps in this price range. Thanks Jos and Rob: I’m keeping this one!
Paul (geverifieerde eigenaar) –
This is a amazing headphone amp. Very high resolution and wide stereo image. Sound is stunning in XLR output to my Focal Clear MG. I am very pleased with this amp. My previous Musician Andromeda headphone amp is ver y good, but this one go”s much farther in all.
a very satisfied owner off the Master 19.
MJDelmar (geverifieerde eigenaar) –
Woiow, Unbelievable Experience. This AMP lifts my Hifima He-6se v2 and my Arya into new Dimensions. The Sound has Plasticity now and is 3D. My old Topping a90 is a Toy compared to this Sound Monster. Topping is only 2D Sound (: I highly recommend this Amp, for me the best Buy of the past 10 Years ***** Fast Shipping, everything just PERFECT *****
Ronald (geverifieerde eigenaar) –
Wow…! How beautiful does the Master 19 thing sound…!!! Fully balanced connected headphone listener…