The amazing Audio Analogue integrated amp
A while ago I purchased the Italian Audio Analogue Primo Settanta integrated amp. It is a truly amazing amp on many levels.
First off its design, build and looks are without fault. If you like a minimalist modern Italian look this is it. I has all aluminum casework w/ extruded aluminum side panels and stainless steel trim. And the volume control is a really cool stainless steel jog/shuttle knob to raise and lower the volume. Not a potentiometer, but using a resistor ladder network to control volume.
The more I listen to it the more I am amazed at its tubelike sound. I couldn't put my finger on how they actually accomplished this from a SS amp. After research I found out that the chip amp modules used are responsible for its warm, fast and detailed sound. some refer to these amps as gain card amps.
This AA amp uses 2 LM3886 power pack modules per channel resulting in 70 wpc @ 8 ohms and 140 wpc @ 4 ohms. These are the same power packs used in Jeff Rowlands Concentra amp (w/ 6 power packs per channel) and 47 Labs Gaincard (w/ 1 power pack per channel).
I love this amps tubelike sound, SS detail and punch with really cool looks. And it only retails for $995 USD.