May 2005: Exciting new amplifiers from Thule Audio
Thule Audio will shortly be launching two new amplifiers, Spirit IA252B and Space IA255B, containing many technological and aesthetical improvements.
Spirit IA252B utilizes Thule’s “high efficiency” technology, which reduces the heat generation by up to 60%, compared with standard class AB amplifiers. This means that the amplifier is elegantly compact and will fit into any living room, in spite of its massive 2x 250W (8ohm) output.
IA252B is build with a fully balanced signal path, which consists of two identical amplifier circuits that operate fluidly in relation to ground paths and power supply. Among other things, this effective removes all noise generated by the power supply. A fully balanced signal path from disc player to speaker terminals can be achieved, If IA252B is connected with XLR cables to a balanced disc player, such as Thule’s DVA150B.
Thule’s unique “Virtual Class A ” circuit regulates the control voltage to the output transistors in such a way that both the positive and the negative output transistors are active at all times. This eliminates the annoying crossover distortion that develops in standard class AB amplifiers, when the positive and negative output transistors constantly switch on and off.
The combination of “Virtual Class A ” and a balanced signal path works much like the combination of a diesel engine and a turbo charger, in the sense that both bring out the best in each other: “Virtual Class A ” eliminates the “asymmetrical” crossover distortion whereas the balanced signal path eliminates the “symmetrical” distortion.
The end result is an incomparably low distortion of less than 0.005% at 300W (4 ohm)!
The signal path is without global feedback, which could otherwise cause “phase distortion” and produce the kind of hard sound, known from cost effecient Japanese audio products.
The resulting sound is incredibly clear and three-dimensional on the one hand, but warm and musical on the other. You will never get tired of listening to IA252B.
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