EAM Lab CLASSIC 202i Integrated Amplifier

CLASSIC 202I was conceived, designed and implemented to further improve the sound reproduction of our previous MUSICA series integrated amplifiers while also incorporating the latest in connections for streaming digital content. We are not afraid to say that we have entered a new era of low-noise, highharmonic-contrast circuitry. this was possible thanks to a new circuit design, a modern volume control system, latest generation components and a series of advanced features that guarantee you crystal clear and precise sound. One of the main features of CLASSIC 202i is its ability to amplify the audio signal without distortion and with a high dynamic range. The sound is reproduced with the highest possible fidelity, without background noise,
alterations in the frequency response and, thanks to its powerful power supply, the typical distortion that
limits the dynamic sense of the music. The 102i also features a host of audio inputs and outputs, making it compatible with a wide range of devices. An exceptional MM phono input, two balanced inputs and 3 line inputs make it possible to use this modern
electronics with any source, from CD players to turntables. The DAC with Hyperstream technology
implemented on the SABRE ESS 9038 q2m further expands the possibilities of connections for digital and
streaming usability with an exciting level of unparalleled playback. Finally, we also designed it to be easy to use and set up. Thanks to its simple and intuitive interface, you can set it up in just a few minutes and start enjoying high quality sound in modo intuitivo, semplice e veloce.

Balanced Circuitry and Dual Mono Circuitry 

In the new 202i we have substantially increased the power of the power supply stage and we have developed the entire project with dual mono architecture. Each channel has separate and excellently filtered and stabilized power supplies, as do the entire ground planes. This allows for extremely effective channel separation which translates into a very natural sound, with incredible and realistic focus and stage reconstruction. Each instrument remains well focused in space and the powerful power section promotes unprecedented dynamics. The wiring reduced to a minimum, the conversion of the line inputs to balanced and the possibility of integrating the machine with audio/video systems guarantee absolute and immutable performance over time. The entire project is completed by a high-performance RIAA PHONO section for lovers of vinyl records and the possibility of using the PRE-OUT / AMP-IN outputs selectable by remote control for unprecedented versatility

Balanced Circuitry Philosophy

There are many conflicting opinions on this configuration. There are those who say that it is useless in the domestic environment, those who say that it degrades and dirty the sound, others that it only serves to determine a higher cost of the equipment for purely commercial purposes. In part, all of this could only be true if this aspect of the project is neglected or poorly designed. Recent technical field tests have also demonstrated that if the overall project is executed to perfection, the final result can be considered the maximum in terms of musicality, transparency and dynamics. In the CLASSIC 202i nothing has been left to chance, starting from a dual mono power supply and circuitry up to the actual heart where each amplification section is double. including the innovative volume control that uses two separate stages for each channel on an array of digitally controlled MOSFETs. Furthermore, thanks to its native balanced nature, even single ended line inputs are entirely converted to balanced, including the PHONO RIAA stage. Simply put, you won't hear a more dynamic and transparent preamp than this one

Volume control section

This is the most delicate and fundamental stage, to be handled with extreme care, because it ultimately determines the overall playback performance. Unlike many manufacturers who use classic motorized potentiometers, we have developed a completely different stage that guarantees a set of very important performance advantages. We have implemented gain control via a shielded mosfet array within a dedicated IC, digitally controlled. As a first benefit, we have permanently eliminated the wear of the carbon layer typical of traditional potentiometers, permanently erasing the onset of annoying hum & noise and pop & click inevitable over time. Another often-overlooked advantage is the response linearity that changes with volume increase or decrease when using carbon layer potentiometers or even the more sophisticated resistor array potentiometers. This happens when the signal passing through the potentiometer encounters a resistance that alters the impedance factor, causing this artifact. Thanks to our technology, this problem has been definitively eliminated because the signal does not see a resistance that varies with the knob but a network of mosfet devices acting directly on the feedback of a high-impedance, high-bandwidth operational amplifier.

DAC section

202i is equipped with a latest generation DAC stage which further expands the inputs for new digital technologies. 3 additional inputs between USB, COAX and OPTICAL make the amplifier extremely versatile with a wide choice of connection options to best enjoy music from your favorite source. Whether it is usable from streaming, from a CD player or from the television, with this section you will get the best in terms of reproduction and musicality. The DAC reads files with conversion up to 384 Khz in PCM and DSD 256 in Dop or DSD 512 natively. The DAC card can also be replaced and updated at any time to always have the latest innovations in the digital audio field at hand.

Practical and Functional Connections

The multiple connections make it versatile in any system, as a pure integrated amplifier or also as a preamplifier/power amplifier, integrating into already existing complex systems. To leave nothing to chance, the dedicated PRE-OUT and AMP-IN outputs can also be managed in balanced connection and are enabled from the practical touchscreen display or remote control. All functions are visible on the main screen—simple, intuitive, practical! From the SETTINGS menu, you access the second page where you can set all secondary functions, such as: DAC settings, input gain, fixed volume inputs for audio/video system integration, EXTERNAL use as pure final

Features

• Dual mono architecture
• High flux density transformers
• Latest generation bipolar transistors
• Volume control in the mosfet array digital domain
• Integration into audio video systems
• Wide connection possibilities
• Native balanced input-to-output structure
• Conversion of line data flow via RCA into balanced signal
• 2 x 330 Wrms @ 4ohm
  
• Made in Italy

Specifications

• RMS power for channel , both channels driven @1Khz
  • 200 W @ 8 ohm
  • 330 W @ 4 ohm
    
• EIA power for channel , both chanel driven / 20hz- 20Khz.
  • 280 W @ 8 ohm
  • 420W @ 4 ohm
• THD + N – weight A - 0.003% @ nominal power 8 ohm
• Input
  • 2 balanced input via XLR
  • 3 line input
  • 1 phono input RIAA MM
  • 1 ingresso AMP-IN selezionabile
• Output
  • 1 pair of XLR PRE-OUT
  • 1 pair of Binding post 6mm
• Input impedance
  • 47 Kohm via XLR
  • 22 Kohm via RCA
• Slew/rate 35 V/uS
• Frequency response 20 hz ~ 90 Khz +/- 0.2 db
• Phono input MM – 47Khom – 41 db gain
• DAC section USB – 784 Khz pcm – DSD256 in Dop mode / DSD 512 nativo COAX / Optical
• Chanel separation > 80 db
• SNR weight A >104 db
• Dimension 46 x 42 x 13 cm ( P x L x H )
• Weight 20 kg
• Remote control included

Support

• Datasheet
  
• Brochure