This is my first encounter with a product from Switzerland’s Orpheus Lab.
And based on a purely visual inspection you can easily see this company is not messing around:
We perceive materialization as the art of making this auditory experience as tangible and immediate as possible, transporting the artist to the listener closer than ever before. Founded in Switzerland and independent since 2001, Orpheus Lab embodies the expertise and precision of the “Swiss made” label. Like master watchmakers, we merge artisanal craftmanship and innovation to create exceptional audio instruments.
From Orpheus:
The A Four I200 stereo amplifier from the Absolute line inherits the technology developed by Orpheus Lab for the Opus II of the prestigious Heritage line.
It features a current amplification stage driven by six high-power MOSFETs, meticulously hand-matched for each channel, capable of reaching instantaneous current peaks of up to fifteen amperes. To ensure optimal control throughout the amplification chain, each MOSFET is governed by a bipolar technology control stage. This approach, combined with a multi-point feedback topology, allows for the precise application of feedback, achieving a perfect balance between musicality and technical performance. As a result, the A Four I200 adapts seamlessly to any type of loudspeaker.
A total of six inputs (3x RCA 3x XLR) each offer an input level selection stage (High, Med, or Low) to better match the incoming signal.
As you can see, each channel of amplification has its own dedicated oversized toroidal transformer “with a capacity of 880 VA” and Orpheus Lab rates the Absolute Integrated’s power output at 200 Watts into 8 Ohms while the whole package weighs a reassuring 79lbs including that gently curved sandblasted aluminum chassis. Nice.
I plan to take the Absolute Integrated for a quick spin on the DeVore O/Bronze (review) before their imminent departure after which it’ll get plenty of play time on the Wilson Benesch A.C.T. 3Zero Loudspeakers (more info). Stay tuned for my thoughts on the sound of Orpheus (Lab).
Orpheus Lab Absolute Integrated Amplifier A Four I200
Price: $23,700
Company Website: Orpheus Lab
North American Distributor: Bluebird Music
Specifications
Input
Connections: XLR or RCA
Balanced input Impedance: 94 kΩ
Unbalanced input Impedance: 94 kΩ
Maximum Input Level (input Bal) 4.8 Vrms
Maximum Input Level (input Unbal): 2.4 Vrms
Grounding option (unbalanced only): Grounded : Signal ground connected to earth | Lifted : Separated ground and earth signal
Output
Nominal audio power (AB class): 200 W @ 8 Ohm
Instantaneous power peak (<200 ms): 850 W (max 56.7 Vpic, 15 Apic)
Bias current: 125 mA
Thermal Idle power: 15 WPC
Frequency range (-3 dB): 0.7 Hz to 85 kHz
Frequency range (+0 dB, -0.1 dB): 5 Hz to 24 kHz
THD+N @ 200 W per channel into 8 Ohm: 0.004 % (-88 dB) @ 1 kHz, analysis range 20 Hz to 22 kHz
THD+N unloaded 0.001 % (-100 dB): @ 1 kHz, analysis range 20 Hz to 22 kHz
Clip to Noise Ratio (input Bal): -114 dB
Clip to Noise Ratio (input Unbal): -113 dB
Gain unbalanced: 18.5 dB
Gain Balanced: 24.5 dB
Output impedance: 0.0 Ohm
Damping Factor: > 3000
Headphone
Headphone impedance range: 32 Ω to 600 Ω
Noise Level: -96.2 dBu (12 uVrms)
THD+N @ 32 Ω: < 0.0009 % (-101 dB) @ 1 kHz
THD+N @ 600 Ω: < 0.0009 % (-101 dB) @ 1 kHz
Technology Used
Unique bias circuit guarantees a constant high bias current in all situations
Real dual mono topology with 6 High resolution MOSFET per channel
Each audio channel is powered by its own 880 VA toroidal transformer and 48 mF of dedicated capacitance, ensuring exceptional
Power
Nominal line voltage: 115 Vac or 230 Vac
Input voltage range: -15%, +10 %
Maximum power consumption: 950 W
Size & Weight
Height: 179 mm x Depth 420 mm x Width 440 mm
Weight: 36 kg