The Emperor integrated amplifier is one of the most accomplished high-end integrated amplifiers on the market. It has the ability to deliver large amounts of power into the most demanding loads and to do so with exceptional finesse. A wide range of input and output interfaces provide great versatility and the ability to split its pre and power sections, which allows it to be used in multi-amp active systems together with an active crossover.
The Emperor Integrated amplifier incorporates the low-level signal circuitry from the Emperor Extreme Preamplifier and the power stage from the Emperor Extreme stereo power amplifier to create an integrated amplifier of exceptionally high quality.
It uses a 2,500kVA toroidal power transformer and conservatively rated reservoir capacitors, enabling it to deliver 600W RMS into 4 ohms with both channels driven. This ensures that it will drive any German Physiks loudspeaker and almost any other makers’ loudspeakers, while providing excellent dynamics and bass control. Large heat sinks concealed within the case, allow the unit to run continuously at high power whilst remaining cool, thereby improving reliability.
3 balanced and 3 unbalanced inputs are provided per channel, allowing flexibility for use in a wide range of system configurations. Each channel also has 2 balanced and 2 unbalanced preamplifier section outputs, making it easy to add additional power amplifiers when the unit is used in multi-amp systems. Direct inputs are provided for the power amplifier stage, allowing this to be used independently of the preamplifier section.
Technical excellence
High voltage power supply rails for the low level signal stages and a balanced output stage ensure a very wide dynamic range, which combined with the design’s very wide bandwidth provides exceptional transparency and resolution.
The volume control uses a sophisticated relay-switched resistor network design, allowing precise adjustment with very accurate channel balance. This also gives the volume control stage a constant input and output impedance, which prevents the changes in sound quality that can occur at different settings with simpler designs.
The heart of an amplifier is the power supply, so great care was taken with the design to ensure that it would be able to provide the audio sections with a source of power that was as stable and noise free as possible.
The preamplifier section, power amplifier stage and control section all have their own independent toroidal power transformers. These were chosen for their low external magnetic fields. To minimize the effects of stray magnetic fields, all four transformers are housed in their own screened enclosures.
The amplifier’s incoming mains power is not routed through the power switch, as these can have a detrimental effect on the sound, more so with power amplifiers. Instead, this switch supplies power to the standby circuit and when the front panel On button is pressed, this turns on a high current relay which carries the mains power.
When a large power supply is connected to the mains supply, the initial in-rush current can be high enough to trip circuit breakers or blow fuses. To prevent this, a 4-stage soft start circuit allows the power supply to “slowly” charge before it is switched out of the circuit. This also reduces the stress on the power relay.
High quality power supply capacitors are used with additional decoupling capacitors located physically as close as possible to where they are needed in the circuit.
Great care was also taken with the internal grounding to prevent the introduction of noise.
As a further noise reduction measure, a front panel ground lift switch allows the amplifier’s signal ground to be disconnected from the chassis safety ground and is useful in eliminating hum when this is caused by a ground loop.
Easy to use
A large front panel display provides a clear indication of the volume control setting and unit status.
High quality remote control
The high-quality remote control is machined from a solid block of aluminum.
A touch of luxury
The user manual is supplied in a custom-made leather pouch.
Quality and reliability
The Emperor Integrated amplifier is designed and manufactured in Germany. To ensure excellent sound performance and high reliability, great care and attention has been devoted to all stages of production, from the initial design to component selection and final manufacture.