Circle Labs A200

Description

The Circle Labs A200 is one of those integrated amplifiers that doesn't seek to impress through excess, but rather through balance. Its hybrid design combines a valve preamp section with a transistor power stage, seeking to unite the tonal naturalness and fluidity of the valve with the authority, control and current delivery of good solid-state amplification.

The preamplifier section works with valves from the ECC88 family, within a minimalist architecture and very short signal path. This design philosophy is important: fewer unnecessary components, less artifice and greater respect for the musical signal. The result is a clean, open and organic presentation, with that sense of music breathing which is so appreciated during long listening sessions.

The power amplifier uses proprietary Circle Power technology, with a declared output of 120 W into 8 ohms and 200 W into 4 ohms. It is not just about wattage on paper, but about a real capacity to drive loudspeakers with ease, keep the bass firm and maintain a stable soundstage even when the music demands dynamics and control.

On a practical level, the A200 offers a very comprehensive setup for a serious high-end system: an XLR input, several RCA inputs, a preamp output and a remote control. It is an amplifier designed for anyone looking to simplify their system without compromising on a refined, powerful and emotional listening experience. An integrated with a classic soul, modern construction and a presence that, without making any noise, commands respect.

The A200 is a hybrid integrated amplifier delivering an output power of 120W/8Ω, 200W/4Ω and is equipped with a balanced XLR input, four pairs of RCA inputs and a direct power amplifier input that bypasses the preamplifier.

Volume control is achieved using a resistor ladder from the renowned company Khozomo. The resistors, with a tolerance of 0.1 %, are switched by state-of-the-art relays that guarantee the highest possible precision and long-term durability that traditional potentiometers cannot match.

The A200's preamplifier is designed around a stably biased NOS Siemens vacuum tube; this minimalist solution allows for the fewest possible passive components: one vacuum tube, one resistor and a state-of-the-art capacitor made from solid copper foil. The extremely short signal path directly influences the neutrality of the sound and the dynamism of the transmission.

 

The A200«s »Circle Power' topology is an original development by Circle Labs and we believe it is the best combination of valve and transistor devices. This design uses a single-ended input stage with current steering from a BJT output stage and combines the detail and precision of single-ended systems with the efficiency and dynamics of balanced systems. The A200's power amplifier is a true dual-mono design with separate toroidal transformers and power supplies with a combined capacitance of 200,000 µF

Specifications:

• Power output (RMS): 120W/8Ω, 200W/4Ω
• Frequency response: 10 Hz–130 kHz (-3 dB)
• Input sensitivity: 0.7V (maximum power)
• Gain: 35dB
• Input impedance: 33 kΩ
• Power consumption:
  • Standby: < 0.1W
  • Continuous: 70W
  • MAX ON: 400W
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 430 x 376 x 176 mm
• Net weight: 23 kg