The Icon Audio Stereo 50

Beautiful Versatile Affordable

Designed by David Shaw, founder of Icon Audio. Whilst our highly acclaimed Stereo 60 sets new standards for performance, our new Stereo 50 uses a circuit based upon the Leak front end of the 20/50/60 amplifiers. We chose to use the older bigger 6SN7 and 6SL7 driver valves from the early 1940’s. These have a reputation for a richer more textured sound, reliability, and a very long life. This combination of traditional design, excellent valves, audiophile components, custom transformers, massive choke power supply with beautiful looks all adds up to a stunning combination!

The power output stage uses the super GEC KT88 probably the greatest all round hi fi valve, operating in both “Ultralinear” and Triode mode the give the maximum choice of operating conditions. 55 watts of valve power is easily comparable with 100 watts of transistor power and will drive almost any sensitivity of speakers well, leaving plenty of headroom for dynamics and low distortion. The large custom wound transformers are able to deliver very deep bass notes and smooth clean treble.

Close attention has been paid to the large power supply using eight large capacitors and a large “choke” in a traditional “Pi” configuration. This gives very low source impedance with a huge reserve of power available for large transients without clipping.

This combination gives a very smooth and detailed sound stage which works well to bring out the colour and texture of older recordings and whilst not overemphasizing the harshness of many modern digital recordings. This makes for a very easy to live with amplifier that still has plenty of power to control modern speakers. A new feature of the Stereo 50 is the ability to reduce the sensitivity to work with pre amplifiers if required. This is not done by the usual attenuation which increases noise and reduces quality, but genuinely changes the sensitivity of the input.

In keeping with our philosophy of easy maintenance, the Stereo 50 incorporates our new simplified “Easy Bias” adjustment.

Another new feature of the Stereo 50 is the power saving “Warm up/Standby” switch. This prevents valve cathode stripping during start-up and enables the amplifier to remain in standby on low power without wasting valuable valve life or electricity. (only 45w)

The brand new design features high gloss white paint, 20 mm solid alloy front panel with polished alloy knobs. And our famous stainless steel and Plexiglas valve cover to create a stunning visual impression.

On the scales at 33Kg this amplifier is no lightweight in quality or performance and should give many years of excellent service.

As each amplifier is prepared to your order here in Leicester. We can offer a range of upgrades including our unique HT delay, premium and “new old stock” valves, the superb Jensen “oil in paper” capacitors. Ask us for a quote. Icon Audio are a small well established company we are and make customer service a priority. We are aware that there are many importers who will purport to offer you a good deal, but will they be around in years to come to service and upgrade your treasured amplifier?

Specifications and Features

• Comprehensive manual supplied
• Full instructions for valve change included
• Simplified bias adjustment
• All hand wired point to point
• No printed circuit board to ‘colour’ sound
• Japanese Blue ALPS volume pot.
• Class A, all Triode front end
• Output circuit Ultralinear or Triode switchable*
• 4x KT88/6550 precisely matched for best performance
• 1x 6SL7 first stage valve
• 2x 6SN7 phase inverter valves
• Standby switch to prevent cathode stripping on startup
• Standby switch to save valve life and power only 45w
• Optional automatic HT delay to prevent cathode stripping
• 2x 55w RMS continuous per channel
• 2x 27 Watts RMS in Triode mode
• Signal to noise level -90db
• Freq response better than 20hz-20kHz +0 – 0.5db
• Total harmonic distortion typically less than 0.1% 1khz
• Suitable for 4 to 16ohm loudspeakers
• Japanese steel EI transformers with low oxygen copper
• Attractive valve cover included in the price
• High quality 2W metal film, & wire-wound resistors
• Blue LED mains indicator
• Polypropylene audio capacitors
• Silver TEFLON audio cable
• Custom hand wound output transformers
• Ceramic valve holders for minimum leakage
• Centre tapped heater circuit for minimum hum
• ‘Soft start’ device incorporated
• Gold plated Input & speaker terminals
• Three line inputs
• Tape monitor circuit
• 350mv input sensitivity (integrated mode)
• 1000mv (1v) sensitivity (Power amplifier mode)
• 230/240volts 200watts typicly, 400w max. 2A AS fuse
• C E certified
• 400W, 400D, 250H, 33kg (remember to allow space for connections and ventilation)

Price £1199.95 (including valves and UK VAT)

Downloads

For full details of this product (including options and delivery details) pls download the PDF and Word doc.

PDF Word.doc