Icon Audio Stereo 25 Mk. II KT88

Icon Audio Stereo 25 Mk. II KT88

Beautiful Versatile Affordable

Many people yearn for the idea of a very simple amplifier using only one output valve (or Single Ended), believing that the absence of a phase splitter and push-pull output stage will bring them closer to the elusive inner detail of music reproduction.


It is certainly true the SE amplifiers have a magical sound of their own.


Our new Stereo 20 SE is no exception.


Two years in design and another year the for the listening and tweaking , as technically SE amplifiers do not measure as well as their Push-Pull cousins, so many adjustments are made by ear .


We believe that our new ST20SE has a truly Golden Sound !How did we do it Well first by addressing the common problems that SE amplifiers tend to suffer from.


Such as: Low power output (usually 9 watts max) Poor bass (due to transformer saturation) Hum and noise (no push-pull noise cancelling)There are various solutions to these problems:For more power we could use one of the transmitter triodes like the 845, but these are very power hungry and difficult to drive, demanding big, high voltage power supplies and powerful driver stages (e.
g.


the expensive 300B)The logical choice is the superb GEC KT88.


It is very efficient, working well with simple power supplies.


The KT88s easy driving qualities make it easy to design a simple high quality low noise driver.


And because the transformers are not saturated the bass response is excellent.


All these things add up to keep the purchase cost and running costs down, not the quality.


Designed by David Shaw, founder of Icon Audio.


The driver stage is the venerable 6SN7.


Probably the best sounding Hi Fi driver valve.


Quiet, silky smooth and dynamic.


The large custom wound transformers are able to deliver very deep bassnotes and smooth clean treble.


SE amplifiers are very sensitive to the power supply, and sound better with a valve rectifier.


We use the Western Electric designed 275 valve rectifier (centre) 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 20 SE 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.


The brand new gold and black design features solid alloy legs and knobs.


And our famous stainless steel and Plexiglas valve cover to create a stunning visual impression.


On the scales at 20Kg this amplifier is no lightweight in quality or performance and should give many years of excellent service.


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 based in Leicester.


We make customer service a priority.


Total Peace of mind service!When buy an Icon Audio product, you get: A UK 240v specification product.


Designed for use in UK and Europe.
A full UK guarantee.
A comprehensive manual to tell you everything you need to know, including how to check the performance & how to check and change valves.
UK service dept with skilled engineers that know how your product should sound! Full back up of spares in stock Free valve testing for customers Free telephone or email advice

What we do:In Leicester each amplifier is carefully checked & tweaked plus any custom modifications added as required before undergoing over 20 rigorous tests in all its important static & dynamic parameters.


Finally each amplifier is run to allow the valves to bed in .


This ensures, inc.


and listening performance, plus any custom modifications required.


Specifications and Features Comprehensive manual supplied Full instructions for valve change included All hand wired point to point No printed circuit board to colour sound Japanese Blue ALPS volume pot.
Class A, all Triode front end 2x KT88/6550 precisely matched for best performance 2x 6SN7 driver valves 2x 20w RMS continuous per channel 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 (Jensen option) Silver PTFE 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 with Gold plated terminals 350mv input sensitivity (integrated mode) 1000mv (1v) sensitivity (Power amplifier mode) 230/240volts 150watts typically, 250w max.


2A AS fuse C E, ROHS, WEEE compliant 400W, 400D, 250H, 20kg (remember to allow space forconnections and ventilation)