AUDIO-GD MASTER-9 MK3

Dual mono design, using two R-core transformers for separate power supplies for the right and left channels. It features a non-feedback ACSS gain stage and a non-feedback diamond output stage. Fully balanced pure class A design is built by discrete analog stages without any opamp chips or coupling capacitors (only DC coupled) in the signal path. In total 8 x matching 150W transistors (totaling 1200W) used in the output stages to implement oversized class A output power. More than 32,000uF audio grade NOVER from UK capacitors and 4 groups pure class A Power regulators are used to ensure ample and smooth power delivery. A four-channel 100 steps digitally controlled relay-based volume control avoids channel imbalance and improves sound quality. It offers maximum of 16.25dB gain with 2 types of gain modes, which can drive low sensitivity headphones easily.

The Master 9 features a true dual mono and true balanced design, employing the newest ACSS design to enhance XLR connections to sound as good as the ACSS connection. Despite their apparent complexity, they are in fact the simplest design the world has ever seen, with numerous components dedicated to processing the power supply. Utilizes an ultra-low distortion single-stage ACSS amplifier, with the simplest and shortest signal path providing the most neutral and least colored sound. Components are soldered directly onto the motherboard. The ACSS is a non-feedback technology comprised of discrete amplifiers. While most people are familiar with global feedback designs offering better specs in test measurements, non-feedback designs may not perform as well in tests but can offer superior sound to the human ear. This creates a conflict in classic circuits. However, the ACSS introduces a new paradigm by offering a least coloration sound, which is more neutral with very low distortion and high linearity. As a result, it retains dynamics, detail, and neutral sound without sounding bright or harsh. All signal gain is in current mode, with all transistors operating in pure class A mode.

MASTER 9 MK3 IN- & OUTPUTS

INPUTS

2x XLR balanced
2x RCA single ended
1x ACSS balanced (mini-xlr)

OUTPUTS

Preamp output

1x XLR
1x RCA
1x ACSS

Headphone outputs

1x 4-Pins XLR Balanced
1x 6.3mm jack Single Ended

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications provided by the manufacturer
Product type	Preamplifier Headphone amplifier
Inputs	1x Single-ended RCA 2x Balanced XLR 1x ACSS
Outputs	1x Single-ended RCA 1x Balanced XLR 1x ACSS (mini-xlr) 1x Single-ended Jack 6.35mm headphone output 1x Balanced XLR 4 poles headphone output
SNR	> 130dB
THD	< 0.003%
THD+N	< 0.005%
Adjustable gain	Low : +16dB (XLR) High : +25dB (XLR)
Headphone output power (balanced, Class A)	9000mW @ 40Ω 3800mW @ 100Ω 1250mW @ 300Ω 175mW @ 600Ω
Headphone output power (single-ended, Class A)	2500mW @ 40Ω 1050mW @ 100Ω 350mW @ 300Ω 175mW @ 600Ω
Preamplifier output level	RCA : 10V XLR : 20V ACSS : 2.4+2.4MA
Output impedance	1Ω
Input impedance	XLR : 90kΩ ACSS : < 10Ω
Frequency response (XLR input)	20Hz – 20kHz (+/-0dB) 1Hz – 220kHz (+0dB, -3dB)
Crosstalk	> 130dB

GENERIC
Supply voltage	110-240VAC 50/60Hz
Consumption	45W
Weight	Approx. 8kg
Dimensions	360 x 290 x 75mm
Package	1x Audio-GD Master 9 mk3 1x remote control 1x Power cable

RELAY BASED VOLUME CONTROL

Conventional volume control technology design is through a volume potentiometer to reduce the otuput signal . The volume pots quality effect the sound quality directly, low quality volume potentiometers but even high quality are caussing loss of detail and channels imbalance resulitng in soundstage distortion . Even the high

Volume control design of the Master 9 consist of relay-controlled attenuators. Fully-independent, fully-balanced stereo volume controls. The volume controls feature consist of high-precision 0.05% tolerance film resistors and golden contact relays. Buffered inputs and outputs.There 4 channels volume boards are built in the unit to achieve ultimate balanced volume control. They are controlled by a digital signal controlling the high quality relays switching the precision resistors in analog area.

Quality of volume control is very important in balanced applications . It have to effectuate the four channels to work as synchronous as possible to keep the balanced signal in perfect shape. In traditional volume controls the balanced output will introduce distortion which will negatively influence sound quality and performance and might even get worse than a single ended setup and waste the advantages of balanced designed solution.

Weight	10 kg
Dimensions	360 × 290 × 75 mm
Brand	Audio-GD
Warranty	2 year limited warranty

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Show only reviews in English (0)

Be the first to review “AUDIO-GD – Master 9 Mk3 – Discrete balanced headphone- & preamplifier” Cancel reply

Worldwide Shipping

Customers outside European Union pay price excluding VAT (Custom fees maybe applicable)
Services and delivery options are automatically calculated at checkout.
We ship with DPD, DHL, UPS or Fedex. (Specify preferred shipper in order note)
In some situations a preferred shipping company might involve additional costs. We will contact you.

Payment options

We accept many payment methods, including major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex), PayPal and Apple Pay and many other’s.
In some countries we support Klarna slice-it or 3 - instalments
When you would like to pay with credit card above 5000 EURO we make 2 or more instalments. Contact us please.

Product price:	€1.259,00
Total options:
Order total:

AUDIO-GD – Master 9 Mk3 – Discrete balanced headphone- & preamplifier

Delivery 5-14 days

Color *