REVIEW HFA – Audio GD R8 DAC, Master 1 preamp, Master 3 power amp
Master-3 [2019]
- True Balanced Design
- ACSS – Non Negative Feedback
- “Linear Fidelity” Technology
- Soft Start Power Design
“Linear Fidelity” Technology (Patent Pending)
The Master 3 output stages are using spectacular technology developed by Audio-GD in-house and is referred as “Linear Fidelity”. (patent pending) The output stages have zero negative feedback, which normally means increased and unwanted distortion.
Most power amp designs show increased distortion when the output level increases. The full frequency band’s distortion level increases even more, specially the low and high frequencies. The special Audio-GD “Linear Fidelity” technology can keep the distortion low and steady at all levels. This results in ultra linear performance.
The ultra low distortion of this non-negative feedback amplifier is achieved by its ultra linear behavior of the amplifier. This results in a very transparent and analogue sound stage.
SUMMARY
- True Balanced ACSS Power Amplifier
- Fully balanced design, the gain stages and pre-driver stages working on class A , built by discrete analog stages without any OPA or coupling caps in the signal channels.
- The output transistors stages work in high idle current state. The Diamond Cross output stage design avoids “switch distortion” as well as class A amps.
- Non- feedback ACSS analogue design
- Installed 24 pieces transistors: “the King of transistors MJL4281/4302”
- Supports 250W X2 (8 Ohm) output & 500W x2 (4 Ohm).
- The capacitance of the whole machine reaches as high as 140,000 uF, with two 750W circle core and two R cores transformers (Total 1500W)
- Completely separated design, separated power supplies for the right and left channels.
- In total 4 groups of high-quality class A parallel PSU’s to power gain stages. To achieve a high S/N, the control circuit is powered with separate regulators.
- Audiophile grade components, including DALE resistors, WIMA caps, custom order NOVER (UK brand) caps, all audiophile grade input & output sockets and gold IEC socket.
INPUTS
- XLR
- ACSS (XLR 4-PIN)
OUTPUTS
- 2 x Speaker (LEFT & RIGHT) Neutrik output IEC sockets.
ACSS TECHNOLOGY
MASTER 3 is a discrete design applying the latest ACSS technology which improves the XLR connections to be able to sound as good as the ACSS connections. It seems complex, but in fact it is most straightforward design in the world. There are a lot components in the power supply providing rich and clean sound. The
MASER 3 power amp has a single voltage” gain stage to process signals, but works fully in ACSS mode; which in fact is a current gain stage instead of the standard voltage gain stage. The voltage gain state applied by almost all manufacturers requires at least two or three voltage gain stages. We implemented most elementary and shortest signal journey resulting most neutral and cleanest sound. MASTER 3 applies ultra-low distortion single stage ACSS amplifier soldered directly on the motherboard to reduce noise floor even more. The gain stages and pre-buffer stages are all designed to work in pure class A .The diamond cross output stage design avoid “switch distortion” as good as the best class A amp.The ACSS is a non-feedback technology is designed with discrete amplifiers.
Most people think the feedback design offer better specs in test measurements, and non-feedback isnt as good. Putting the measurements aside, non-feedback offers more pleasant sound for the human’s ears. This is a pyramidal conflict of classic circuits. Our developed ACSS named technology opens a new field: It can offer a neutral sound with very low distortion and high linearity. Retain the dynamics, detail and neutral sound without sounding bright or harsh.
All signal gain are in current mode, achieved by the unique, superb open-loop multiple output current mirror. Incomparably precise and ultra-low distortion in the gain signal is the result. The signal path is balanced throughout and all transistors work in class A mode.
POWER
Massive use of high power parts and robust power supply guarantee vigorous current output that drives most complex loudspeakers. Master-10 applies four channels of diamond non-feedback output stages composed of 24 pieces of ON Semiconductor transistors . The capacitance of the whole machine is over 140,000uF. Two enormous transformers are used with total power of 1500W as well as 2 R-Core transformers to power the pre-stages section
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS | |
---|---|
Output Power | 2x250W under 8 Ohm / 2x500W at 4 Ohm |
Switch Class A / Class AB | Class A up to 10W at 8 Ohm / Class AB from 10 to 250W at 8 Ohm |
Output Voltage | 48V |
Input sensitivity | 94K Ohm (XLR) / <10 Ohm (ACSS) |
Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz to 0.01dB |
crosstalk | > -115dB |
inputs | 2x XLR / 2x ACSS |
Exits | 2x HP Stereo Terminal Blocks |
Food | 4 transformers, including 2 R-Core for 1500W |
GENERIC | |
Consumption | 130W |
Weight | 40kg |
Housing material | 100% Aluminum |
Color | Black |
Dimensions | 480 x 440 x 190mm |
Accessories | 1x Power cable |
Bedy (geverifieerde eigenaar) –
Master-3 is a fine power audio from the high-end category. Don’t be fooled by the low price! Something similar from a famous name (with a lot of marketing behind it) costs at least 4 times that price.
The construction and materials are top notch, it couldn’t be better. In reality, it looks better than in the photos posted on the internet. And let’s not forget, it weighs 40 Kg!
The sound is perfectly neutral. But in a good, positive sense, that is, not neutral-boring, but neutral-very correct. Exactly what audio quality you put on the input is exactly what amplifies. So it depends a lot on the source but also on the preamplifier. It reaches the highest quality on the ACSS inputs.
I amplify the Triangle Genese Lyrr speakers and it control them perfectly. I have tried many other amplifiers so far (even more, more expensive in price than this) but Master-3 it controls them the best and the effect is unitary sound, all speakers sound as if they were one. This is called maximum coherence and this is the best result of maximum control! The merit of the ultimate audio power.
As the frequency band seems to have no limits. I heard extremely low sounds that I didn’t know in those recordings and I often have the feeling that some sounds are heard from outside the house, it plays so naturally and spatially!
It is very transparent in sound and lacks specific colors. Not in a sterile way but in a very natural way, including the feeling of natural and real.
It just sounds so good that it doesn’t seem to have a certain audio amplifier with a certain color. That is, it does what an amplifier has to do ….. just amplify exactly what it receives without adding or modifying anything.
The working temperature is not exaggerated. It is quite warm but not excessive. The sound depends a lot on the quality of the current from the power supply network but also on the quality of the cables.
I am very pleased.
Communication with Jos was exceptional! I was served as a VIP client even though I am far away and I only communicated in writing on the internet.
Bedy
Georges B. –
The M3 connected in M Way ACSS on the M1 is another world!!
Adding M Way ACSS between R8 and M1 + M Way USB to DI20HE greatly improves the accuracy of the soundstage!
Nandor C –
I’ve been listening to Master 3 amplifiers for 3 weeks now and I have to say that this amplifier is fantastic.
His voice is impressive. Crystal clear mid to high tones, bass tight and accurate. Incredibly wide sound, especially after Mano Ultra Streamer delivers Tidal music.
I’ve never heard my Triangle speakers play music like this before.
My friend has a Luxman l-509x amplifier (8500 Euro), I think Master 3 is definitely comparable to it.
In my opinion, Luxman has a richer bass, maybe more analogue, but Master 3 is just as good in everything else.
Remember that Luxman costs four times as much!
I really like MagnaHifi’s product range, Rob and Jos are knowledgeable, helpful professionals.
Keep it up!
Nandor