AUDIOPAX Maggiore M 50 Monoblock Amplifiers

The basic design of every Audiopax tube amplifier is built around a revolutionary topology, which is, probably, the only major innovation in this category in at least the last five decades. They have developed an ingenious combination of independent amplification sections with subtle differences between them. This is achieved through the utilisation of slightly different output transformer configurations. It allows them to do what no other manufacturer, regardless of price, can do. They achieve a significant increase in final power for the tube employed, together with the creation of an “Ideal Audio Device” (as though they developed their own “dream audio tubes”). Not content just with emulating single-ended triode tube sound, they have effectively produced tube amplifiers, which have all the desirable qualities of SET’s without their limitations. In addition to that they’ve provided a way to control the distortion spectrum of the amplifier by means of their exclusive Timbre Lock® control. This allows a perfect match with any loudspeaker. The final result was to maximise the possible cancellation of the loudspeaker’s harmonic distortion. This concept was originally launched in 2001 with their 30W single-ended Class A1 Model 88 and has now been taken to the ultimate with the Maggiore line.

The exclusive Audiopax topology with two different and independent amplification sections within each mono block, initially utilised in their Model 88 amplifier, becomes even more effective with the increase to three or even six independent amplification sections. These provide greater power and control with even better tuning for a more perfect match with any loudspeaker. However this presents greater challenges in keeping the noise floor at the same low level and achieving the same “speed” as with a smaller number of amplifiers. This involved a major change to the topology when going from two to three or six amplifiers and this is the main difference between the Model 88 and the Maggiore M50 and Maggiore M100. So, the change from two independent amplifiers working together to three or six is not a simple question of adding amplifiers inside a chassis – they had to redesign several of their original circuits to match these new requirements. It is a challenge to associate low noise with speed in power supplies and this is exactly what they achieved with the new and redesigned power supplies of the Maggiore line. The same revision had to be made to the output transformers and this involves more than 30 different phases through in their production process.

Something in common for all models in the Maggiore line is the extreme care taken with the components, which are always selected from the best options in the high-end market. All our transformers and coils, from the main toroidal for the power supplies to the output transformers and load coils for the amplifiers and preamplifiers, are designed and made exclusively for our products. The best laminates and wires are selected after years of research and tests. Every resistor and capacitor is selected for its specific function; such as the tiny Vishay foil resistors for the input signals and a specific series of Nichicon and Clarity caps for their power supplies. They had also been using the best coupling caps in the world (such as V-cap CuTF or Duelund CAST-PIO Cu) for several years but decided to go even further, developing their unique and exclusive new series of copper capacitors for use in their equipment. These were produced in partnership with Jupiter Condensers, one of the main high-end audio capacitors manufacturers in the market and took them two years of continuous effort to get the best possible performance. Several of their components are treated with an exclusive duo-cryo process, again the result of years of experimentation and research in this area. All of their equipment has benefited from the results of research into materials that absorb vibration and today they are one of the few companies that use solid wood, carefully selected for each production line.

Revolutionary topologies associated with extensive use of R&D for the selection of all the parts, materials and processes used in our production makes the Maggiore line a true reference in the audio high end market.

The result was an entirely new musical experience that is unique and extremely difficult to explain (how to describe something that simultaneously combines the magic and the delicacy of single ended with an absolute control of all elements of the musical event – something that previously only existed in the best solid state amplifiers?). Here are some words from a professional musician when he heard for the first time the Maggiore M100:

“The Maggiore does not ring or as a valve, or as a transistor. Do not touch as anything. In fact, nothing touches such as Maggiore . It is pure and natural music, no concessions.” [Euclides Marques – violinist]