SA-102 POWER AMPLIFIER

The Plinius SA-102 Class A power amplifier is the successor to the acclaimed SA-100 power amplifier. Enhancements to the SA-102 include dual power transformers with much higher capacity than those in the SA-100, improved power supply filtering, circuit refinements, and the same energy saving and error detecting logic control as found in the SA-250.

Input configuration switching allows the SA-102 to be run as a fully balanced mono power amplifier. Two SA-102s operated in this fashion provide 460 watts per channel of pure balanced Class A music.

The SA-102 is constructed in a substantial chassis with huge Plinius designed heatsink extrusions forming the sides of the case. Enhanced cooling flow built in to the amplifier allows it to run cooler while still maintaining the substantial bias current required for Class A operation. The power supply is housed in the base of the unit and is separated from the active signal circuitry by a horizontal internal bulkhead.

Although rated at 125 watts per channel in stereo mode, the SA-102 has a very large current capacity. Difficult loads are driven with ease, although very low efficiency ones in large spaces may need the added power of the Plinius SA-250.

Input options allow for Stereo via RCA connectors, bridged mono through RCA connectors, XLR stereo via XLR balanced connectors, or XLR balanced mono. Signal carrying wires are all Siltech brand.

As with all Plinius products the SA-102 is available in both anodised black and anodised silver finishes.

Inside the SA 102 power amplifier

Two large toroidal transformers take up most of the space in the base cavity of the SA-102. The circuit board beside the transformers holds the main DC rectification circuitry, and the soft start circuitry resides in the internal cavity of the amp. Main output rail rectification is done on the transformer tray but regulation occurs on the main board.

View of the main board and output devices (bolted directly to the heatsinks) of the SA-102. The main filter capacitors and regulation for the left and right power amps take up most of the central circuit board space. The actual power amp circuitry is spread over the top and bottom of this board, with the input and mute switching towards the back of the amplifier, with microcontroller and related circuitry up the front.View of the main board and output devices (bolted directly to the heatsinks) of the SA-102. The main filter capacitors and regulation for the left and right power amps take up most of the central circuit board space. The actual power amp circuitry is spread over the top and bottom of this board, with the input and mute switching towards the back of the amplifier, with microcontroller and related circuitry up the front.


		Power: 125 Watts RMS 20Hz to 20kHz into 8 Ohms both channels driven from 20Hz to 20kHz. Bridged/Balanced Mono Output: 460 Watts RMS per channel into 8 Ohms. Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz ± 0.2dB. -3dB at 5Hz and -3db at 70kHz. Distortion: Typically less than 0.05% THD at rated power, 0.1% THD and IMD worst case prior to clipping. Saturation: 140 Watts per channel or greater into 8 Ohms. 220 Watts per channel or greater into 4 Ohms. Current Output: 50A short duration continuous per channel. Fuse protected. Rise Time: Typically 5 microseconds. Hum & Noise: 100dB below rated output 20Hz to 20KHz A-weighted. Input Sensitivity: 0.8V RMS for rated output at 1kHz. Input Impedance: 47k Ohms Dimensions: Height 220mm (8.75"), Width 500mm (19.75"), Depth 455mm (18"), Weight 38kg (83lb). Input Options: RCA Stereo, RCA Bridged Mono, XLR Balanced Stereo, XLR Balanced Mono.

Reviews

'I became very conscious of [its] ability to reveal shortcomings, as well as strong points in cables and source material. ... The Plinius generates a good sense of the physical size of the performers and of their traversal of the stage from speaker to speaker as they sing. .. It did reproducing the .. [microdynamics of music] .. extraordinary well.. the Plinius is able to reproduce the slightest change in the sound source, whether form the player's movement or from another take with a minuscule difference in chair or microphone placement. ..... I strongly recommend it as an antidote to audio overdose.

The Magazin of Music & Sound

'The Plinius bears comparision with the best-built amps I've seen. .. The SA 100 is a champ at rendering detail... In terms of pure sound quality, the Plinius SA 100 is worthy of consideration by any music lover. I fell hard for its airy warm detailed - yet decidedly easy to listen to - presentation of music. Even though it replaced the $35.000/pair, state-of-the-art Krell Audio Standards in my system, I never felt as though I were suffering - the Plinius's virtues charmed and satisfied me. The quality of build and engineering are truly impressive, making me want to try more Plinius gear as soon as it's available. ... The SA-100 is one hell of an amplifier.' (Stereophile Recommended Components: Class:A)

Wes Philips Stereophile