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Amplifier Circuits
The FVA1 Monoblock Power Amplifier uses our Fet Valve Advanced (FVA) tube/solid-state architecture to deliver stunning linearity and sound quality. The Fet Valve Advanced architecture finally fulfills the promise of tube/solid-state amplifier hybrids, building on AVA's pioneering work in the field reaching back to the 1980s.
The FVA1 is a differential (i.e., "bridged") monoblock amplifier where each side of the amp consists of a tube input stage (using a ECC83/12AX7A dual triode tube), a high-performance class AB solid-state output stage, and the necessary coupling and feedback circuitry between them that lets everything work at its best.
The allure of hybrid approaches is always that they offer the possibility of capturing the best of two worlds. In the case of tube/solid-state amplifier hybrids, this means using a tube front end, with their incredible voltage headroom, and a solid-state output stage, with their tight and linear push and grunt. However, with conventional tube/solid-state hybrids, the circuitry in between that tries to bridge the two domains typically ends up compromising the performance of one or the other stages, introduces nasties of its own, or both.
In developing the FVA1, we took a fresh look at everything we could think of that stood to introduce non-linearities when translating between the two domains. We then devised an all-new approach to the translation that lets both stages work ideally while itself delivering fabulously clear and clean performance. All this is wrapped in a compound feedback scheme that's very reminiscent of our ANA architecture.
The result, in a word, is spectacular.
Additional Information
The FVA1 has one single-ended RCA and one XLR differential (i.e., "balanced") input. It also comes with a chainable 12V trigger input to help with automated installations.
We don't recommend using the FVA1 with unbuffered "passive preamplifiers" or other sources with an output impedance greater than 1kΩ. The overwhelming majority of conventional preamplifiers and DACs have output impedances well below 1kΩ and will be just fine.
Specifications
Power output: Approximately 150 usable RMS watts. Final FTC ratings are pending.
Inputs: One RCA single-ended input and one XLR differential input.
Input impedance: 100kΩ (RCA input) and 180kΩ (XLR input, 90kΩ from each hot/cold input to ground).
Maximum source impedance: 1kΩ. Not suitable for use with unbuffered "passive preamplifiers."
Amplifier gain: 29.3dB
AC Power: 120V AC