Features
| Warranty length | 2 Years |
|---|---|
| Brand | Icon Audio |
Tech Specs
- All hand-wired point-to-point, no printed circuit board
- Class A, all Triode front end
- Ultralinear or Triode option
- 4x 6L6 KT66 compatible valves
- 4x 6SN7/CV181 first-stage valve and phase splitter
- 2x 30w continuous Ultralinear output
- 2x 15 Watts in Triode mode (option)
- Signal to noise level -90db
- Freq response better than 20hz-20kHz +0 – 1db
- Power bandwidth 30Hz-30kHz -3 dB
- Total harmonic distortion 0.2% at full output
- Suitable for 4, 8, and 16ohm loudspeakers
- Supplied with valve cover.
- Choke-regulated power supply
- Audiophile quality internal audio cable
- Custom hand-wound Tertiary output transformers
- Audiophile Gold plated Input & speaker terminals
- Three line inputs: CD, Tuner, Aux
- Input sensitivity 250mv
- Comprehensive manual supplied
- Power requirement 230-240volts (117v adjustable)
- Power consumption 100 W Min, 195 W
- 39cmW, 41D, 23H, 22kg (allow for ventilation)
Product Description
The Icon Audio Stereo 40 6L6 integrated valve amplifier is essentially a stripped-down alternative to the Stereo 40 MkIV. The price has been reduced and non-essential items have been removed without sacrificing quality. Output valves have been replaced by 6L6's with an output of 30 watts. More than enough for most rooms. The amplifier still has an ultra-linear power supply and upgraded transformers.
The valve options are either the reasonably priced 6N8 Soviet valves (slimmer ones pictured) or the CV181 Chinese valves (the bulb shaped ones pictured).
Top performance at a lower price
Icon Audio first produced the Stereo 40 MKI in 2001 since then upgrades have continued with the new MkIV having undergone some changes that make it more affordable without lowering sound quality. The headphone socket has gone along with the expensive KT88 output valves.
These have been replaced with the 50% cheaper 6L6's. The Stereo 40 is the audiophile's choice for an affordable, user-friendly, integrated amplifier that provides that classic valve sound. The amplifier was designed in the UK and is hand-assembled in China. Notably, it is no lightweight coming in at a hefty 22Kg.
Upgraded power supply
The power supply of the Stereo 40 MkIV is now ultra-linear with a rating of over 50 Watts. This provides enough instantaneous power to deal with loud transients giving a more solid bass. The power supply is also choke-regulated. Additionally, the output transformers have been re-designed.
More power in triode mode
Hi-end valve amplifiers can operate in two modes Triode and Ultralinear. The Stereo 40 is switchable between the two and the triode power is more than enough for all but the least efficient speakers.
Driver circuit redesign
First-stage amplification is achieved by using a cascade circuit. A cascade pre-amplifier uses two triode valves to provide very high gain and enables the use of the venerable 6SN7 valve. Valve replacement is easy as only one type of valve is used. The 6SN7 came along in 1941 and gives a good definition as well as improving the frequency response at lower volumes.
Remote Control operation
The provided remote control allows you to change the volume from your armchair. The new version of the Stereo 40 does not have standby capability, to reduce costs.
Build Quality
A steel and aluminium case houses an array of top-quality components. The internal wiring of the Stereo 40 is all traditional point-to-point, with no circuit boards. Additionally, the power supply is choke-regulated. Output capacitors are SCR audio caps, with Mundorf silver/gold in oil available as an upgrade option. The wiring uses silver-plated copper PTFE audio cable and the output transformers are hand-wound.
Connectivity is good with gold-plated audiophile phono inputs and speaker terminals. Inputs are provided for CD, tuner, auxiliary and tape.
The specification makes the Stereo 40 a must-have at this price point. The signal-to-noise ration is -90db with a wide frequency response from 20hz – 20kHz. The THD is only 0.2% at full output and the amplifier is suitable for 4, 8 or 16 Ohm loudspeakers. Additionally, the unit comes with a valve cover.
