Audio Hungary Qualiton Integrated 300B Amp. Now at True Audiophile.

Description

Description

Audio Hungary Qualiton 2x25W NEW 300B Tube Integrated Amp

Now at True Audiophile

We have searched the world for a mid-price superior tube audio line. After many, many years of searching and listening the Audio Hungary, it stunned us with its performance. At these prices they are incredible values. We've talked to AH dealers worldwide and they all say the same, it's a masterpiece at its price. As soon as they heard the line they took it. Customers and reviews are all raves. -- Mini Review by True Audiophile

This is Audio Hungary's new line. As gorgeous to look at as it is to hear. You will not be disappointed.

New reviews are coming in. Meantime, here some on its predecessor. And you know they improved them. Just our favorite tube gear we've heard in many years.

REVIEWS

HiFi Knight state:

The name of the tested integrated amplifier, ‘300B’, seems to say it all, but Qualiton 300B is not your typical SET. A quartet of the magical triodes and the rated output of 2 x 25W suggest a different type of beast. If I were a gambling man, I’d wager one offering a bit less ‘magic’ and a bit more power and fidelity. Is it so? Let’s find out together.

Read full review here

A20i available for Demo if you live in the Portland area.

The Qualiton 300B is an integrated stereo amplifier with 2 x 25 Watts output power, built around the captivating sound character of 300B power tubes.

This amplifier harmoniously blends our classic heritage with modern details: it features refined vacuum tube circuits, which AH has enhanced with several additional functionalities.

In shaping the overall sound character, their primary goal was to move away from the pronounced coloration often associated with amplifiers utilizing the 300B tube. Instead, AH envisioned a smooth, musical and balanced vacuum tube amplifier that excels across the entire audio frequency range.

Pragmatic Audio Design

At Qualiton, we adhere to a pragmatic approach in tube amplifier design. We believe that a truly exceptional amplifier should:

Be compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers.
Exhibit a Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of less than 0.5% across the entire power spectrum, from milliwatts to rated power, spanning 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
Maintain a flat THD vs. Frequency plot when measured at a fixed output power.
Deliver fast and controlled transients throughout the audio range, which goes hand in hand with the frequency response being wide and flat.
Operate at low noise levels with an exceptional signal-to-noise ratio.
Combine thoughtful design, robust technical parameters, and exceptional sound quality.

In the preamplifier and driver sections, the 12AX7 and 12AT7 tubes play a crucial role in achieving these goals. Furthermore, their DC-stabilized filament supply and circuits with low offset and stable DC operating points ensure resilience against parameter variations.

Highly Optimized Layout

During the design phase, a significant amount of engineering time was devoted to the layout details of the whole integrated amplifier. Our top priority was to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio and completely eliminate mains related signal components from the audio frequency spectrum. To achieve this, we separated the audio circuits as much as possible from the power supplies that cause the most electromagnetic interference. We also restructured a substantial portion of the amplifier's internal components. By using our highest-quality printed circuit boards, we created a modular, robust, and high-performance layout.

Relay-Controlled Input Selection

The amplifier features a total of five analog inputs: four unbalanced and one balanced. Selection between these inputs is accomplished using precision, low-power, ultra-miniature Japanese relays with ultra-low contact resistance gold overlay silver contacts, all of which are controlled by a microprocessor. The front panel Status Display indicates the currently active or inactive inputs.

Relay-Controlled Volume

Our 100-step relay-controlled stereo attenuator features 25 microprocessor-controlled signal relays that switch a total of 48 precision metal film resistors. Programmed with a custom attenuating characteristic, it enables fine adjustments across the entire operating range of the volume control. At position 0, it is completely muted. The stereo tracking is exceptionally accurate. The signal relays are precision Japanese-made low-power types, featuring ultra-low contact resistance gold-plated contacts.

Multifunction Control Knob

We have updated our front panel rotary knob, which now serves multiple functions. In addition to adjusting the volume, it can power the device on and off from stand-by mode. Furthermore, when the amplifier is active, it also acts as an Input Selector.

Multifunction Remote Control

The remote control features a black anodized aluminum finish. Alongside the basic VOLUME UP and VOLUME DOWN functions, it also includes a convenient MUTE function. You can power the device on and off from stand-by mode using the POWER button. When the amplifier is active, this same POWER button also functions as an Input Selector. To return the amplifier to stand-by mode, simply long-press the POWER button. Additionally, the remote control allows you to fine-tune the brightness of the status display, with three preset levels to choose from. You can access the brightness control menu by long-pressing the MUTE button.

Status Display

The microprocessor-based Input Selector and Volume Control System features a Status Display. The display material is scratch-resistant smoked plexiglass. By default, the top section of the Status Display indicates the volume value. During user action, the display becomes more intense, and then it dims to a lower brightness after a few seconds. Users have the option to select from three preset brightness levels. The stand-by mode's red LED is located in the lower section of the Status Display.

Aesthetics

Our approach to the visual design centers around maintaining visual neutrality. We intentionally avoid overdesigning the appearance, aiming for aesthetic simplicity and cleanliness. Our products are not meant to be theatrical or ostentatious; rather, they seamlessly integrate into the audio system's interior without disrupting the user experience. However, we add unique touches, such as the chassis folded back at a 45-degree angle, a stainless steel logo badge, a custom rotary knob, or simply the sight of the gourgeous-looking vacuum tubes.

Protective Features

The amplifier is equipped with a practical protective cover that serves a dual purpose: it shields the vacuum tubes from physical damage and protects the user from the tubes’ hot surface.
Furthermore, we have implemented mechanical protection on the vacuum tube sockets, preventing the expensive power tubes from being damaged due to possible incorrect installation.
The amplifier’s turn-on and turn-off sequencing circuit is designed to eliminate any unwanted pops and noises. The circuit ensures that the speakers are only connected to the outputs after the start-up time has elapsed. It actively monitors the presence of mains voltage, and if it detects an absence, it swiftly disconnects the loudspeakers from the output terminals. When turning off the amplifier, it disconnects the speakers first. This thoughtful design enhances the overall user experience and protects your audio equipment.

Special Components

Tested and Selected Vacuum Tubes

The preamp tubes are selected for low noise, symmetry and minimum distortion.
Gold-Plated Ceramic Tube Sockets
Ensuring reliable connections.
Gold-Plated Audio Terminals
Enhancing signal transmission quality.
Film Capacitors
We exclusively use film capacitors in our audio circuits for optimal performance.
Ceramic Composition Resistors
These resistors are placed in critical positions to enhance reliability.
Long-Life, High-Temperature-Tolerant Capacitors
Employed in our power supplies to withstand demanding conditions.
Mains Filtering
We use mains filtering on the primary side of the power transformers, with the purpose of filtering out any incoming interference that may be present on the powerline.

Reviews:

[[[specification_start]]]

Warranty: 2 Years. Tubes 6 Months.

Rated Output Power

2 x 25 Watts @ 4 or 8 Ohms

Output Load Impedance

4 or 8 Ohms

Number of Channels

Frequency Response

5 Hz - 85 kHz (-3 dB, 1 Watt)
15 Hz - 70 kHz (-3 dB, 25 Watts)

Total Harmonic Distortion

< 0.5 % across the entire power spectrum,
from milliwatts to rated output,
spanning 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

Rated Power Bandwidth

20 Hz - 20 kHz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

> 105 dB below rated output
20 Hz - 22 kHz bandwidth, without weighting filter

> 110 dB below rated output
with A-weighting filter

Number of Outputs

2 Unbalanced POWER OUT
1 Unbalanced SUB OUT

Number of Inputs

4 Unbalanced STEREO IN
1 Balanced STEREO IN

Input Sensitivity
(for rated output)

0.65 Volts Unbalanced
0.65 Volts Balanced

Input Impedance

10 000 Ohms Unbalanced
20 000 Ohms Balanced

Gain

+23.75 dB @ 4 Ohms
+26.75 dB @ 8 Ohms

Rated Output Power 2 x 35 Watts @ 4 to 8 Ohms Output Load Impedance 4 to 8 Ohms Number of Channels 2 Frequency Response 5 Hz - 85 kHz (-3 dB, 1 Watt) 22 Hz - 80 kHz (-3 dB, 35 Watts) Total Harmonic Distortion < 0.5 % across the entire power spectrum, from milliwatts to rated output, spanning 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Rated Power Bandwidth 20 Hz - 20 kHz Signal-to-Noise Ratio > 98 dB below rated output 20 Hz - 22 kHz bandwidth, without weighting filter > 110 dB below rated output with A-weighting filter Number of Outputs 1 Unbalanced POWER OUT Number of Inputs 3 Unbalanced STEREO IN 1 Balanced STEREO IN Input Sensitivity (for rated output) 0.5 Volts Unbalanced 0.5 Volts Balanced Input Impedance 10 000 Ohms Unbalanced 40 000 Ohms Balanced Gain +30 dB @ 8 Ohms

General Vacuum Tubes 2 x 12AX7 2 x 6922 4 x 7581A Remote Control Input Selection Volume Up Volume Down Mute Power Requirement 150 W idle 300 W max Weight 15 kg Dimensions 29 x 37 x 19 cm

In the Box Qualiton A35 Integrated Amplifier Remote Control 2 x 12AX7 vacuum tubes 2 x 6922 vacuum tubes 4 x 7581A vacuum tubes Standard Mains Cable TX10 Torx Wrench Pair of Gloves User's Manual