"200i" Stereo Integrated Amplifier

The rear panel of the 200i features a pair of balanced (XLR) inputs for superior noise immunity and cancellation. In addition there are 6 unbalanced (RCA) inputs, 2 recorder outputs and the possibility of separating the preamplifier from the power amplifier via a toggle switch. Direct input allows the unit to be used as a component in a home theater system. The 200i features large, high quality speaker binding posts.

The bi-polar transistors used in the 200i are operating in Class-A. This avoids the crossover notch distortion and the resulting odd order harmonics present, to some degree, with this sort of operation. The output devices used in the power amplifier output stage are MOSFETs. High quiescent current circuitry runs the 200i power amplifier section in the equivalent of Class-A up to 10 Watts. Beyond this point the output class is technically Class-AB, but with a major difference, the combination of MOSFET characteristics and their application in this circuitry result in crossover distortion so minimal that it is virtually non-existent.

Perreaux was the first company in the western world to utilise MOSFETs for high-powered amplifier applications. We are very experienced in the use of these devices (25+ years), we understand them well and feel that the devices have continued to improve in recent years. The 200i output stage takes full advantage of the unique qualities of MOSFET devices and in many ways they are superior to bi-polar transistors. A major advantage is their tendency to draw less current over a large section of the power bandwidth as their temperature rises (Negative Temperature Coefficient), hence self stabilising thermally, whereas bi-polar transistors draw more current as their temperature rises (Positive Temperature Coefficient) and protection circuits become mandatory to prevent thermal runaway and eventual self destruction.

MOSFETs have the ability to swing fully across the amplifier’s internal DC voltage and are therefore true "rail-to-rail" devices. Using MOSFETs encourages the highest performance from the balance of the internal amplifier circuitry.

Our products have withstood the test of time. The devices are incredibly robust and we experience very few MOSFET failures, even on older products. The use of MOSFETs also assists us in our quest to keep the signal path as clean as possible, by largely negating the use of additional thermal stability circuitry as required in BJT designs.

To negate audible hum, we use only high quality, custom designed, toroidally wound, epoxy cored transformers. The toroids feature separate power and control voltage taps. The 200i has 40,000uF of smoothing capacitance in the power supply. The 200i is capable of delivering more than 500W of impulse power into a 4 ohm load. That is why there is always enough energy to supply loudspeakers of low efficiency and also why the 200i accommodates any musical transients with ease. The output stage features no fewer than 6 MOSFETs per channel (12 in total) and uses highly refined voltage and current drive circuitry. The massive power supply, working in close combination with the parallel MOSFET output stage makes the 200i a stellar performer.

The preampifier section utilises a digitally controlled, analog volume control, featuring well-matched internal resistors for great accuracy and reliability. Most comparable stereo integrated amplifiers at this price point use an inexpensive motorised potentiometer. These usually suffer in time with carbon build up causing shorting and a resultant loss of sensitivity.

Fully featured, multifunction remote control and large format alphanumeric display.

Fully independent preamplifier or power amplifier functionality, providing a direct pass-through circuit for use with external processors if desired.

We pay particular attention to designing the product to ensure maximum separation between internal signal and power earths only meeting at a central starred point.

Quality fiberglass PCBs, featuring heavy copper tracks and high quality audiophile grade components, are used throughout the 200i.