Mechanical strength has been a hallmark of the Perreaux product range, since the company first started production back in 1974. The concept behind the Perreaux physical design and construction is that each structural member should contribute to both rigidity and performance. For example, the Reference "P" series amplifier front panels not only look stunning, but are of sufficient strength to support the massive transformer and heat sink assemblies with ease, whilst aiding the heat dissipation capacity of the chassis.

Perreaux has always had a large professional market where not only electrical reliability but also "bullet-proof" construction is a mandatory requirement. Chassis construction techniques used in the professional market have

been incorporated in the Reference series, indeed in many countries the Reference "P" series are being used in professional applications.

All covers are made from thick electrostatically coated steel or acrylic materials. Internal fixtures are made from steel or aluminium.

Toroidal transformers and handles are held down by high tensile bolts and socket head cap screws.

High tensile bolts are used throughout the chassis construction. Tapes or adhesives are relied upon. Some units have more than 60 high tensile socket head cap screws bolting the chassis together, not including internal fixings.

When the top and bottom panels of a Perreaux amplifier are removed, the design differences are immediately evident. All metal panels are initially coated with zinc, and then finally with a specially developed coating that is electrostatically applied and baked to rock hardness. This special treatment will resist corrosion and offer enhanced levels of durability.

The top panel fits snugly into a groove in the front panel, and overlaps the rear panel. Both top cover and the bottom panel provide the final links in a design that incorporates unparalleled levels of strength and durability as standard.

The clear impression of the interior is one of functional simplicity, an absence of clutter, almost an invitation to be left open for display.

The metal work is completely designed by Perreaux engineers and manufactured in New Zealand by a dedicated team of professionals. Highly skilled Perreaux employees undertake final mechanical assembly. The care taken to hand-finish every corner and every edge can only be appreciated by running a finger over the finished product.

Full advantage has been taken of the opportunities provided by hand assembly within our facility. All the

solid-state devices are pre-selected and individually matched on arrival for optimised performance in specific circuit functions. This is no mere make-work exercise. Electronic devices with similar operating characteristics may in fact vary widely. The only way to ensure components in a circuit are properly matched is to measure and match them by hand, as Perreaux does.

Another practical benefit of a handcrafted product range is the opportunity to leave the insertion of critical circuit elements to the very last so that each unit can be individually "optimised".

Front panels are fabricated from thick marine grade aluminium plate, plasma cut from huge sheets. The blank panels are machined in a state-of-the-art 3D CNC machining centre in which all profiling, drilling, tapping and milling is performed.

Panels are finished to a smooth finish by a skilled polis prior to the application of an electrostatically applied

special textured coating and subsequently baked at 230° C, producing an extremely resilient finish.

Depending on the series, front panels may also be finished in either satin or black chrome electroplate. The front handles are custom designed and produced extrusions. Each handle is cut to length from a 5m length of this material. The handles are then milled, linished and a special finish is finally applied.

Classic? series products are cast in custom made dies from a special grade of aluminium. This in molten liquid form, and is hand poured into the forming die moulds.

Aluminium, whilst having excellent weight, strength, thermal transfer properties and high resistance to oxidisation is susceptible to porosity caused by trapped gases in the casting process. This can lead to unsightly pitting in or just below the panel surface.

To alleviate the problems associated with this procedure, each front panel is individually treated to ensure minimum gassing occurs. This treatment has taken many years to perfect and the success of this process is in part the reason for the stunning finish of the Perreaux "Classic" series.

Because each panel is essentially hand made, following the casting process, they are individually drilled and custom fitted to the actual unit it is finally be assembled to.

A skilled polisher will gradually apply finer abrasives then finishing compounds to the front panels until the desired level of finish is achieved.

Satin chrome electroplate finishes on cast aluminium is not common, due to the inherent difficulty of obtaining a lasting electromechanical bond between the aluminium and the surface coating. Incorrect application can result in electroplating finishes literally peeling off. Perreaux has researched and successfully achieved an extremely strong panel/plating bond.

Each panel is given an initial heavy copper plate and subsequently hand polished.

The use of copper plating has a two-fold effect. The inherent electromechanical bond between aluminium and copper is extremely strong and the copper helps to fill any minor surface imperfections. The above process is then repeated to achieve a base suitable for subsequent platings.

Each panel is examined for any surface imperfections prior to the final plating metal being applied. Additional copper platings are applied until a suitable base finish is achieved, however due to the quality of initial casting; normally the initial two copper coatings are adequate.

There are few other audio companies in the world that handcraft their products from the original metalwork through assembly and quality control to final test and measurement in their own facility.

Each stage in the assembly process includes a check of all those preceding it. After initial test and set-up, all completed product then undergoes vibration and shock testing. That's followed by another complete set of performance measurements.

Next comes a burn-in test that exceeds anything the unit is likely to encounter. For example, power amplifiers are placed in an enclosed cabinet and simultaneously driven to

their highest and hottest operating point, and are subjected to voltage spikes from the AC line.

Preamplifiers are connected to an automated test jig, which simulates input switching, volume variation and power on/off randomly. These tests last a full 24 hours.

Final power amplifier tests are carried out using custom designed Perreaux speakers, designed to present a variety of difficult loads. Only a product that performs flawlessly can carry the Perreaux 5 year warranty.

Perreaux designs and builds highest quality products designed to provide a lifetime of listening pleasure.