Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today announced two new Elite G-Clef integrated stereo amplifiers, the SX-A6MK2 and SX-A9MK2, designed to complement the new Elite G-Clef CD/SACD players.
The Elite G-Clef amplifiers feature a Twin Mono Symmetrical construction design to maintain electrical isolation between both channels from input to output. The left and right channel amplifiers and high efficiency power supplies are totally independent and exact mirror images of each other. This construction is also designed to minimize the signal path of each circuit block, providing minimal distortion of signal quality and clear, equal channel separation for superior sonic fidelity.
The SX-A6MK2 ($700) features Twin EL Transformers and the SX-A9MK2 ($1,500) employs Twin Toroidal Transformers, which are highly efficient with very low magnetic leakage. Both components increase available power, prevent signal interference and virtually eliminate noise even at extremely low frequencies. The SX-A9MK2 model is also equipped with a USB input, allowing high-quality transmissions of higher bit-rate music files such as an MPEG or FLAC from any enthusiast's digital music library.
Each model is fine-tuned and certified by internationally-respected AIR Studio's sound engineers to ensure the most accurate recreation of the original recording possible. To earn that certification, Pioneer hand-selected state of the art internal components that accurately deliver signals to create a dynamic two-channel hi-fi experience. The new, more efficient power supply circuitry is highly responsive to demanding musical content and is designed for superior heat resistance to guarantee a warm, analog-like sound.
The Elite G-Clef stereo amplifiers will be available in August, 2010.
| Stereo Amplifiers | SX-A6MK2 | SX-A9MK2 |
| SRP | $700 | $1,500 |
| Output Power | 60 Watts (20Hz 20kHz, 4 Ohm .2% THD) | 70 Watts (20Hz 20kHz, 4 Ohm .2% THD) |
| Transformer | Twin EL | Twin Toroidal |
| Volume Control | Encoder | Motorized |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| Phono input | MM | MM / MC |
| Sound Retriever | No | Yes |
| Headphone Output | No | Yes |
| Pre-Amp Output | No | Yes |
| Aluminum Build | Front | Front / Side / Top Plate |
| Rigid Under-base Construction | No | Yes |
| Insulators | Large | TAOC High Carbon composite Metal |
| Honeycomb Chassis | No | Yes |
| Speaker terminals | Gold Plated | HQ Ceramic |
“The new components were born out of partnership between Pioneer and AIR Studios sound engineers working hand in hand to produce the highest quality sound possible. G-Clef products are a culmination of all we've learned over a 70-year legacy in audio excellence.”
— Dave Bales, marketing and product planning, home electronics division at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.
