SA-Reference Power Amplifier

The award winning SA Reference amplifier paints a seamless sonic picture from the most tuneful and accurate bass to a sweet, extended top end.

Designed to work as either a monoblock, or a stereo amplifier. They are truly a masterpiece of design and they display the very best craftsmanship in their build quality.

As a bridged monoblock the SA-Reference will exceed 1kW of pure balanced amplification and in balanced XLR mode operates as a true balanced amplifier from input to output. Premium components have been used throughout and Class A operation is maintained to over 100 Watts per Channel while 300 Watts is available in both Class A and Class AB stereo mode.

When you purchase a Plinius SA Reference amplifier you are among a very select group of audio enthusiasts that have realised the dream of owning a product that delivers sonic clarity and aesthetic finish combined with extraordinary build quality. The team at Plinius are immensely proud every time one of these units leaves the factory.

     

POWER

300 watts RMS per channel into 8 Ohms
450 watts RMS per channel into 4 Ohms
Both channels driven from 20Hz to 20kHz at less than 0.05% total harmonic distortion.

MONO OUTPUT

1000 watts RMS into 8 Ohms
1800 watts RMS into 4 Ohms
20Hz to 20kHz

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

20Hz to 20kHz ±0.2dB
0dB at 1Hz and -3dB at 70kHz

DISTORTION

Typically <0.05% THD at rated power
0.1% THD and IM worst case prior to clipping

CURRENT OUTPUT

100A short duration peak per channel
Fuse protected

RISE TIME

Typically 5µs

HUM & NOISE

100dB below rated output 20Hz to 20kHz, A weighted

INPUT IMPEDENCE

47k ohms

GAIN

RCA Inputs: 32dB
Balanced Inputs: 38dB

POWER/CURRENT CONSUMPTION

1400W
4.8A (1100W) Class A Idle
0.8A (184W) Class AB Idle/Standby

DIMENSIONS

Height: 275mm (10 3/4")
Width: 510mm (20")
Depth: 535mm (21")
Weight: 57kg (125lb)

Class A/Class AB operation
In Class A distortion is minimised for ultimate sonic performance. In Class AB, performance is still exceptional but power consumption and heat output are reduced.

Amplifier Configuration Selector (ACS) switch
The rear panel ACS switch allows for the amplifier to be configured for Stereo RCA, Bridged Mono RCA, Stereo XLR or Bridged Mono XLR modes. In Bridged Mono mode, the amplifier operates in true balanced configuration from input to output.

Ecologic Control
The amplifier can automatically switch from Class A to Class AB when unused after a listening session. This user adjustable feature is set to 30 minutes during manufacture and can also be switched off entirely.

Remote Trigger Input
When connected to a preamplifier trigger output, the amplifier will switch out of Mute and into Class A Mode ready for use when the preamplifier is taken out of standby.

Ground Lift Switch
This allows for the signal ground to be isolated from the main chassis earth. This can assist in resolving unwanted ground loops or hum due to duplicate ground paths in some systems.

WBT and Neutrik Connectors
High quality WBT RCA and Neutrik XLR input connectors are fitted along with WBT output speaker terminals to ensure a low distortion interface between your cables and the amplifier.

Auricap Capacitors
Audience AV supply the Auricap XO capacitors used in key areas of the circuit. The Auricap was chosen for its superior clarity and dynamic ability.

Siltech Wiring
Siltech premium 'G7'silver/gold wire provides a perfect connection between components to give clear, fast and detailed presentation of the music signal.

Aluminium Construction
The aluminium construction provides a rigid non-magnetic housing to eliminate unwanted magnetic fields that can interfere with the sensitive audio signals.

 

TONEAudio
Modest footprint, BIG power

" If you want a destination amplifier that can convert to monoblock (should you need more power at some point) and if you love the concept of a Class-A solid-state amplifier that will never need tubes replaced, this just might be your baby"
By Jeff Dorgay

Stereophile

"Combining as it does brute-force power, world-class finesse, superb build quality, and a genuine and engaging musicality, the Plinius SA-Reference is one hell of an amplifier"
By Paul Bolin

Dagogo
I now have definitive proof: you can never have too much power

"I cannot emphasize enough that you will get clear, natural and palpable midrange and treble, great soundstaging and absolutely state-of-the-art bass from the SA References in any mode. These are amps that sound great whether you’re running them as stereo amps or monoblocks, Class AB or pure Class A. You simply cannot go wrong in purchasing this product"
By Ed Momkus

WHAT HiFi?

"If you've the money, not to mention the ventilation, buy this superb amplifier"
By WHAT HiFi?