In 2016, Italian hi-fi brand Audio Analogue celebrated its twentieth birthday by launching a line of bang-up-to-date ‘Anniversary’ editions of the company’s earlier classic amplifiers. Now, the Puccini and Maestro integrated models are joined by the new Bellini preamplifier and Donizetti power amplifier.
Audio Analogue’s original Bellini and Donizetti amplifiers were two of the brand’s early classics, first launched at the turn of the millennium. The new ‘Anniversary’ editions may share a name with these originals, but in every other respect they are originals in their own right, featuring completely new designs and technologies.
Bellini preamplifier
A fully differential, zero global feedback design from input to output, the Bellini takes its inspiration from the preamp stage of the brand’s Maestro Anniversary integrated model, but then pushes the design further. Starting with the power supply, the Bellini features a bespoke inductive-capacitive filter to minimize mains interference. The dual-mono fully balanced amplification stage features Audio Analogue’s own innovative SeGeSTA (single gain stage transconductance amplifier), designed to make the preamplifier even quieter. The complex four-layer circuit board has been carefully thought out, positioning each component to minimize noise as well as carefully routing the input, output and control signals so that any potential noise is eliminated. Only audiophile grade components are used throughout, relay-operated switches ensure linearity, and internal wiring is with 7N purity OCC copper cables. Rather than use a traditional potentiometer volume control, the Bellini uses the purest form possible: a ladder of carefully selected fixed value resistors. A solid aluminium remote control completes the package.
Donizetti power amplifier
Also a zero global feedback, fully balanced design, the Donizetti power amplifier delivers 250W into 8Ω in stereo mode, the power doubling as the impedance halves – the perfect behavior for driving any loudspeaker. The amplifier has a complete dual-mono configuration even down to having two separate 1200VA toroidal power transformers. As in the Bellini, the circuit design features Audio Analogue’s own SeGeSTA (single gain stage transconductance amplifier) using only discrete components, and with 12 bipolar output transistors per channel. Again, a four-layer printed circuit board positions sensitive components as far from the power transformers as possible and ensures that the input signal path never crosses that of the output signal. All components are of the highest level, from military-standard resistors to audio grade capacitors, 7N purity OCC copper wiring and gold-plated connectors.
Not enough for you? The Donizetti can also be operated in mono configuration. With two for stereo the power capability rises dramatically to deliver a staggering 1kW into 8 ohms.
Pricing & availability
Audio Analogue’s Bellini preamplifier and Donizetti power amplifier are available now, in black or silver, priced at £4,999 and £8,999 respectively (inc. VAT).
