Exposure launches new enhanced edition of top integrated amp: the 3010S2-D
The new 3010S2-D is the fourth incarnation of Exposure’s top integrated amp. For high-end audio at mid-range prices, the Exposure 3010S2 series has long been considered as one of the best options on the market. The British brand, renowned for creating hi-fi components with involving musical reality, places its focus firmly on developing high-performance audio with an affordable price tag.
The earlier 3010S2 integrated amp was a shining example, winning group tests in both Hi-Fi Choice and Hi-Fi News and garnering a wealth of rave reviews around the globe. “Sometimes a product comes along that has you asking why you should spend anything more”, said AudioFi.
Now the new 3010S2-D aims to deliver even more ‘bang’ for its ‘buck’.
Like its predecessor, the new 3010S2-D comes with six line level inputs. However, one of these is now a direct AV input to enable integration within a surround sound system. There is now also the possibility to fit an optional MM or MC phonostage, or a plug-in DAC board. The latter is capable of up to 192/24 bit PCM and DSD 64, and comes with two inputs: USB and BNC, with auto-switching between them. A preamp output allows for tagging-on of a separate power amplifier, in case you want to biamp your system. Speaker terminals are doubled to allow bi-wiring.
As is the case throughout the 3010S2 series, much attention has been paid to the circuit design in order to extract the best possible sound quality. Special high-quality capacitors are used in the signal path, and the circuit topology has been mapped with a view to keeping signal and power supply paths short. Cascode circuitry is used for improved power supply immunity.
The preamplifier now sports a brand new circuit board with all discrete components rather than integrated circuits, while the power amp features a fast bipolar transistor output stage for dynamic and vivid performance. A new power supply adds extra stages of regulation for improved performance.
This all slots into an attractive aluminium casing with extruded front panel for improved resonance control and EMF screening. The overall build quality, fit and finish are excellent. Both the front and back panels are graced with clear ergonomics and simplicity in features, with a well laid-out and comprehensive remote control completing the package.
Technical specifications
Power output (stereo) 110 Watts per channel at 1KHz into 8 Ohms
Input impedance 17K Ohms minimum (line input)
Input sensitivity 250mV
Pre-amplifier output 1V for rated input (gain + 18dB full volume)
Frequency response 20Hz – 20KHz ± 0.5dB
Channel separation >60dB, 20Hz – 20KHz
Mains supply 110/120V or 220/240V, 50/60Hz (factory set)
Dimensions 115mm (h) x 440mm (w) x 300mm (d)
Net weight (unpacked) 12kg
Gross weight (packed) 14kg
Warranty 3 years
Pricing & availability
The Exposure 3010S2-D integrated amplifier is available now in silver or black, priced at £1,700 (incl. VAT).
Optional additions:
*On-board MM phonostage £240
*On-board MC phonostage £240
*On-board DAC £325
About Exposure Electronics
Exposure Electronics has been committed to engineering real hi-fi at real-world prices since 1974. Founder John Farlowe’s obsession for the lifelike reproduction of recorded music was nurtured while working in studios with the likes of David Bowie and Pink Floyd. Today the company is Malaysian-owned, but all products are still designed by Brighton-based chief designer Tony Brady, and the final assembly of most models is undertaken in the United Kingdom by a team passionate about highfidelity sound reproduction.
The signature Exposure sound is something else. There is delicacy in the upper ranges and openness in the mid-range, underpinned by deep yet agile bass that dances along. Hi-fi critics have praised Exposure for offering ‘rightness’ in sound by combining the speed and precision of the best solid-state designs with a touch of the sweetness of valves. In short, Exposure’s engineering and design philosophy is to make hi-fi that gets on with the task of reproducing music while the equipment itself hides in the background. Which is smart thinking, since most people prefer to listen to their music rather than the hi-fi.
Exposure is available worldwide via a network of specialist shops run by people who know a thing or two about the complex relationship between people, hi-fi and music.
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