British brand Exposure Electronics has long been renowned for creating highperformance audio components with involving musical reality, yet with an affordable price tag. For high-end audio at mid-range prices, Exposure’s 3010S2 series is widely considered to be one of the best options on the market.
In January 2015, the brand released a new, enhanced ‘D’ edition of its highly successful 3010S2 integrated amplifier, which has just scooped the AV Tech Media Award for ‘Best Stereo Integrated Amplifier 2015/16’. Now the preamp has been given the same upgrade.
Like its predecessor, the new 3010S2-D preamplifier 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 still the possibility to fit an optional MM or MC phonostage, which is now joined by the option of 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 tape output is included as well as two main outputs to allow for easy biamping.
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. The 3010S2-D now sports a brand new circuit board which has been remapped and features high quality relays for input selection to ensure the shortest possible signal path. There are no integrated circuits, as the signal path uses all discrete components including special high-quality capacitors. The new power supply includes a large custom-made torodial power transformer and adds extra stages of regulation for improved performance.
This all slots into an attractive, high quality 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
Input impedance 17K Ohms minimum (line input)
Input sensitivity 250mV
Gain 17dB ( x7)
Frequency response 20Hz – 20KHz ± 0.5dB
Total harmonic distortion <0.005% at rated output, ref 1KHz
Signal to noise ratio >100dB, A-weighted
Channel separation > 60dB @ 20KHz
Mains supply 110/120V or 220/240V, 50/60Hz (factory set)
Power consumption <25VA
Dimensions 90mm (h) x 440mm (w) x 300mm (d)
Net weight (unpacked) 5kg
Gross weight (packed) 7kg
Warranty 3 years
Pricing & availability
The Exposure 3010S2-D integrated amplifier is available now in titanium or black, priced
at £1,060 (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 high-fidelity 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.
