The first device in M2Tech’s new Classic range, the Classic Integrated Amplifier is the opposite of the brand’s usual devices, with a generally more modern design. Here we have a sort of ode to vintage, since this integrated amplifier/phono preamp seems straight out of the 70s and 80s. On the other hand, its price is well in tune with the times in the Hifi world…
He is old, but he is young
Lulled by the simple charm of old classroom amplifierse AB of yesteryear, The M2Tech Classic Integrated Amplifier succeeds quite well in its style exercise. This model with dimensions of 420 x 313 x 120 mm and a weight of 15 kg has an entirely anodized aluminum chassis, with a thick brushed facade eliminating any interface resembling a screen or even a simple display. This only accommodates a volume potentiometer, an input selector, a mute button and a standby button (independent of the on/off switch). The whole thing is animated by a few orange diodes, echoing the bronze color of the few inscriptions.
With the connectors, this apparent archaism is already cracking, since this model has an XLR Line input. This is accompanied by three RCA line inputs, an MM/MC phono input (disengageable as Line input) with GND socket, a pre-amplified RCA output and a 6.35 mm jack headphone output ( in front). Integrated amplifier requires, there is also a screwable stereo terminal block (with banana plugs).
For controls, the M2Tech Classic Integrated Amplifier has an infrared sensor on the front, which allows it to be controlled using a remote control (delivered). But the functions don’t stop there, since the rear panel has a 12 V Trigger input and output in 3.5 mm jack for interlocking with other devices. In fact, this creation is completely modern in terms of controls… And more. Indeed, a small WiFi interface discreetly placed on the back simply allows the device to connect to a smartphone via the dedicated Classic IA RemoteApp application. The latter is able to control the product (such as input selection) and check certain parameters, such as internal temperature – a rather unexpected function.
Class AB in its purest style?
In order to agree with its vintage lines, the M2Tech Classic Integrated Amplifier avoids relying on class D architecture, which would be too modernist. The amplifier operates in class AB and contains almost exclusively discrete components. By observing its interior, we notice quite clearly the very clear separation, supported by inscriptions, between the different floors and sections. Everything here is quite elegantly arranged and obviously very well put together.
This high-end architecture seems quite pragmatic, as evidenced by the manufacturer’s speech: “power is not obtained here at the expense of sound quality. The Classic Integrated Amplifier’s power supply is responsible for the great dynamics of the product: it is specially designed to match the power requirements of the device, so we do not waste our money on oversized transformers or huge capacitors“. Without really providing design details, M2Tech insists on the effectiveness of its device which “heats like a 50W amp, but sounds like a 150W model“. More concretely, the brand announces a maximum continuous output power of 60 W per channel at 8 ohms and 100 W per channel at 4 ohms.
As for other specifications, the M2Tech Classic Integrated Amplifier has a signal-to-noise ratio of 105 dB (60 W RMS, 8 ohms, A-weighted) from the Line input and 85 dB (MM) and 75 dB respectively (MC) from the phono input, for a total harmonic distortion of 0.02% (1 kHz, 60 W RMS, 8 ohms).
On paper, this model presents itself as a designer and rather high-end class AB amplifier, giving pride of place to discrete components. Its only real problem, of size, risks being its price, since M2Tech announces a price of 3999 euros + VAT (VAT), which would position it around 4800 euros including tax.
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M2Tech Classic Integrated Amplifier Specifications
- Type: Stereo integrated amplifier, preamp and phono preamp
- Inputs: 3 stereo RCA (Line), 1 stereo XLR (Line), 1 RCA (Line, MM, or MC), Trigger input 3.5 mm jack, GND jack
- Outputs: Pre-amplified stereo RCA, 6.35 mm headphone jack, 3.5 mm jack Trigger output
- WiFi interface for control via Classic IA RemoteApp
- Class AB amplification
- Max output power (continuous): 60 W per channel into 8 ohms, 100 W per channel into 4 ohms
- Peak power: 240 W per channel into 4 ohms
- Signal-to-noise ratio (60 W RMS, 8 ohms, A-weighting): 105 dB (Line), 85 dB (MM), 75 dB (MC)
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.02% (1 kHz, 60 W RMS into 8 ohms)
- Dimensions: 420 x 313 x 120 mm
- Weight: 15 kg
- Announced price: 3999 euros excluding tax
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