Integrated Amplifier with Scalability that Exceeds the Imagination

The AAVA volume control builds upon the knowledge of high-end equipment to control volume without loss of information. The power amplification section utilizes the instrumentation amplifier principle to create an ideal speaker driver. The low impedance design of the output circuitry brings out the full potential of every speaker. Two option boards can be added for improved expandability. The E-280 sound performance will defy the imagination

Innovation – At the leading edge of technology

AAVA volume control

AAVA is a revolutionary type of volume control that completely does away with any variable resistors in the signal path, instead using a combination of 16 V-I converter circuits with different gain. Unlike conventional volume controls, the music signal is not attenuated by a rotary resistor, so that low distortion and an optimum S/N ratio can be maintained over the entire volume range. The E-280 utilizes maximum gain in 4 parallel rows and secondary V-I converter circuits arranged in 2 parallel rows, which doubles the total output current capability and halves the circuit impedance to further reduce noise.

【AAVA features】
●Purely analog principle avoids the inherent noise of digital circuitry
● Excellent S/N ratio at any volume level position
● No change in sound quality over the entire range
● Finely graded volume adjustment steps
● No volume difference between left and right channels
● High channel separation
● Left/right balance adjustment and attenuation also realized with AAVA

Sound quality – Simply aiming for the best

Reinforced power amplification stage

A power amplification stage with two bipolar transistors in a double parallel pull-push configuration for the left and right channels mounted directly to large heat sinks. Rated output of 90 W into 8 ohms or 120 W into 4 ohms of high power.

25% improved damping factor

Balanced Remote Sensing and MOS-FET switches result in a damping factor of 500, representing a 25% improvement over the predecessor model.

Power supply circuitry designed for optimum stability

The large transformer and massive 30,000 μF filtering capacitors provide rock-stable high-quality power.

Advanced features

■ Logic-control signal switching relays for shortest signal paths
■ Five line level inputs and one balanced input
■ Line input and output connectors for a recorder
■ Individual phase setting for each input
■ Stereo signal can be switched to monophonic operation
■ Left/right balance control also realized with AAVA
■ –20 dB attenuator
■ Loudness compensator enhances low end presence
■ Tone controls using summing active filters
■ Power amplification stage configured as an instrumentation amplifier
■ Current feedback amplification circuit topology assures excellent phase characteristics in high range
■ Speaker output protection circuit guards against short-circuiting
■ Protection circuitry using MOS-FET switches
■ Two sets of large speaker terminals
■ Preamplifier and power amplifier sections can be used separately
■ Preamplifier outputs also support bi-amping connection
■ Power amplifier inputs allow use of that section only
■ Dedicated headphone amplifier designed for optimum sound quality
■ Two rear panel expansion slots allow use of option boards
■ DAC input selector button for use when digital input board (DAC-50 or DAC-40) is installed
■ Numeric indication of digital signal sampling frequency (when DAC-50 or DAC-40 is installed)
■ High-sensitivity analog peak power meters