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norma 2Mhz World Reference Electronics! "...more than a taste of State-of-the-Art!" Review excerpts here Norma is based in Cremona, Italy a place where music has always played an important role. Cremona is the home of Monteverdi, Ponchielli, Stradivari, Amati and many other artists. For more than 20 years Norma has been involved in the study and implementation of sophisticated audio amplifiers. Technical skill and musical sensitivity must be merged together, in the same way in which the best musical instruments are made. At Norma we are convinced that the influence of audio electronics on the outcome of audio reproduction is much greater than commonly assumed. Listening to a Norma product can express this concept, better than words, closer than ever to listening live. The sound of Norma products is unique, represents a synthesis of sound parameters which often conflict with each other. Dynamics, speed, resolution and absolute transparency are combined with extraordinary musicality & purity...and a total lack of listening fatigue. The conflicts between solid state and valves are finally overcome, leaving space only for pure listening pleasure. How does the advanced technology of the NORMA IPA-140 2Mhz Dual-Mono Integrated compare to others including $85k separates? NORMA Technology Comparison NORMA Product Brochures (PDF) ● PA-140 2Mhz Dual-Mono Integrated Amplifier ● SC-2 Dual-Mono 2Mhz Linestage ● PA-150 Dual-Mono 2Mhz Amplifier ● CDP-1R IPA-140 Integrated Amplifier SC2 Linestage + PA150 Stereo Amplifier Reviews (see right sidebar excerpts) have described the sound as world class in transparency, detail, imaging with superb dynamics & a rich, accurate tonality (voices, strings & piano sound lifelike) and fast, fast, fast! GREAT match for High-End loudspeakers that prefer a fast & dynamic amplifier with a pure, liquid tonality – no “dry desert” sound from typical "high-def" solid state or digital/ice amplifiers. Hi-Current (150A Peak) to drive difficult loads including MBL’s 82db demanding loudspeaker. Very sleek, contemporary aesthetics and a professional, well laid out chassis with ultra short signal path An enclosed, copper shielded Dual-Mono Class-A driver stage sub-assembly (dual-mono black copper-shielded boxes). World Class Construction (see photo below of interior close-up – note the copper black box shielding the driver stage) Norma's parent company is a large electronics manufacturer and uses its unique resources to produce world class construction quality. NORMA IPA-140 Integrated Amplifier Specifications ◊ Power 140w/ch@8Ω (280w @ 4Ω) ◊ Bandwidth ~ 2Mhz ◊ Slew Rate 175V/µs (ultra-ultra fast for accurate transients without smearing and extraordinary PRAT!) ◊ High current drive - 36A (continuous) and 150A PEAK ◊ Dual-Mono Power Supply - (2) Dual-Mono 400VA (each) Transformers (total 800VA) ◊ Noise (S/N) 115db ◊ Optional phono MM/MC stage board available ◊ Sleek, contemporary front facade is a bold .8" thick (20mm) A few of the reference loudspeakers used in product development... Martin Logan Magneplanar Avalon MBL (82db) Ascendo Dual-Mono design Note the dual transformers are totally enclosed/shielded under the black (front) cover The unique "Class-A" driver (each channel) is shielded in black copper box True Dual-Mono Construction IPA-140 Integrated Tech Features • Dual-Mono design • Extreme low noise, high speed schematic topology and wide band ( >2 MHz ). • High current MOS-FET power device (150 A output peak current). • 12 power device for a total rated 1,500 W power handling capability. • Separate power supply for Gain, Driver and Output stage. • High speed and low noise regulated power supply for gain and driver stage. • High filtering capacity (70.000 uF) with numerous (24) low impedance capacitors. • Full aluminium non-magnetic frame. • Toroidal power transformer specially designed for audio applications, low dispersion flow. • Low mechanical noise, high permeability magnetic core with consequent low output impedance, 2 x 400 VA. • Input configurable as Direct Inputs, for Home Theater use • Outputs configurable as Pre Out, Active or Passive, for use with Power Amp and/or with Active Subwoofer • XLR balanced input • Remote control of all functions with NORMA RC-4 remote control. • Two-speed volume control (Fine and Fast). • Possibility of set the PHONO board inside, by 2 mono board for Left & Right channel. • High quality phono stage, for MM and MC pick-up • Protection for DC signal sensitive speakers. • Inputs selection by relay with GOLD/PALLADIUM contacts. • RCA solid core gold plated plug connector for any signal connections. • Stand-by mode switches off the microprocessor once the command is executed, so as to annul any interference towards analogue signal The "REVO" series L-R: IPA-140 Integrated, PA-150 Stereo amp, SC-2 Linestage SC2 Linestage + PA150 Stereo Amplifier SC2 Linestage SC2 Linestage Specs & Features SC-2 Linestage ◊ Optional phono stage (MM/MC) ◊ Volume attenuator: Discrete resistor matrix, 0.5 dB step from 0dB to –127.5 dB ◊ Dual-Mono design for optimal sonic quality • Extreme low noise, high speed schematic topology and ultra-wide bandwidth ( >2 MHz ). • High filtering capacity (51.000 uF) with numerous (23) capacitors, to achieve low impedance. • Toroidal power transformers specially designed for audio applications, low flow dispersion, low mechanical noise, high permeability magnetic core with consequent low output impedance. • Full aluminium non-magnetic frame. • Inputs & Outputs configurable RCA (unbalanced) & XLR (balanced) • Inputs selection by relay with GOLD/PALLADIUM contacts. • RCA solid core gold plated plug connector for any signal connections. • P.D.A.A. Programmable Digital Analogue Attenuation, volume control • 0.5 dB step an 127.5 dB range attenuation using high quality precision resistor. • Active or Passive mode for best audio performance. • Possibility of set the PHONO board inside, by 2 mono board for Left & Right channel. • Optional High quality MM/MC phono stage • Two open slots for future upgrades. • Possibilities of upgrades with MCH-6 (Multichannel board with 2 sets of 6 inputs, outputs) for Audio-Video application. • Upgrades: DAC Board with USB & SPDIF 24/192 inputs • Remote control of all functions with NORMA remote control PA150 Stereo Amplifier Specs & Features PA-150 Stereo Amplifier ◊ Power 150w/ch@8Ω ◊ Bandwidth ~ 2Mhz ◊ Slew Rate 175V/µs (ultra-ultra fast for accurate transients without smearing and extraordinary PRAT!) ◊ High current drive - 48A (continuous) and 200A PEAK • Inputs: RCA Unbalanced, 1 XLR Balanced • Inputs Impedance: 47 Kohm • Gain, Sensitivity: 28.5 dB, 1.30 V r.m.s. / 150 W - 8 Ohm • Outputs Speakers: 2 pair main output • Frequency Response: D.C. - 2 MHz (-3dB) • High current output - 200A output peak current • Configuration: Dual Mono • Output Power: 150W @ 8Ω (300W @ 4Ω • Dimensions (HxWxD): 125 x 430 x 430 mm • Weight: 25 Kg • Extreme low noise, high speed schematic topology and wide band (>2 MHz). • Separate power supply for Gain, Driver and Output stages. • High speed and low noise regulated power supply for gain and driver stage • 16 power device for a total rated 2,000 W power handling capability. • High filtering capacity (70.000 µF) with numerous (24) low impedance capacitors. • Toroidal power transformers specially designed for audio applications, low flow dispersion, low mechanical noise, high permeability magnetic core with consequent low output impedance, 2 x 400 VA. • Full aluminium non-magnetic frame. • Inputs configurable RCA (unbalanced) & XLR (balanced) • Inputs selection by relay with GOLD/PALLADIUM contacts. • RCA solid core gold plated plug connector for any signal connections. • DC Protection for sensitive speakers		News & Review comments 2011 Hong Kong High-End Show NORMA reference electronics ● SC2 Linestage ● (2) PA-150 stereo amp ● ProAc K6 loudspeaker ● dCS Digital/SACD IPA-140 (translated)review excerpts ...absolute raves! AudioReview January,2011 IPA-140 The tone appears very neutral and with a range mediobassa rather that shuns away from dry, hot tonal shades. The detail remains high over the entire range and the acoustic scene, being generally rebuilt in a credible way, helps create a sense of realism. I left intentionally for latest annotations the behavior works to high dynamics, to give further highlighting to a performance that proved to be truly excellent. At times the sound level became almost excessive, but the sound quality did not even hint to deteriorate and then simply not induced in raise the volume. How to say that it seems really hard to find a speaker that could embarrass the Revo IPA-140. AUDIOPHILE SOUND #105 IPA-140 I know that is fashionable in the magazines to write "I was surprised of the component quality X ", but unfortunately I'm forced to use the same expression regarding the Revo IPA-140. Also from cold, the sound is balanced, detailed result for some characteristics, very controlled bass. Lacked only a little speed in attacks. Twenty hours of running and this problem has resolved itself. The Revo produces a rich sound, highlighting the harmonic without emphasis and does not suffer low-inflated. I heard several discs of violin and piano and in the register acute violin performance was always not only sweet but also alive, not thin/slender but fluid; ideal for tenors and sopranos both on CD and tape. The scene with the kids in La Bohème, for example, not suffering cries terrifying but could transmit, thanks to a detailed and especially good focus on medium-low db sound level, the joy of the moment, the liveliness of free young singers. Turning to the impressions of listening, after a short running-in a few hours, the high quality level appears very soon; It denotes a large coherence and effectiveness in all valuation parameters providing the listener with exciting and pleasurable sensations. Specifically when listening to changes Goldberg played in the recording the 1981 by Glenn Gould, piano on all its nuances is amazing, the sound quality is exceptional sound without added colors - a high rise effortlessly superior spectrum precision frequency and soft fluidity; each note is separated with surgical precision and sewn in a sound harmonious and well balanced & precisely placed in the environment. The speed was a big factor surprise in listening Live in Dresden by Jan Garbarek; high consistency of tone in a wide scene that envelops the listener, the optimally positioned instruments in space; the articulated and controlled, low range dynamic media, high refined. Further testing with a great classic jazz as a Kind Of Blue by Miles Davis I further surprises, the remastered cd Edition on Columbia to 20 bit is precise and flows nicely into the reader. The detail it is surprising, especially in instruments such as drums and bass, the trumpet of Davis and sax ' Cannonball ' Adderley and John Coltrane have full-bodied and simultaneously retain a good dose of airiness; the Bill Evans' piano is concrete; This fluidity on engravings is abundant, smoothly savouring all the best of this masterpiece. Turning to the song Three of a perfect pair the self-titled album by the band King Krimson in remastered in HDCD. I have raised hair on my head (the few that I have left). The presence of Tony Levin's bass was awesome and since I am a bassist I was really impressed by the accuracy of timbre in slap; rock sound. This is substantial and progressive; scrolling traces the Norma IPA-140 gives a three-dimensionality and richness of detail that enhances the character of each individual instrument! IPA-60 Integrated tnt-audio.com (translated excerpts) This sound is really first quality. The bottom end is perfectly extended, very full, round, perfectly controlled and clean. If you have currently have an amp with not such a roundness in the bottom, you might find yourself in the need to move the loudspeakers out of the wall, to recover the balance you are used to. It is however, at stated, a perfectly controlled bass, full but detailed and with really good articulation. Mid band is detailed, precise, never unpleasant, very natural and neutral. Voices are a real pleasure to listen to. High frequencies are extended, brilliant, but never edgy, never tiring at all. Women voices are polite, correct, detailed. Overall a perfect neutrality, a perfect balance of the different areas, all concurring in supplying a very realistic musical message. Very realistic indeed, and never dull, boring. In fact the very good dynamics, the speed is perfectly evident, clear, even though never overstated. The amp is really fast, but never in a hurry: speed does not make the message less clear. Rhythm gets through in a really natural way. Imaging is first class. Any instrument is sculptured in its own place, perfectly defined, without any strange movements as the notes go through the scales. Even bass is always perfectly positioned. The sound philosophy is clear: highest fidelity and neutrality in order to reproduce the recorded sound, with no added coloration or invention, but just the highest speed and transparency to offer a sound as involving and punching as it was recorded. Do not look for an exceptionally airy amp, or an exceptionally dynamic one, or an exceptionally brilliant one or an exceptionally anything amp: this amp does not add anything to the recorded sound, is perfectly honest, just shows what is recorded in the best possible way. You'll really find out what is on the recording and what is not. If the recording is airy, then it will sound airy, if it is dynamic it will sound dynamic, and so on. It is not yet unforgiving: you'll never find one of your CD sounding badly worse than you're used to. The sound character by the way does not change at all with system sound level. Conclusion A very interesting, sound amplifier. A very neutral, detailed, precise unit. The sound is really high level, a perfect example of understatement that in the medium term proves to be exclusively neutrality, transparence, speed and fidelity at the highest level.
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