Magnat RV 1 Bedienungsanleitung Seite 6

RV 1
PHILOSOPHY
Naturalness and musicality are attributes that are frequently voiced to describe the
sound of a tube amplifier. Among audiophile music-lovers, high quality tube amplifiers
enjoy the reputation of being the ultimate with regard to acoustic reproduction. An "all
tube" amplifier is one in which only vacuum tubes are used for the entire signal path.
However, there are huge differences between tube amplifiers with regard to design,
complexity and results. A large number of modern units have been developed mainly
under the maxim of the lowest price and greatest show-off effect. Kitschy chrome and
gold sparkling tube temples with poor reliability and very disappointing sound quality
are often the result.
The Magnat RV 1 has been developed by a German-English team based on classic
tube amplifiers from the 60s and 70s. The objective was to achieve the best possible
sound quality, a high degree of reliability and compatibility with modern loudspeakers.
The basic requirement for this is perfect mechanical integrity. Vibrations detrimental to
the sound were to be excluded from the outset. For this reason, the enclosure of the
RV 1 is a modular design constructed from solid, milled aluminium plate. Inside, the
four main sections – phono equalisation stage, pre-amplifier, power supply unit and
power amplifier – are separated by shielding plates. The particularly sensitive phono
section has been given additional protection against radiated magnetic fields through a
further shielding grille. This elaborate design and the inclusion of substantial transfor-
mers account for the major part of the total weight of 20 kg. This highly stable structure
provides a perfect base for the electronic circuit.
The signal path follows the "weak-on-strong" principle, i.e. the weakest signal (phono)
is amplified immediately after the input. The input signal switching is accommodated on
the same board. From there, it goes on to the volume control and to the pre-amplifier
and driver stages. Finally there is the power amplifier. The mains transformer is placed
in the middle to guarantee short distances.
The RIAA phono stage and the pre-amplifier circuit are designed according to the
SRPP (Shunt Regulated Push Pull) principle. This circuit, favoured by most Japanese
and French pre-amplifier specialists, is known for its high linearity and extremely low
distortion. The tube types used are selected Russian 12AX7/ECC83 models. These
tubes have an outstanding reputation with regard to reliability and sound quality. High-
quality ALPS potentiometers are used for balance and volume control.