Ultra-Linear-Amplifier

Our MAX mono-blocks represent Audionet’s latest internationally acclaimed ULA (Ultra-Linear-Amplifier) technology. This highly complex circuit topology, which we originally invented for medical engineering, delivers results that nudge the boundaries of what is feasible with current measuring techniques. Even under conditions of maximum strain or in other borderline situations, any incidence of signal impurity remains almost undetectable, while the outstanding feedback damping ensures that the loudspeakers crisply perform to the limits of their capacity.

The Cream of the Crop

Architecture

To guarantee absolute channel separation, MAX is designed as a mono amplifier. The magnetically and capacitatively optimized assembly of the mono-blocks largely eliminates all feedback from electrical interference as well as from reciprocal influences between the amplification channels during the amplification process. The massive aluminium cabinet eradicates any effects of the dreaded subsonic noise.

In order to optimize its high-frequency attributes and velocity, we indulged in an orgy of minimalization. The signal paths have been kept to a minimum and contain no sound-impairing components such as coils, chokes or power relays.

MAX comes equipped with RCA and XLR inputs, which are electronically switched over gold-plated precision relays. The input stage is configured as a cascaded and bootstrapped differential amplifier with a low-noise, monolithic dual FET, thus electrically decoupling the end amplifiers from the input signal and avoiding harmful interaction with source. A special double cascade decouples the source signal from the driving and output stage. The driving stage linearizes distortion of the output circuit locally with a unique, cross-linked correction circuit in real time. The input and driving stage are separately powered by an oversized 80 VA toroid-core transformer with separate windings for positive and negative operating voltage.

The output stage is equipped with eight hand selected power MOSFETs with actively controlled bias current amounting to 0.6 A. The supply voltage is stabilized as rapidly as inhumanly possible by optimized discrete MOSFET regulators. To reach optimal performance, the negative and positive operating voltage is decoupled entirely. Two individual 1000-VA toroid-core transformers feed the positive and the negative half-cycles of the mains. Four special, fast and impulse-resistant high-current capacitors with a total filtering capacity amounting to 156,000 uF serve as an accumulator.

A microprocessor unit controls all functions and permanently monitors DC, HF, temperature and overload. In the case of a fault, it disconnects the MAX from the mains supply. A large, two-line display indicates fault sources in plain text. An Audionet-Link provides optical remote activation and signal-dependence in three sensitivity ranges. The control unit has a separate power supply from a transformer.

Function

Microprocessor controlled mono reference amplifier.

Special Features

• Audionet ULA technology (Ultra-Linear-Amplifier)
• magnetically and capacitatively optimized construction
• signal paths are kept to a minimum
• no capacitors and electromechanical components in the signal path
• completely DC coupeld
• four separate power supplies for controller, input and driving stage and positive and negative operating voltage for the power stage
• toroid transformer with 80 VA for the input and driving stage with separate windings for positive and negative operating voltage
• two toroid transformer with 1000 VA for positive and negative operating voltage for the power stage
• four impulse-stable high-current capacitors with filtering capacity totalling 156,000 uF
• discrete, extremely fast and stable driver and output stages
• bi-wiring terminal with two pairs of Furutech connectors
• remote control activation by Audionet Link (optical waveguide) or via input signal (without 12V trigger connection to avoid sound diminishing capacitive and electromganetic effects)
• timer
• large-size, two-line VDF-display
• screen saver
• automatic mains phase detection
• microprocessor unit controls all functions and permanently monitors DC, HF, temperature and overload

In- and Outputs

We do not use 12V trigger connections to avoid sound diminishing capacitive and electromganetic effects as well as secondary voltage injections.

It is alternatively possible to switch the MAX on simply via the input signal, e.g. for the compatibility with third party devices that do not provide Audionet Link. Please refer to the user’s manual for the set up.

Technical Data

Press comments on MAX

TAS EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARD 2018

“Big, bold harmonious texture…exceptional amplifiers!”

THE ABSOLUTE SOUND loves our Audionet MAX and gave him the TAS EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARD 2018. We’re humbled, again.

The Absolute Sound 1/2018

“At this point in my audio journey, after some 45 years of beeing involved at virtually every level of high-end audio (I was selling stereo gear before I could legally drive a car), I find that this Audionet combination represents one of the highest ratios of performance to price I’ve yet encountered, exemplifying the role of the proverbial ‘Giant Killer’. If the ultimate goal in this industry is to create products capable of engaging the listener so completely that we become transfixed by an entirely fabricated deception, unaware that the time and space of the events unfolding before us are merely auditory illusions generated by a complex reconstruction engine, a conglomeration of electro-mechanical devices, then Audionet has earned its place among the handful of manufacturers pushing the limits. I urge you not to part with a dime until you seek out and hear what the PRE G2 and MAX can do.”

stereophile

Audionet MAX is stereophiles recommended Class A component!

AVShowrooms

HiFi Voice

Audionet MAX is a top mono amplifier. It boasts a honest high-end design, perfectly crafted finish and a variety of functions. … However, if you seek THE ultimate solution and are not willing or able to pay for ultra high-end systems, Audionet MAX offers practically the same performance. MAX is basically a small power station able to send anything anywhere; it reins in even complex loudspeakers and squeezes out incredible things from the small ones. It works with machine-like precision and mathematical exactness, but doesnʼt forget to reassemble all this superb transparency, speed, impulse, dynamics and control back to music. Which may be even worthier than the sound perfection itself.

PROS
+ top-quality control and energy
+ transparency
+ speed and cadence
+ impulse
+ dynamics

CONS
– well, nothing, if you can afford it

AVShowrooms

“More soul! Top to bottom. This is the first time I’ve ever heard a KEF Blade – disappear. Any given day I would chose one.”

Positive Feedback

Marshall Nack, Positive Feedback ISSUE 78 (march/april 2015):
“The top-of-the-line MAX Mono Amplifier from Audionet reminded me of their smaller brother, the AMP monos, which I reviewed earlier. There is a strong family resemblance in the cosmetics and features. But the resemblance pales when it comes to performance: the MAX do more than merely double up the wattage per channel. They put you on a new playing field.

Beyond a dynamic range and thrust power that is the envy of the competition-dynamic prowess doesn’t get any better than this — the MAX amps plumb the hidden depths of your favorite CDs and LPs. With the MAX you experience refinements offered only by the top models from the major players. The MAX join a very select group of top-tier components, but the MAX get you there for a fraction of the price. I’m not saying they’re cheap, but they do meet the definition of a bargain.

Nit-pickers will look high and low in vain, because the MAX do everything right. I have found my next reference.”

Positive Feedback

David W. Robinson, Positive Feedback ISSUE 77 (january/february 2015), test together with PRE G2, PAM G2/EPX:
“The last piece of the Audionet reference system puzzle was the pair of MAX monoblocks. Listed as their “statement” amplifier, the MAX does have much to recommend it. On paper, these are real beastie boys, a ‘completely DC-coupled,’ all-out design. […] This is quality work. Utilizing what Audionet calls ‘Ultra Linear Amplifier’ technology, […] provides an extremely high level of signal purity and stability under a very wide range of real-world audio conditions. […]The meticulousness of the Audionet approach is rare. […] the PRE G2 and MAX monos were exceptionally transparent, the audio quality that I prize most highly. […]In this case, however, the sound of the Audionet was a revelation of the surprising clarity of this preamp and amp in tandem, right out of the gate. This sort of thing is rare. […] Again, this is top-notch performance. […] The dynamics of the Audionet PRE G2 and MAX were simply extraordinary. […] Make no mistake about it: This is an exceptional result.

I am now about nine months into my time with the Audionet system. The PRE G2, PAM G2/EPX, and the MAX monoblocks have been in continuous service throughout that time, and have had megatons of music run through them. […] And Audionet is definitely in, right there in the first rank. If you’re looking for world-class, at a relatively reasonable price tag, you just found it. Me, I hope to be listening to Audionet for as long as possible…”

Highendnews.com

“What can the engineers at Audionet possibly do next, except scratch their head?”

Audio Video Czech Republic

“Stereo Sound: 100%
Design: 100%
Handling: 100%”

Area DVD

“The three adjectives ‘easy’, ‘airy’ and ‘fleet-footed’ don’t describe a new pizza dough, but characterize the high frequency reproduction of the test equipment in the best way […] Although the required clarity, fine design as well as sound transparency provide best performances and bring unimaginable musical details to life, no inappropriate aggressiveness disturbs the connection between men and technology. Even in the mid-range, the highly precise rendition proves to be a source of pleasure of the special sort. […] Due to the already described characteristics regarding the tonal balance and the fast modelling result a sound reproduction of realistic physical existence with impressive detail depth. […] To put it in a nutshell, one can certify without exception best performances to the bass representation, where in each aspect of rendition absolute benchmarks are set.”

Press comments on the predecessor AMP II MAX

Stereo Germany

“[…] Summarizing all mentioned aspects and adding the outstanding high-value and stable cabinet construction, a 78 kg weighing exceptional offer is standing below the line. And this even before the listening test. Does one need this? 800 Watts and distortion values close to the edge of what can be measured? After a few minutes of acoustical contact with the German flagships your answer to these questions will also be vehement head nodding […] The immense potential of the big Audionets opens up immediately. They create a wonderful synthesis of power and rapidness – pure dynamic. […] This works across the complete frequency range and even in the highest heights without the slightest presence of granularity or roughness; if you are into the typical character of tubes, than you get that here. But only true energy and no random products caused by distortion. […] The bass is dusting with dryness – yes, this is the way deep frequencies have to be reproduced. […] Absolute world-class performance for a fractional amount of usual prices – this is the simple conclusion. The AMP II MAX are outstanding fast, load-stable and free from preciousness. No other power amplifier can pretend more.
Performance-Level: 100%
Top reference“

AV Extreme Greece

“Mainly they differ through their clearness with a performance level which is the best I have ever heard.
The Audionet amplifiers forced us to raise the volume more and more and to become captivated by the music. It looks like analog technology still has a lot to offer.”

Hi-Tech Greece

“[…] this is why the AMP II MAX draw upon the top position among the amplifiers of their category […]”

Sound Magazine Greece

In combination with PRE G2:
“Rapidness, power and control create a rock-solid bass range without any limitation or over-reaction. A bass extremely close to reality with excellent plasticity. […] This irresistible bass is overthrowing. All things considered here we have a pre-/poweramplifier combination with unexhaustible power, that drives even the most critical loudspeakers beyond their limits. In other words: These devices are made for playing numberless hours of music without tiring or boring the listener. […]”

Image HiFi Germany

“[…] the sound of the duo from Bochum does not provide criticism a target. The MAXs have a tonal and calming control about the connected loudspeakers. They act with a nearly infinite calmness, are completely unimpressed of heavy attacks, but transmit even the most sensitive. And when it is included in the music, they do both simultaneously. […] Together with the PRE G2 there is no situation, where dimension, tempo or sound become blurred. Also the used materials and the finish are – as usual – beyond all doubt.”

HiFi & Records Germany

“[…] the MAX mono amplifiers advance to the very first row of power amplifiers. According to the outstanding measurement results they offer an extremely clear transparency of the recordings. In the best moments there was a magic authenticity. Music and technology, heart and intellect […] the Audionet monos show what is possible when first-class technology and tonal fine-tuning come together. After only four years, Audionet made it to the very top of hifi amplifier development with their AMP II MAX. These monos don’t have to fear the international comparison. They combine a giant power potential with tremendous purity of sound.”