ICON AUDI0 (UK) Ltd.

Classic Valve Amplifiers from this Leicester based company.

Icon Audio produce a large range of superb sounding valve amplifiers with gorgeous good looks and a very solid reputation for reliability and at very competitive prices.

Of great interest to us as vinyl enthusiasts is the range of valve phono stages, all with a separate power supply unit. Prices start at only £499.95 for the MM only version of the New PS1 MKII which is exceptional value for money. With a warm open highly detaild sound and the useful ability to keep vinyl noise to an absolute minimum, they make most solid state phono stages sound constricted, grainy and noisy. All models have a volume control on the front facia which can be used to drive a power amplifier directly without the need for any pre-amplification.

MM /MC models are switchable from the front facia, which also has a mono/stereo switch for those who wish to listen to their mono records with the minimum of noise.

The New top of the range PS3, this is the only version to have a valve regulated power supply with prices starting at £1,199.95. This model utilizes the same size casework as the PS1 amplifier section for its valve regulated power supply, so both units are the now the same size.

The PS3 uses an EZ80, a ECC83 and a 5687 to rectify and regulate the power. This is filtered twice through two large chokes for improved purity. It is a passive device that uses hard wiring throughout. It also improves on the PS1 by utilizing 4 ECC83 and a 6SN7 valve instead of just 2 ECC83 and a ECC81 of the smaller unit. The PS3 can be ordered with military grade valves for a sonic improvement at a £100.00 extra.

The biggest performance boost comes from using the optional Jensen paper in oil capacitors. This option is available at £200.00 when purchased with a new unit.

All models have a valve and capacitor upgrades to significantly improve performance. See table below for details and prices

Pre-amplification comes via either the new triode LA2, LA3 or LA4 line level units with remote control starting at £499.95 to £699.95 or a straight forward Passive line level device, with or without remote control, £249.95 or £329.95..

Just released is the new Stereo 20 SE at £999.95 and the new entry level Stereo 25 at approx £500.00, more details to follow.

Integrated amplifiers start with the incredible Stereo 40i which starts at £899.95 with EL34 valves or £949.95 with Electro-Harmonix 6CA7 with KT88 valve models starting at an amazing £999.95. All models have a triode mode switch which gives up to 20w depending on the valves used or up to 45w in ultralinear mode.

Most amplifiers are available with a valve and Jensen paper in oil capacitor upgrade for better sound quality, prices vary depending on model.

Next in line is the Stereo 50 with KT88 valves and a high gloss white painted finish, all for only £1,199.95. Triode operation gives 27w, ultralinear 55w.

Next model moving up the scale is the Stereo 60 MKII with Electro Harmoix KT88 and 6SN7 plus Sovtek 6SL7 valves giving 65 watts or 35w in Triode mode, complete with remote control operation. Fantastic value at only £1,599.95.

Most expensive model in the integrated category is the Stereo 300 which uses 2 pairs of the legendary 300B valves in Push Pull formation to give 35w. A passive pre-amp with remote control is employed to give a wonderfully smooth detailed sound and all this for only £1,699.00, absolutely unbeatable value.

Two pairs of mono block valve amplifiers are available. The MB90 which gives 100w in ultra-linear and 50w in Triode mode driven by Electro Harmonix KT90 and 6SN7 valves with Sovtek 6SL7. At £1,799.95 this is amazingly good value.

The MB25 gives 28w in its triode mode and is driven by two 300B valves per channel. Prices start at £1,799.95 with optional valves available for upgrading.

Icon Audio also have an all valve Headphone amp which is available for £359.95.

As well as their wonderful valve amplifiers Icon Audio have their own horn loaded loudspeakers. The PM6 uses the Lowther Pm6C single drive unit and prices start at £1,095.95 with various upgrades available to dramatically improve sound quality.

.For Hi-Fi that brings you closer to the original sound