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REF 500.1 – The Reference Series Returns, Better Than Ever
The Reference series was born many years ago to replace the Studio series, with the first Reference series amplifier lineup completed in 2001. The new Reference series does not aim to offer an amplifier for everyone, but the best amplifier in its price range.
The new Reference series amplifiers sound as good as or better than the most expensive amplifiers from other manufacturers. Zapco's Class AB amplifier design has been tested over decades, and only top-quality components are used to achieve the best sound quality.
Features and Functions
- 1-channel, Class-AB, High-End amplifier
- Signal-to-noise ratio over 103dB
- High-quality bipolar input dual-OP
- High-quality/transition frequency transistors
- High precision 0.1% output resistors
- High density, dissipation factor input capacitors
- Low internal resistance power capacitors
- Very low on-resistance, fast switching Mosfets
- Efficient pure copper transformers
- Low resistance fuses
Technical Specifications
- Power RMS @ 4Ω: 1 x 320 watts
- Power RMS @ 2Ω: 1 x 550 watts
- THD @ rated power < 0.02%
- Signal-to-noise ratio > 102dB
- Frequency response: 10Hz – 40,000Hz ±1dB
- Input sensitivity: 0.5V – 8V
- Fuse rating: 2 x 40A
- Overall dimensions (mm): 210(W) x 62(H) x 416(L)
OP Upgrade
Reference amplifiers offer the possibility to replace the original OPs (MUSES8820) with even higher-performing OPs (MUSES02) or other OPs favored by the customer. We recommend that this procedure be performed by qualified technicians.
Transformers: High-power chrome-plated toroidal transformer, optimized to reduce losses and handle high currents. High temperature resistance, high permeability and insulation performance.
Output Transistors: The well-known complementary Sanken MN1526 and MP1526 transistors guarantee 260 V voltage handling and a maximum current of 15 A.
Capacitors: ELNA series RA3 and RFS capacitors are used in the signal path. Input capacitors are Revenbi MKPA-B metallized polypropylene film capacitors 250 V, 3% tolerance, specially manufactured for professional use.
Balanced/Unbalanced system: Zapco found a solution for the noisy electrical environment of a car years ago with SymbiLink components, which convert a standard unbalanced audio signal into a fully balanced one. Today, the same solution is implemented with a balanced RCA input and an unbalanced input via a button inside the amplifier.
Our dedication to sound purity demands the highest quality internal components.