During 2009 changes were made to the original Evolution amplifier to refresh the design which
matches the Evolution 2 CD player. However, there is no reason why it cannot work equally
well with the original Evolution CD player.

To achieve more than 75 Watts power into an 8 Ohm load and >140 Watts into 4 Ohms, the
mains transformer has to be big. The Evolution 2 uses a 250 VA toroidal transformer, which will
provide enough current to almost double its output into 4 Ohms. To achieve high-end sound
quality, no expense has been spared.

Separate windings are used for each of the high current high voltage and low voltage, analogue
and digital circuits. A high capacity power supply using 20,000 micro-Farads of multiple smoothing
capacitors are used to power the left and right power amplifiers and provide a very dynamic
performance.

The Evolution 2 uses a high quality, Burr-Brown PGA 2311, digitally controlled analogue volume
control.  This allows the user to adjust the volume accurately, from 0 to -80 dB. An analogue
style rotary encoder, with 40 mm solid control knob, is used to alter the volume from the front
panel and display the relative level on a large blue coloured VFD.  Position 80 is the loudest and
0 is mute. To amplify the signals into the volume control circuit, a high grade Burr-Brown
OPA 2134 Op-Amp is used as a pre-amplifier.  Signal switching is performed by gold contact
relays, which are digitally selected from a micro-controller, similar to the Destiny.

The Evolution 2 is configured with higher open-loop gain, using a double differential input and
driver stage plus discrete Darlington power output stage, using high current bi-polar transistors.
High grade polypropylene capacitors, bypassed with large value electrolytic capacitors, are
used to couple and decouple the signal into the power amp.

To keep the amplifier safe, it is monitored by discrete transistor circuitry to protect against
over-current demand, short circuits and DC offsets. Relays mute the input and separate the
loudspeaker output in the case of faults.

The Evolution 2 operates conventionally with rotary controls for input selection and volume
control and buttons for Tape selection and power On/Off. It has four inputs plus tape – including
a new feature Direct AV, which bypasses the pre-amplifier and volume control to allow the
power amplifier to be used in a 5.1 surround system.  Input selection is via the Evolution 2
remote handset or the rotary input selection control.  The display brightness can be altered
from the Evolution 2 remote control handset.

Gold plated input and output sockets have been chosen to provide a good connection and
appearance for a product at its price point. Loudspeakers are connected with 1 set of 4 mm
terminal binding posts, with plastic touch-proof covers. The amplifier also has a headphone
socket which is becoming an increasingly rare feature of modern amplifiers.

Mains connection is via a standard, fused, IEC chassis plug. A high quality power cord, with
suitable mains plug for the country of use is supplied.

Power Output (both channels into 8 Ohms)
Power Output (one channel into 4 Ohms)
Peak Output Current into 1 Ohm (50 mS)
Total Harmonic Distortion (20Hz - 20kHz)
Frequency Response
Slew Rate
Gain
Input Sensitivity - one channel driven/8 Ohms
Pre-amp Output Level
Signal to Noise Ratio ‘A’ weighted
Separation (line inputs)
Mains Power Consumption (at idle)
Mains Power consumption (full power 10% THD)
Loudspeaker Outputs
Headphone Output
Weight
Dimensions
Remote Handset
Finish Options
Voltage
Warranty
                                                                              

75 Watts
145 Watts
>10 amps RMS
<0.05%
5Hz - 50kHz - 1dB
> 25 V per µS
X 52
480 mV line input
Follows signal level via volume control x 2
>90dB
>60dB @ 1kHz
40 W
340 W
One
Yes
8.6 kgs
430 x 80 x 340
Yes
Silver or Black
Switchable 115V/230V
Two years original purchaser only
Warranty valid in country of purchase

Copyright ©  Epoz 2011