According to Zesto Audio, this new amplifier is intended to expand the listening options for hi-fidelity enthusiasts, with a Class A tube design that will meet all the requirements for those looking to explore the possibilities for tube sound. The Bias Select switch offers perfect settings for matched KT150s with a lively, dynamic musical sound, but will also reveal different possibilities with KT88, KT120 and KT170 tube types, while being safe and easy to use - allowing users to hear the difference. The Bia 200 Select Stereo Power Amplifier is also a completely new circuit design and grounding scheme, using a new power supply with larger mains Toroid with higher voltage for increased performance and lower noise.
Essentially, this new product is an update of the original Bia 120 push-pull, no negative feedback design, now providing lower distortion, more power, and a better performance out of tubes, also featuring an optional global mains power supply so that it can ship and work all over the world. The new Bia 200 amplifier also offers connectivity options with RCA or true floating transformer balanced XLR inputs, independent Left and Right ground switches on the XLR balanced inputs to eliminate ground loops and hums, and three different taps, 4, 8, or 16 ohms to better match any speakers. All in an elegantly designed, heavy duty 14 & 16 gauge zinc plated steel enclosure to accommodate the extensive grounding scheme.
"I wanted to redesign the Bia to include KT150 or KT170 output tubes, which were not available in 2012 for the original Bia," says George Counnas, president and chief design engineer of Zesto Audio. "I preferred the open sound of the KT150 and KT170's when they are not at maximum power for my Jazz, but then again I really liked the full power for my Rock & Roll and sometimes it worked the other way. Once I figured out the adjustable power, I realized I could also make it work for readily available tubes like KT88 and KT120” George says about the motivation for the Bias Select switch.
"My challenge in designing an amp is power with finesse. What I mean is capturing the raw power of the crescendo of an orchestra and the solo of a piccolo. I’m very proud of the sound and authority of this amp. I design for the audio enthusiast who likes to have options. It's safe and easy to use, you don’t need to be an engineer to use my products," he adds.
George Counnas has loved music all his life and went from a musician, to an electronics engineer, to an audio engineer. As a young man in England, he worked for DECCA Navigator (now Raytheon), at the time Britain's largest electronics company, as part of the research and development team designing airborne navigational systems for the Royal Air Force. In 2010, he founded Zesto Audio in Thousand Oaks, California, focusing on fine analog audio electronics using vacuum tube technology. The company's products include the Andros II, Andros Deluxe II and the Andros Tèssera Reference Phonostages, the Andros Allasso Step Up Transformer, the Leto Ultra II Line Amp, the Bia 200 Select Stereo Power Amp, and the Eros 300 Monoblocks.
The Bia 200 Select Stereo Power Amp is completely hand built and retails for $14,800 USD plus shipping and taxes, and is sold thru authorized dealers.
www.zestoaudio.com
