A handcrafted reference power amplifier based on the renowned Elektor "Medium Power Amplifier" design.
The RTAL Reference Power Amplifier was created as the power stage of the complete RTAL Reference Audio System.
Its electronic foundation is the outstanding Medium Power Amplifier originally published by Elektor Electronics in the issues 10/1990, 11/1990, 12/1990, 01/1991 and 06/1991.
Rather than redesigning an already excellent amplifier topology, the goal was to build the highest-quality implementation possible while adding mechanical, electrical and system-level improvements.
- Hand-etched PCB
- Hand assembled
- Custom aluminium enclosure
- Optimized power supply
- Automatic remote power control
- Voiced for the RTAL Reference System
The PCB was etched, drilled, populated and tested entirely by hand.
The complete aluminium chassis, front panel and rear panel were designed and built specifically for this project.
The original supply concept was further optimized and integrated into the RTAL Reference system.
The amplifier powers on automatically when the RTAL Reference One preamplifier is switched on and shuts down automatically together with it.
The amplifier delivers a neutral, transparent and effortless presentation with excellent loudspeaker control and was specifically matched to the RTAL CHAD-003 loudspeakers.
This project is based on the celebrated Medium Power Amplifier published by Elektor Electronics.
Original publication:
- 10/1990
- 11/1990
- 12/1990
- 01/1991
- 06/1991
- Figure 1 Technical Data
- Figure 2 Simplified Circuit
- Figure 3 Symmetrical Design
- Figure 4 Complete Circuit
- Figure 5 Power Supply
Source acknowledgement: T. Giffard, Medium Power Amplifier, Elektor Electronics (1990–1991).
This repository forms part of the Realtime Audio Lab Engineering Heritage Archive and documents both the original Elektor inspiration and the RTAL engineering enhancements.
© Realtime Audio Lab