Audio Research DSi200 DSI200 ユーザーズマニュアル
製品コード
DSI200
There was a time, in the not-too-distant past, when audiophiles
believed that top-shelf sound could be achieved only with
separate components — that is, a separate preamp and power
amp. They believed that the humble integrated amplifier was
too compromised a product to achieve the top-quality sound
desired by any self-respecting audiophile. And class-D switching
amps were only for subwoofers, or those who would accept a
compromised sound.
Since then, the integrated amplifier has made the leap from
convenient afterthought to main showpiece — and not only
for the frugal or the budget-constrained. Most makers of
high-end electronics now wouldn’t be caught dead without
an ambitious integrated in their product line, for customers
who want it all sonically while simplifying their systems.
Audio Research Corporation has a long and storied history of
making high-quality amplifiers, and beginning in 1997, with
the introduction of the CA50, also has made some pretty good
integrated amps. Now ARC has created its new Definition
series, which will run parallel to the Reference line but will
concentrate on emerging green technologies that can meet
the excellent sonic standard that has been a hallmark of ARC
products through the years. The class-D DSi200 is the first
component in the new line — as well as being ARC’s first all-
solid-state integrated amplifier.
But does the DSi200 live up to its legendary heritage, or does
it prove that audiophiles were right all along: that separates
are still the only way to reach sonic nirvana?
Build quality
Audio Research calls the DSi200 ($5995 USD) a fully balanced
“hybrid solid-state” design. By “hybrid,” ARC means what they
describe as a “massive, highly regulated, linear analog power
supply” combined with a “truly ‘green’ discrete analog
switching-MOSFET output stage for highly efficient power
conversion and low power consumption.” This configuration
helps the DSi200 consume few enough watts to earn it an
Energy Star rating — it’s claimed to burn only 38W at idle, so
leaving it on 24/7 shouldn’t be a problem. While ARC claims
that doing so will make the DSi200 ready to sonically respond
immediately, it requires about 30 minutes to come up to
speed from a cold start, and its sound will slightly improve
over the next hour or so. I found that the DSi200 sounded
good whether I had the power on 24/7 or not. The design
of all power-supply components and MOSFETs are by ARC;
they don’t come prepackaged from some other, OEM firm.
And while ARC tends to shy away from calling the DSi200 a
class-D amp, preferring instead the phrase switching amplifier,
they admit that it is class-D... but with their own unique take
on the technology.
The DSi200’s preamplifier stage is purely passive; there are no
outputs for connecting a separate power amp (or outboard
headphone amp). The DSi200 is rated to offer 200Wpc into
8 ohms or 300W into 4 ohms, with dynamic outputs of 400Wpc
into 8 ohms or a whopping 800W into 4 ohms. These power
specifications are no doubt aided by the 160,000µF of
capacitance in the amply specified power supply. Output
power is of little concern; the DSi200 can drive even the most
power-hungry speakers.
As noted, the DSi200 is fully balanced. It has two balanced and
three single-ended inputs (one of which can be configured
as a home-theater pass-through), heavy-duty five-way binding
posts, and an IEC socket for the supplied power cord (or one
of your choice) and the fuse holder. That’s all there is in back.
A word of caution: When you hook up your components and
speakers, pay close attention to the jacks and speaker binding
posts. Likely because of the DSi200’s dual-mono design, these
connections are mirror-imaged; it’s all too easy to hook things
up wrong, something I learned the hard way.
At 19”W x 5.25”H x 14.25”D and weighing 37.2 pounds, the
DSi200 is a substantial piece of gear with the classic Audio
Research good looks, especially in silver with rack handles
— and therein lies the biggest outward difference. Instead
of making the handles black, as has long been ARC’s wont,
these are now the same color as the faceplate (the DSi200 is
also available in black). My review sample came in silver with
silver handles.
The display looks very much like that of ARC’s LS26 preamp.
Out front, from left to right, are the volume knob, a teal-
green fluorescent display (it can be dimmed or turned off
completely), and the input selector knob. Below the display
are four buttons: Power, Mute, and two that you seldom see
these days but should: Mono and Invert (polarity, which I
P r o d u c t R e v i e w
Audio Research DSi200
Integrated Amplifier
by John Crossett
johnc@soundstagenetwork.com
August 2010
www.soundstage.com