Audio Image debuts its first in-house integrated amplifier.
Audio Image introduces the AIME SEP-12 integrated amplifier crafted in Malaysia for audio enthusiasts. The integrated amplifier joins Audio Image’s ready lineup of boutique phonostages, preamplifier and stereo amplifiers made by its in-house brand, AIME (Audio Image Musical Experience).
The AIME Integrated features 120 watts into 8 ohms made to drive high-end speaker systems. The amplifier features three RCA inputs, a balanced input and a pre-out. The functions also include a Phase shift which is also added. In addition, the front face features a large screen which shows volume that toggles through information that the user needs. The construction of the integrated amplifier is entirely handmade and assembled from the chassis to its electrical boards. The integrated amplifier is sleeved in a thick case of aluminium to protect against stray IR waves. The shielding extends to the internals of the amplifier with a thick plate separating the preamplifier stage from the torodial amplifier inside. The stepless volume pot and brass speaker terminals are milled and crafted in-house.
The amplifier is built in small batches, with each unit taking weeks to assemble. The end result is an amplifier which Adrian hopes to compare with other offerings in the market.
Initially, Adrian Wong, the owner of AIME didn’t approach the idea of an integrated amplifier, because of the cost involved in building one. However, he feels that the market could be ready for a local integrated amplifier, considering the rising prices of international brands. “We wanted to provide an integrated amplifier that provided great performance to listeners in an uncompromising package. It involves everything we know about amplification from our larger amplifiers in an single-box package.”
AIME has been serving customers that are looking for high-end audio performance since 1993. It’s founded by Adrian Wong, the owner of Audio Image and works closely with a team of local technicians. The AIME integrated amplifier is now ready for sale at Audio Image and retails for RM9000. Audio Image a hifi store based in Petaling Jaya currently represents selected high-end brands and features two experience rooms based in its shoplot.
Specifications:
Output Power: 120W X 2 (8Ohms)
200W X2(4Ohms)
Frequency Response: 10Hz- 100khz (-3db)
Output Noise: <1mV
Input Impedance 10KOhms
Input Sensitivity: .8V rms
Power off mode <1W
Protection: Overload, Overheat, output error