GaN Amplification – A New Direction for the Robson Masterpiece Power Amplifier
Our new Masterpiece Stereo Power Amplifier 500W represents one of the biggest changes we have made to a Robson amplifier design for some time.
At the heart of the new amplifier is advanced Gallium Nitride, or GaN, Class D amplification, combined with our own newly developed power supply technology.
For us, the reason for making this change is not simply efficiency or power. As always, the decision comes down to sound.
What is GaN amplification?
Traditional amplifier output stages generally use silicon-based transistors. Gallium Nitride is a newer semiconductor technology capable of switching significantly faster and more efficiently.
In an audio amplifier this allows the output stage to react extremely quickly to changes within the music, while keeping noise, distortion and unwanted losses exceptionally low.
That speed is particularly important when reproducing fine transient information – the leading edge of a piano note, the attack of a drum or the smallest changes in a vocalist’s performance.
The aim is not to make the presentation sound faster or more impressive, but to allow the amplifier to get out of the way of the recording.
Class D does not mean digital
There is still a common misconception that a Class D amplifier converts music into digital information.
It does not.
A correctly designed analogue Class D amplifier can maintain the music signal entirely within the analogue domain. There is no need to convert a vinyl source into digital data simply because the amplifier uses Class D technology.
That was particularly important to us.
Many Robson customers use both high-quality digital sources and vinyl, and our objective has always been to retain the natural texture and character of both.
Why GaN makes a difference
Earlier generations of Class D amplification sometimes gained a reputation for sounding clinical or lacking the natural character associated with the best Class A and A/B designs.
Modern GaN devices allow the switching stage to operate far more quickly, reducing many of the compromises associated with older designs.
In listening terms, this can translate into:
Exceptional transient speed
Very low noise and distortion
Greater control of demanding loudspeakers
Deep, well controlled bass
Excellent separation and fine detail
A wide and holographic soundstage
A smooth and natural presentation
Most importantly, the technology provides enormous power without losing the delicacy and realism that make a recording believable.
Robson's Approach
We have combined the new GaN amplification stage with our own power supply technology rather than treating the amplifier module as a finished solution.
The power supply, mechanical construction, component selection and final voicing all play an important part in how an amplifier ultimately performs.
The result is the new Masterpiece Stereo Power Amplifier 500W – an amplifier designed to provide effortless power and control while retaining the organic, analogue character we want from a Robson system.
For us, GaN is exciting not because it is new technology, but because it allows us to get closer to what we have always been trying to achieve: greater realism, space, detail and ultimately a stronger connection with the music.
The Masterpiece Stereo Power Amplifier 500W is available for demonstration. Please contact us to discuss the amplifier, system matching or arranging a listening session.