The F1 -600M single-channel (monobloc) amplifier is designed to a performance level matching the stunning F1 AvantGarde loudspeaker, which audio reviewers world-wide regard as one of the best speakers available. It will be able to drive any loudspeaker to high levels for extended periods.Power output is conservatively rated at 300W rms into 8 Ohms, 600W rms into 4 Ohms, 1000W rms into 2 Ohms and o massive 17QOW (IHF burst) into 1 Ohm, combined with very high reliability and full protection against any mishap.
The F1 -600M is a balanced output architecture design, this approach drives both output terminals with signals in anti-phase, increasing the slew rate, reducing noise and dramatically reducing susceptibility to external electrical fields both internally and in loudspeaker cables.
The F1-600M has one of the most accurate quiescent current controls ever implemented. This stabilises quiescent current against output level and load changes, mains voltage changes and ambient temperature changes which can all moke significant differences to performance from hour to hour as well as from one room or abode to another.
The output devices are bipolar iunction transistors chosen for maximum linearity, in terms of sustained current gain at high collector currents. The advanced MT-200 package used gives a greater degree of heat transfer than the traditional T03. This reduces Iunction temperatures for greater reliability and reduces dynamic temperature change.
The TAG McLaren Audio Straight-Line Technology concept, where LF bandwidth definition and DC control are implemented by o servo system rather than series capacitors, is fully implemented in the power amplifier sections
A single ended and a balanced input are standard, the advanced CAST (Current Audio Signal Transmission) interface is available as an option. All inputs are switchable manually or by remote control. Switching is implemented as a 10 millisecond cross-fade rather than an abrupt cut, eliminating clicks and spurious transients.
The single ended RCA phono input uses an unusually high input impedance without compromise of noise performance, the input is via a high quality, heavily gold-plated, RCA phono socket with PTFE insulation. The balanced input is via a metal-bodied XLR connector with gold-plated contacts. The input draws on professional practices to give a high degree of common-mode relection.
A 'ground lift' switch has been added to allow disconnecting the amplifier's audio ground from the chassis safety ground to enable difficult ground-loop problems to be dealt with correctly and safely.
The inclusion of the TAGtronic Communication Bus allows for future expansion of facilities, such as multi-room and room automation, and field upgrades (even via the Internet using a PC) as all of the F1-600M'a firmware is stored on a re-programmable memory device. Firmware upgrades will be available from the TAG McLaren Audio website or from authorised TAG McLaren Audio retailers.