BAlabo – BP-1 MK-II Power Amplifier from Bridge Audio Laboratory
The BAlabo BP-1 MK-II Power amplifier is a tour-de-force in amplifier design and the absolute last word in musical performance. The BP-1 MK-II has a level of transparency and warmth that is seldom achieved in large power amplifiers. As a 100% solid state design, the BP-1 MK-II possesses incomparable grip and effortless control without any of the dryness, glare or strain often associated with lesser designs. Now the need for tubes is a faint memory.
Visual Indicators Front Panel
The BP-1 MK-II brings a set of intelligent and useful functions right
to the front panel - each has its own visual indicator.
Mute Function
This is a most useful function for quick changing of interconnects
or
components upstream. The push button toggle, lights amber in "Mute"
mode.
Power Level Indicators
In the center of the front panel of the BP-1 MK-II there are
two lighted vertical power indicators for the left and right channels.
The greater the power output, the higher the vertical bar is illuminated.
Light function can be attenuated 10dB for high efficiency systems
or, turned off completely.
Illuminated Standby/On Function
A Standby/On switch is located on the front panel so the BP-1 MK-II is ready at all times to provide the optimal sound quality without the need for a warm up period. Electrolytic caps remain charged during standby. Main on/off is located on the rear of the chassis. Blue indicates On, amber indicates Standby.
Remote Control Input Jacks - Standby/On from Control Amplifier
A remote Standby/On scheme is employed in all BAlabo products. The BP-1 MK-II has a pair of RJ11 jacks on the rear panel for use with BAlabo control amplifiers, offering remote control power Standby/On switching from those units. This remote system is completely isolated from all audio signals.
Unique Internal Grounding Scheme
Finally, the musical benefits of two channels in a
single chassis have been fully realized. Although monoblock
designers have long touted the benefits of independent power
circuits and smaller chassis design, the vexing monoblock ground
loop conundrum has never fully been solved. These incremental
monoblock benefits come at a high price -they detract from
the listening experience by obscuring and interfering with
low level details in the music. Now, through the superior internal
grounding scheme of the BP-1 MK-II, minute intra-channel stray
currents are neutralized and the noise floor is driven to impossibly
low levels.
Signal Ground Plane Connection Lug
In some instances, small differences in ground potential between components can detract dramatically from sound quality. The BP-1 MK-II, offers a signal grounding lug (not chassis ground) that is intended to tie together the signal ground planes of the BAlabo Control amplifier and the BAlabo Power amplifier - thereby eliminating any minute differences in ground potential.
Noise Reduction for AC Line and Power
Rectification
n home environments, electronic equipment such as personal computers and televisions, add noise to the power mains and degrade the AC waveform. This can deteriorate the performance audio components. The BP-1 MK-II employs a power line filter at the AC inlet that reduces external noise and reshapes the AC wave form.
The BP-1 MK-II has adapted an insulating copper foil to act as a shield between the primary and secondary windings, and between the transformer and the chassis, completely shielding the transformer and eliminating electromagnetic couplings.
Rectification noise is also reduced with a BYPASS capacitor that is carefully selected for high quality sound. The rectifying diode is a high-speed type, selected for its very low noise.
Mechanical Grounding of Chassis
The four corners of the chassis are constructed with heavy-duty,
extruded aluminum for superior mechanical integrity. The chassis is
designed to aid in the dispersion of the resonant frequencies by the
use of various materials (Aluminum/Steel/Corian) each with their own
properties of absorption and transmission. External vibration is never
propagated to the internals of the amplifier. Vibration attenuation
is achieved with the use of CORIAN® resin (high tech thermo-plastic
material which is hardened by the powder of oxidized aluminum) which
is located along the top and bottom edges lengthwise so that side
wall, top cover and the bottom plate are all dampened. As the result,
the local resonance of each structural member is suppressed to an
absolute minimum.
PowerCon AC Inlet
The AC inlet connection is very important for proper operation.
The BP-1 MK-II uses PowerCon connector made by Neutrik Corporation
of Germany. The PowerCon inlet for the AC mains offers superior reliability
and product safety. The PowerCon has one-third the contact resistance
of conventional connectors and a larger maximum current rating (20A).
The PowerCon is a bayonet, snap-in mechanism and is designed to prevent
unexpected disengagement of the AC cord.
Integrated Spikes for Rigid Installation
The feet of the BP-1 MK-II are coated with Teflon with an under
cushion material to prevent shipping damage. Once the BP-1
MK-II is installed, spikes (included) can be threaded into the base
of each foot for additional mechanical grounding.
Custom Components Throughout
For the ultimate in sound quality, components must be designed and selected through careful listening tests. The BP-1 MK-II boasts an amazing 85% custom components, such as all electrolytic capacitors in the power supply section, fixed resistors for the audio signal, copper foil capacitors for phase compensation and the relays. As a result, audio improvements are easily heard when compared to bulk style, off the shelf components.
