TIDAL X BUGATTI MA1 Amplifier
TIDAL X BUGATTI MA1 MONOBLOC POWER AMPLIFIER ANNOUNCED
TIDAL has announced the TIDAL x BUGATTI MA1, a new monaural power amplifier forming part of its Royale collection.
Positioned as the successor to the TIDAL Assoluta Monobloc, the TIDAL x BUGATTI MA1 is described as the company’s new reference power amplifier, combining a symmetrical circuit topology with an active regulated power supply.
TIDAL X BUGATTI MA1 AMPLIFIER
The TIDAL x BUGATTI MA1 uses three 1,000VA toroidal transformers, which are magnetically shielded and mechanically decoupled. A linear voltage supply is used for the two amplifier modules, alongside 800,000µF of stabilisation capacity. TIDAL says the power supply is designed to provide voltage and current stabilisation while avoiding unwanted noise and ripple.
The amplifier delivers 420 watts continuous power into 8 ohms, 840 watts into 4 ohms and 1,500 watts into 2 ohms. Its specified bandwidth extends from 1Hz to above 250kHz at -0.5dB.
The amplifier’s construction uses massive aluminium components and internal bracing intended to reduce resonances and provide rigidity. Its multilayer PCBs use 105µm copper per layer, while transistors are individually selected, measured and matched to better than 1%.
The input circuit is DC-coupled, with no coupling capacitors or relays in the signal path between input and output. TIDAL also uses low-impedance capacitors directly at the transistors, with the company stating that this allows for short signal connections.
PROTECTION AND CONTROL
A proprietary APM (Amplifier Protection Management) system operates outside the signal path and monitors output current in relation to output voltage, short-circuit current, DC offset, and under- and over-voltage conditions. The MA1 also incorporates an intelligent soft-start system.
Remote power control is available from TIDAL preamplifiers via an RJ45 Ethernet connection. Standby power consumption is specified at less than 1W.
BESPOKE FINISHES
As part of the TIDAL × BUGATTI collection, the MA1 can be individually configured in different colours and combinations, with options for the materials used for the front- and top-plate inserts. The examples supplied show high-gloss painted carbon fibre and high-gloss midnight blue.
The floating BUGATTI logo is positioned on the amplifier’s top plate, while the cabinet is available with individually configured finishes. The amplifier measures 69 × 52 × 41cm and weighs 110kg.
TIDAL x BUGATTI MA1 PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
TIDAL x BUGATTI MA1 pricing is TBC.
HiFi PiG says: The MA1 is certainly a serious piece of engineering, with 1,500 watts available into 2 ohms and a 110kg chassis putting it firmly into the statement-amplifier category. The ability to specify the finish also fits the bespoke approach of the TIDAL × BUGATTI collection.
