Audio Video News

Modular multichannel amplifiers solve plenty of problems for home theater fans: freeing floor space tops among them. An interesting new offering in this product category is the MDB1000 from Pennsylvania's Accusonic. A "Class H" amplifier weighing 60 lbs., the MDB1000 puts out 200 watts/8 ohms x 5 channels, ideal for almost all traditional surround sound systems.

Each channel occupies its own circuit board, with a separate high-frequency switching power supply fronted by a massive toroidal transformer. A "DC speaker guard" circuit protects against possibly damaging DC offset voltage at the amplifier's output; each channel features an individual channel gain control, gold-plated RCA input jacks, and industry-standard 5-way binding posts on the output for secure connection to cables.

For high-power applications, any two channels can be bridged for 650 watt output. Additional filters may be used to use the MDB1000 in bi-amp or tri-amp modes. A soft-start circuit prevents blown fuses or popped circuit breakers when the MDB1000 is first powered up. The relatively compact amp can be left idling in the "standby" mode so that it is already warm and sounding its best when you are ready for movies or music. Available from Accousonic dealers at a suggested retail price of $2700.