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Wyred 4 Sound STi 1000 High-end dual mono 500wpc integrated amplifier If you're looking for the best deal on an integrated amplifier which also provides the resolution and clarity as those costing many times over, look no further. An extremely wide sound stage and imaging that takes you to the music are just a few attributes of Rick Cullen's latest creation. Many of the features derived from the STP preamp have given this unit an edge that many others are looking for. It all starts with Wyred 4 Sound's proprietary fully balanced dual FET unity gain buffers on the front end to welcome incoming signals. The true resistive-ladder volume control is fed from the FET input stage and offers exceptional tracking. A line stage that couples the amplifier to the front-end offers a balanced output regardless of the selected input. This offers much better common-mode rejection, and a quieter background. Some features the STI series have that others don't is the same HT bypass feature as the STP, and a loop through feature. Like the STP, you can connect a DC trigger cable to your Pre/Pro (and set-up the proper input in the setup menu) to automatically configure the unit for HT use. When an input is selected to be used as the HT input, the DC trigger can be activated by your Pre/Pro to “power up” the unit, and automatically set the volume to unity gain. This allows for all volume controls to be made through the surround processor. When the processor is shut down, so is the STI and connected gear through the DC trigger output. When two channel listening is desired, manual operation can be executed from the front of the unit, or through the remote. With a set of balanced inputs, 4 sets of unbalanced inputs and a set of unbalanced outputs, connection possibilities are vast. Absolute phase and balance control are easily selected through the supplied remote for those out of phase recordings, and room adjustments to be made on the fly. User interface is made easy with the VFD display and optical rotary encoder. Allowing input naming and HT Bypass input selection, the setup menu is easily accessed for customization. Several display dimming steps including “off” are available through the remote for stealth operation. Powering up the unit can be done several ways, by pushing in on the volume knob (power button), by pressing power on the remote, or by the remote DC trigger input when HT Bypass is selected in the setup menu. “The STI 1000 integrated amplifier promises quality line-stage functionality with an unreasonably high level of output power in a compact and lightweight package. In the course of the listening sessions, the ST Integrated proved capable of revealing large amounts of information. There was a wonderful delicacy which goes against preconceptions about high power. The amplifier was surprisingly fast on its feet, exhibiting none of the sluggishness that many would associate with such massive horsepower. It handled complex dynamic passages easily. Macro bombast and fine micro detailing were convincingly portrayed. High frequencies were extended and sweet when the system was fully adjusted. No harshness or grain were ever in evidence that could be attributed to the electronics. Midrange was dimensional and highly detailed. Vocal material had enunciation without becoming clinical and could achieve a richness of detail and presentation similar to that of tubed units. There was an aliveness that could convey emotional nuance. Bass character was natural. It exhibited substantial power and control but was also very revealing of rich instrumental texture. From a technical standpoint, the STI 1000 amplifier offers a vast amount of low distortion power in a small package. It is exceptionally efficient. From a sonic standpoint, it has the potential to deliver uniform dynamics over a wide volume range. This is something the best amps aim for and something digital amplification appears to do rather well. Dimensionality and soundstaging can rival tube technology. Resolution and accuracy of response can challenge the upper tiers of audiophile product. Richness is not a description you would expect of a non-valve design but it is achievable with the STI 1000. Driven direct from the CD player or through the preamp stage, the amplifier was capable of lifelike palpable images in a well-defined acoustic space offering as much dryness or warmth as was captured on the recording. By any realistic definition, the STI 1000 is a bargain. The preamp will appeal to those looking for the “straight wire with gain” approach. It will not create warmth but convey it. The line stage alone would probably warrant the price of admission. The amplifier has virtually unlimited power and a high pedigree. For years, serious hifi has traditionally meant separates. Wyred4Sound has challenged that preconception with a no-compromise single box solution which gives little ground to any separate dynamic duo (and made this proposition temptingly affordable). This is a serious effort and in the right system the STI 1000 will perform with a vengeance that belies its size. Powerful, efficient, musical - separation anxiety? Perhaps it’s time the masses embraced integration. Easily recommended . . .” – 6Moons review (November 2009)
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Available in black or silver: please specify when ordering • Dual modified ICE 500 power modules * Shipping to the following countries is calculated at the standard EU rate of €30: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. * Shipping to the following countries geographically within Europe but remote from the UK is calculated at the Worldwide rate of £48: Bosnia, Croatia, Greece, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Lichtenstein, Montenegro, Norway, Romania, Serbia and Switzerland. |
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