Arcam MZ12 Amplifier
Having scored great success with its FMJ range of hi-fi separates and Solo lifestyle products, Arcam has now turned its attention to the custom install market which focuses on multi room audio in the home and the background music currently found in shops and bars.
Arcam is lanching two multi zone amplifiers, the MZ12 and MZ8 which both share the same design and features, the only difference as suggested by the product name is the number of the channels they support. The Arcam MZ12 offers 12 x 65 watts per channel, whilst the Arcam MZ8 supports eight at the same power output as the Arcam MZ12.
Both models build on Arcam's reputation as one of the leading UK hi-fi manufacturers and feature much of the 'audiophile' technology found in the FMJ range of separates such as Arcam's own 'Wall of Silence', Stealth Mat EMC damping and SDS damped chassis as well as including oversized heatsinking to ensure the amplifier circuits never run hot as these sort of amplifiers tend to be installed in very confined spaces so heat must be minimized not only to preserve the life of the amplifier but also any other equipment installed in the same location. The Arcam MZ range also feature very large toroidal transformers in their power supplies to ensure that power is delivered effortlessly whilst also ensuring floor noise is kept to a minimum.
The Arcam MZ12 and MZ18 amplifiers also have configurable inputs so that each of the pairs of six (MZ12) or four (MZ8) channels can either use their own dedicated stereo input or a share the primary input so that one source can be outputted across some or all of the channels. The Arcam MZ12 and MZ8 also feature a full duplex RS232 interface and 12v trigger in so that the amplifier can be controlled remotely and easily integrated into any custom installation. The Arcam MZ12 and MZ8 also have a very creditable eco-friendly one watt power output when in stand by mode.
Both the Arcam MZ12 and MZ8 feature gold plated phono input sockets and large loudspeaker binding posts and a substantial rack mounted 3U chassis that weighs about 23 kg although the rack ears and amplifier feet can be detached depending on the custom install requirements. Both Arcam multi zone amplifiers are on sale now with prices starting at around £1600 for the MZ8 and £2000 for the MZ12. Both amplifiers are built in the UK at Arcam's Cambridge factory and it will be interesting to see how the new Arcam MZ amplifiers perform in this market place.
This entry was posted on Friday February 6th, 2009 at 11:00 AM and is filed under Amplifiers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response.
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