Design:
Class A power amplifier with external power supply. The Kraken power
could be used in standard or bridged mono, giving a claimed tripling in
output power to 165 watts (8 ohms RMS) - don't forget this is Class A
power and this amplifier runs hot. According to Alchemist's own
specification, the amplifier's heat syncs reach 55º Centigrade in a 24º
room, when the amp is idling.
The power supply was supplied
with a single toroidal transformer, however a dealer-fit upgrade could be
purchased which enabled a second transformer to be fitted into the spare
space in the double-sized case (see photos above). This was a sonic rather than a power upgrade, driving
each channel with its own transformer.
Differences between the Mk1 and
Mk2 models included a redesigned case (the later offered an aluminium
fascia and blue LED, whereas the Mk1 model had a Hammerite-style green
livery with an orange LED). Sonically, the later model was a bit brighter,
however both models had a characteristic early roll-off which gave them a
wonderfully smooth & lush sound - not lacking in detail, but not overtly
bright as some find many other amplifiers.
The Kraken Power Amplifier was
designed to be used alongside the
Alchemist Kraken Pre
Amplifier or the
Alchemist
Kraken Integrated Amplifier.
Although not designed to be
stacked (as stated these amplifiers ran hot), later models had a more
considerately designed heat sync shape which enabled these components to
be stacked symmetrically if desired. |
