DLS TA2 cevni ojačevalec / tube amplifier

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Product test

DLS TA2 – a high-class two-channel amplifier which replicates the charm of tubular design

Reawaken your senses

Tubular amplifiers are enjoying something of a comeback in the home hi-fi sector thanks to the renaissance of records. It is great to see something of this spilling over into mobile consumer electronics. By launching the hybrid TA2 amplifier, DLS is bringing the charm of tubular design back to our cars.

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Top caption
The two pentodes for preamplification are located in the centre at the top under the raised PCB

Tubular amplifiers are renowned for the warm and pleasant sounds they achieve by features such as the ability to distort straight arrangements, creating an effect which is particularly pleasing to the human ear, and their transfer characteristics. Tubular solid state amplifiers do however need an output transformer to give them a low damping factor. They also often suffer from non-linear impedance problems. Ultimately the effect output is greatly limited by the sophistication of the tubes used.

Hybrid amplifiers combine the benefits of the powerful sound of glass tubes with the output power of MOSFETs. Only preamplification of the input signal is transferred by the tubes while transistors tackle the tough job of amplification itself. This means that the output transformer can (and must) be dispensed with and that much greater output can be achieved. Despite this, something of the typical sound of these glass tubes is still captured by the triodes or pentodes.

The TA2 falls into this very category. Behind a small window, you can see the two CV4010 type tubes which the British military used in the 1980s. In this case, they are pentodes, elements which are frequently used in audio amplifiers – just think of the legendary EL34.

But you need to do more than simply fit a tube in order to get a good sound. Looking inside the TA2, you can see that no compromises have been made. Mega quality condensers, a power supply unit with strict channel separation and a consistent layout clearly demonstrate the level of detail applied in this amplifier. The designer has splashed out on an opulent buffer at the power supply unit end of each of the two channels. This was sized precisely for this amplifier, since blindly increasing the buffer condenser is by no means the universal remedy for an effective power supply unit as the charge currents are just too powerful if the buffer is too large. The TA2 has selected caps which make 4700 µF available four times over for each channel.

But let’s not stop there: DLS provides an exquisite range of components in areas other than the amplifier technology itself. Anyone with a weakness for technology will delight in the controllers and love the potentiometer’s click, finely demonstrating outstanding production quality. These further underline the impression of quality given by the superb outer casing. Brushed aluminium with a combined brass/aluminium look gives off a really dignified feel and produces a satisfied smile on the lips of onlookers. It fits perfectly into the class for which it was made.

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The layout is totally symmetrical. Only the finest of components have been used.

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Top caption
Just one HP can be switched on and regulated depending on the designated purpose

A trick or two up its sleeve
As already mentioned, a hybrid amplifier also offers the advantages of a transistor amplifier. With 145 watts per channel, the TA2 will win over the most demanding of critics. It is not capable of bridge mode, being solely intended for front systems. A signal to noise ratio of 88 dB testifies to the circuit quality just as much as to the low level of distortion. Another difference from solid state tubes is the dynamic internal resistance reflected in the damping factor. While tubular amplifiers have a damping factor of 1, the TA2 will bowl you over with average values of 300, so you can even rely on it to perform in the bass range.

Caption
The CV4010 tubes come from military technology

Nothing but Nordic style
When the amplifier is switched on, the window behind which the two tubes are located initially lights up blue. The tubes first have to heat up to operating temperature to reach their working point. After a few seconds, the illumination then changes over to a warm, fiery red. The next thing is the really impressive bit. We sit back and relax as we are spoilt by round soft sounds. We are listening to Steve Strauss, and the sound pattern gets increasingly coherent as time progresses. The vacuum tubes need time. Interestingly enough, even filigree details are clearly perceivable but they have a gentle effect in the DLS amplifier thanks to its unobtrusiveness. This backs up the maturity of the music playback which makes it possible.

But for real fun, you definitely need a saturated bass even if you only use it in the kick bass range. But anyone who goes out and buys a DLS TA2 doesn’t need to concern themselves with this; if the CD demands it, the system can really pack the necessary punch. But what impressed us most was this totally purified playback which is most appreciated when listening over long periods. The TA2 is never obtrusive, even takes the wind out of the sails of over-produced recordings and reproduces them with pleasant warmth. Take for example Katie Melua's live DVD, 'On the road again'. The Swedes have noticeably defused the slight crackle obviously caused by the microphone without concealing any of the other desirable details. Some people will possibly feel that this is too much of good thing and will not like the way the amplifier interferes with the sound but let’s be honest, if you can afford this amplifier, you will also want to hear it working.

Conclusion
To describe the DLS as just good fun would be not doing it full justice. When you listen to it, you also get the feeling of owning something very special. Something that will undoubtedly keep you satisfied for a very long time. We certainly found it very hard to hand back to its rightful owners.

Christian Rechenbach

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