EX-322.1 Integrated amplifier 2x80W (2013)

Awarded by a “Diapason d'Or”, this BC Acoustique Integrated Amplifier has been created designed with an « audiophile spirit » and with the idea to allow music lovers looking for real « music fidelity » to be satisfied. The EX322 can deliver an output power of 2x80W RMS on 8 Ohms speakers and, thanks to its massive 500VA transformer, 2x150W RMS on 4 Ohms. The EX322 is equipped with 5 audio inputs including one allowing to connect with different optional cards (numerical DAC, network, Phono input, etc.). A headphone output (jack 6,35mm) is also available. The EX322 also offers a « Pre-Out » RCA that allows to make a bi-amping (with another power-amp).

   "Diapason d'Or" award from DIAPASON magazine N°190 - October 2012

Read the (French) article ot AVCESAR.COM website about the EX-322.1. - Read the article in PDF.
"Spotlight on a young French electronics manufacturer known name in the oldest amateur Hi-Fi and Home Cinema, BC Acoustique, whose qualities are partly based on many years of experience (nearly twenty years) of its leaders in the AV sector."

HIGHLIGHTS
High quality manufacturing
High-end components (2SC5200/2SA1943 ToshibaTransistors)
Large power output amplifier stage
Several filtering capacitors (more efficient than a large one)
High power resistors (1/2 and 1W)
Class A preamplifier
Shielding
ALPS volume control
Input switching relay
Possibility to add optional cards: Phono (MM/MC), DAC (24/192) Network

The EX322 frontage has pulse illuminating keys that give a soft white light when pressed
Thus, the amplifier offers a choice of 5 stereo inputs line in.
Pressing on one of the keys activates a relay switching source, unless we prefer using a remote.

The EX322 frontage has pulse illuminating keys that give a soft white light when pressed. Thus, the amplifier offers a choice of five stereo line level inputs. Pressing on one of the keys activates a relay switching source, unless we prefer using a remote.

The input line level called "option" differs from others as it is possible to upgrade it with Optional modules that fits in a suitable housing. Today a Phono (MM/MC) preamplifier board is already available. A USB DAC board and a WiFi extension are under development and will be launched in 2014.

To improve the flexibility of the EX-322, it has a « Pre-Out » RCA output thatallowsthe addition of a power amplifier to perform a bi-amplification.

The left front portion has the headphone output and a "Direct" button bypassing the control stage treble and bass tone. These have been developed to work only on small frequency ranges to be able to play on adjusting the tonal balance according to the local listening room. The two potentiometers are retractable by pressing them: so they are flush with the facade penalty, thus avoiding any unwanted adjustment. In the center stands the volume knob is also remote controlled.

SPECIFICATIONS
Continuous output power: 2x 80W into 8 Ohms & 2x 150W into 4 Ohms
Total Harmonic Distortion <0.004%
Signal to Noise Ratio > 110
Bandwidth: 10Hz-30 kHz (0.5 dB)

4x RCA line inputs: CD, Tuner, Aux 1, Aux 2
1x line switchable RCA: Option
1x line out RCA: Pre-Out
1x pair of isolated speakers terminals
1x headphone jack 6.35 mm in front
Detachable IEC power socket
Remote control

Dimensions (WxHxD): 430x125x395 mm
Weight: 11.2 kg

Finishes:

«When you open the box of the EX322, a huge 500 VA transformer appears, and that it is customary to see, much less powerful, in good tube amps. Recovery is provided by a diode bridge mounted on the large gain sink circuits and decoupling-smoothing does not use less than six 6800 µFcapacitors each, nearly 41,000 µ Fat all!

Amplification sections are given for a power of 80 W per channel into 8 Ohms, and double in 4 Ohms. The motherboard has no operational amplifier; BC Acoustique opted for discrete components. The same approach, one notices the presence around the transistors, resistors gauge ranging from half a watt per watt, an approach redolent vintage.

Power stages of BC Acoustique operate whit Toshiba transistors designed for audio, the couple 2SC5200 associated with its complementary 2SA1943. A temperature sensor ensures each channel, protection of power stages. Designers have taken care to separate the different modules, such as power supply circuits downstream of the huge transformer. But the most obvious example lies in the piece of sheet metal that shielding and blinding the receiving circuits and remote management, operating motorized ALPS potentiometer volume, among other things, and those separating this module the audio signal.

The EX-322, with a huge transformer "audiophile quality", has other advantages. Note the input switching without loss through relays, and the exclusive use of discrete components on the board amplification: not an operational amplifier in sight! The use of heavy gauge resistors (1/2 or 1 W) contributes to the musicality of this integrated amplifier.”

Article from « Haute-Fidélité » French magazine, N°181-September 2012.
 

Comparison table of EX Series amplifiers

th this summary table, you can quickly compare important features of the EX Series amplifiers.To deepen your selection, please refer to the specific product data sheets for each model.