A compact control/power amplifier designed for the pure musical reproduction equipped with unique DIGM volume control and LEF circuit. The shortest possible signal path in circuitry without preamp section and global feedback loop realizes the finely-textured colourful expression and quick response.

DIGM (Digital Intelligent Gain Management) is the ultimate in volume control technology. DIGM adjusts volume digitally by switching metal-film resis- tors with a unique array of bipolar class-A switches. It digitally recalibrates the amplifier gain in 66 steps, without dividing and downgrading the input signal. The AMP53 maintains the input signal undiluted and offers an unprecedented 66 picture-perfect amplifier gains digitally calibrated for volume selection.

The AMP53's DIGM volume control enables digital adjustment of the left and right output balance, with no dilution to the input signal and no enlargement of the signal path, in 1dB increments up to +10dB.

All circuitry in the AMP53 are fully balanced from head to toe from input sig- nal entry to where the output meets the speaker terminal. This enables a radical reduction in noise and distortion, and an improvement in sound quality. The left and right signals, moreover, are processed through independent, dedicated circuitry to achieve channel separation and high-quality stereo imaging.

The AMP53 was designed to give preference to two balanced XLR input connections, providing the best match for CEC's TL53Z CD player, DA53 DA converter and PH53 phono preamplifier from the same design series. System integrity is maintained for RCA connections by converting the unbalanced signal to a balanced signal at the point of entry to the amplifier.

The AMP53 is equipped with eight 15A power transistors to maintain high power even under complex loads, improving thermal reliability and ensuring safe operation of the amplifier at all times.

The AMP53's power belies its modest size, by packing 90000μF capacitors as well as a 300W toroidal transformer combined with its LEF circuitry.

The AMP53's heavyset extruded-Aluminium enclosure and volume adjustment knob combine beauty, stability and high cooling efficiency. Air is vented in from the topback, cooling a large heat sink located directly under the top cover, and discharged from the base-centre by a fan in the undercarriage.

The AMP53 monitors its internal temperature with a sensor and automatically controls airflow within its cooling system, maintaining thermal conditions optimal, with help from its proprietary, virtually noise-free ferromagnetic bearing fan.

Two VF-displays convey all functional information including volume, input selection and internal temperature.