Sparkler Audio
model S502 "ether II" ― "Pure Analog", Smart Integrated Amplifier [new]
Each amp is custom made for your unique specifications
The price is $1,375.00
Made in Japan (each unit is hand made by Mr Kazutoshi Tsukahara)
Specifications
- Power Supply: worldwide, depend on market (IEC 3 pin AC inlet), AC110~120V, AC220~240V (factory assembled)
- Line Input: RCA jack (unbalanced, 10kΩ), analog line input × 3
- Input Selector: inert gas sealed relay switch (contact: gold-silver)
- Mute: on (mute) / off (play)
- Volume Control: ALPS RK27 mechanical potentiometer
- Power-amp: fully discrete, 9 BJTs, "optimized gain" design
- Voltage Gain: 0 (mute) .. × 22 (28 dB)
- DC Offset: less than ±30 mV (muted, thermally stable state)
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz ~ 340 kHz (-3 dB)
- Output Power: 2 × 15 watt (8Ω), universal speaker terminals (φ4.0 mm)
- Dimension: W270 × H67 × D163 mm - B5 notebook size (excluding protrusion)
- Weight: 2.54 kg (without power cable)
- Accessories: power cable for IEC 3 pin AC inlet, alternate fuse, user's manual
Sophisticated Internal Structure ― Fully discrete power-amp.
Completely eliminated the element that causes the stagnation of the music signal.
Top Panel
Color variations of handmade Japanese paper
From left to right: 1.white, 2.cream, 3.plum, 4.sky-blue, 5.purple, 6.olive, 7.beige. Please choose your favorite color for top panel when you purchase order of this product.
Monotone Panel
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Got my Ether II hooked up! Once shipped from Japan it only took 8 days to arrive in US, clear customs, and land at my local post office. It's a hefty little amp despite its small/medium dimensions. For comparison there is a Schiit Mani next to it. I won't make any subjective judgments yet (it has less than hour of play). I've got it paired with Caintuck Betsy's with EnABLED drivers by Dave at Planet 10.
The power is a pushbutton. I keep trying to switch it up and down like the other two. 🙂
I'll bet! But I also purchased a set of Lii F-15 speakers to pair with the Ether II, so my budget is tapped! 🙂
I do have a Playstation One (model SCPH-1001) from years back. I should dig it out and see what the NOS AKM DAC sounds like paired with the Ether II.
I do have a Playstation One (model SCPH-1001) from years back. I should dig it out and see what the NOS AKM DAC sounds like paired with the Ether II.
This is my first amplifier that is not tube, Class D, or Chip (LM series). So, here is my quick review:
I really like the sound of this amplifier with it's BJT structure and no coupling caps or transformers which the signal has to travel through.
A+
(Victor, I have an underhood shot, but I'll wait for your okay before I post it.)
- Crystal clear sound quality
- Nothing over or under emphasized
- Not warm, not bright, not "romantic", just true reproduction
- But certainly not "Vanilla", it is special in it's truthfulness (it's like the aural version of watching a 4k with dolby vision engaged)
- No hum, no hiss, dead quiet
- Plays exceptional with full range drivers, but I also tested with Swan Hivi DIY3.1 (which is 87'ish db, 3-way) and it sounded great
- Makes me want to relisten to albums I've heard countless times, it's like something new is happening
I really like the sound of this amplifier with it's BJT structure and no coupling caps or transformers which the signal has to travel through.
A+
(Victor, I have an underhood shot, but I'll wait for your okay before I post it.)
Thank you for your review and photo. My Ether II is driving Omega Compact Alnico Monitors with a Sparkler “Ballade” CD as source. I am currently listening to Canadian Brass play Bach and I agree with your assessment. Very clear and faithful reproduction without any glaring artifacts.