Integrated Amplifier

The MD 309 ... a Hybrid Integrated Amplifier for the Evolution of the Home Audio System

MD 309 Integrated Amplifier: from our pedigree in pure analog circuitry, we're proud to introduce our most uncompromising 2-channel Integrated Amplifier. Using the same Hybrid-Acoustic Circuitry^TM found in our MD-209 Audio Receiver, JJ 6922 Cryovalve tubes, and stocked with Magnum Dynalab's unrelenting build quality and audio engineering, the new MD 309 is a future-ready anchor for your high-performance home audio system. We believe it is the best Integrated Amplifier on the market.

larger view of the MD 309 Integrated Amplifier   

larger view of the Gold Faceplate MD 309 Integrated Amplifier   

Review of the MD 309 There’s depth, intellect and subtlety behind the power and very tidy, deep, powerful bass of the MD-309. This, coupled with plenty of detail, excellent dynamic shading and stereo separation and good stereo soundstaging, makes for an amplifier that can cope with pretty much anything you care to throw at it, whether that be Jack White performing cruel and unusual experiments on a 50 year old guitar, John Pickard’s modernist Flight of Icarus scaring the capacitors out of most amps or Ben Webster helping to re-definine the term ‘cool’ in jazz, the MD-309 takes it in its stride. ... one of the very best integrated amplifiers out there. Alan Sircom, hifi+, Issue 69, November 2009 Read the entire review of the MD 309

• INTRODUCING OUR HYBRID-ACOUSTIC CIRCUITRY^TM. This unique and proprietary circuitry combines the musicality, soundstaging and audio realism of our JJ 6922 CryoTubes with the crisp detail, harmonics and long-life of a solid state device.
  
  

• POWERFUL and FLEXIBLE. Equipped with 40 Sanken output transistors to boost current after the tube gain stage, the MD-309 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier is rated at 225 watts into 8 ohms (450 watts into 4 ohms), adequate output to drive the most demanding of speakers.
  
  

• FUNCTIONAL AND STATELY. With a 5" LCD touchscreen, symmetrical knobs and meters, soft blue LED lighting, a 1" thick faceplate and intuitive remote, the MD-309 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier is as attractive as it is easy-to-operate.
  
  

• INTEGRATE ANY DIGITAL SOURCE COMPONENT. An optional upgrade on the MD 309 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier is our most advanced Digital-to-Analog converter, featuring our full-time upconverting and oversampling Burr-Brown design, 3 digital inputs (including USB), and seamless operation through the remote or faceplate.
  
  

• FLEXIBLE INPUTS. With 1 line-level pre-amp output, 2 Balanced (XLR) inputs and 3 single-ended analog inputs (including a Surround Sound Processor input for integration with multi-channel applications), PLUS 3 digital inputs (including USB), the MD-309 Integrated Amplifier acts as the backbone for any home audio/video system.
  
  

• AUDIO PROTECTION BOARD. The MD 309 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier comes equipped with a proprietary circuit to run regular diagnostics on the device, ensuring safe and efficient operation of the unit at all times.
  
  

• MAGNUM DYNALAB BUILD QUALITY. Solid aluminum feet with Vibrapods Isolators, 24K gold plated .093" thick circuit boards, hefty internal heat-sinks and a burly chassis are all characteristics of our unrelenting commitment to quality.

The simple and efficient treatment of the analog signal throughout the MD-309 tube Integrated Amplifier is, without a doubt, the hallmark of this musical device. Our Director of Design Zdenko Zivkovic has worked tirelessly to develop the Hybrid-Acoustic design platform, the backbone of this Hybrid Integrated Amplifier. This distinctive circuit path delivers the unique combination of long tube life (expected to be greater than 7 years under normal use), with high-current output (225 watts into 8 ohms and 450 watts into 4 ohms) in a design that generates half of its gain from the triode stage. The result is reference-quality audio realism and soundstaging of a full triode design combined with the sharp detail and harmonics characterized by the very best solid state devices.

This unique combination of long tube-life and high current output is achieved NOT by the use of output transformers, which add weight, limit frequency response, and ultimately, harm the harmonics of the resultant signal. Rather, the MD-309 Integrated Amplifier is equipped with an output stage that generates power through the use of 40 Sanken output transistors (10 per phase per channel), which amplify current, NOT voltage, taking critical stress off the JJ 6922 Cryovalve tubes, and eliminating the need for traditional output tubes that are typical of tube amplifiers. This allows the tubes to operate efficiently, and when combined with a collection of world-leading components, including Mundorf Gold capacitors in the tube gain stage, Kimber Hyper Pure wiring throughout, and a unique audio stage that delivers the signal fully balanced before the output stage, the ultimate result is a perfect reproduction of the original dynamic signal from the source component.

Not to be overlooked, we've also equipped the MD-309 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier with a power plant that is more than capable of delivering current to all critical components. A shielded torroidal transformer and 8 Mundorf M-Lytic capacitors delivering 22,000uF each (total of 176,000uF of filtration) both help to ensure that the MD-309 is free of ripple, with zero noise at 60Hz, 120Hz and 180Hz. Finally, each channel has its own axis bridge from the transformer, ensuring an ample reserve of current is available to reach the operating components of the device, making certain current supply is never an issue.

With an incredible intuitive LCD touchscreen and a functional remote, the MD-309 Integrated Amplifier is as easy to operate as it is attractive. The large knobs on the front panel offer the operator the option of manual volume control and input select, and if desired, users can pre-select listening levels for each input.

The 5 analog inputs (2 Balanced XLR, 3 single-ended) provide plenty of source options, and includes a SSP (Surround Sound Processor) input, which disengages the pre-amp section to allow the MD-309 to act as the amplifier for the 2 mains in multi-channel applications. Finally, in addition to the 5 analog inputs, the DAC board option enables the integration of any digital source into your home audio system, via a USB or coaxial connection.

larger view of back end of MD 309 Integrated Amplifier        

The highly competent analog design of the MD-309 necessitated a digital interface board that provided the same high level of performance. This unique circuit design uses two industry leading core components for the receiving and rendering of the digital signal, with the front end of the board driven by the CS8416 192kHz DAC (Digital Audio Receiver) from CIRRUS Logic, capable of incredibly high performance standards.

Further, we have taken special care to feed the I2S signal through only state of the art components, first through the PCM 2707 DAC chip, then the OPA 827 OP AMP, recognized by many in the field as the best available. And when combined with the Texas Instruments PCM1792, 200kHz current output Delta-Sigma over-sampling DAC for audio rendering and the SRC 4192 full-time upconverting/upsampling DSP, the signal is ALWAYS operating at 24 bit/192kHz, ensuring a perfectly clocked, incredibly accurate output that is virtually jitter-free.

The sonic result of this elimination of jitter is immediately recognizable, transforming any digital signal into a focused, clear and accurate signal in the analog domain. This creates a product that is hugely scalable, allowing the MD-309 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier to be a true anchor in your home entertainment system.

We now SELL DIRECT to North American customers. Call us Toll Free at 1-800-551-4130. Or you may choose to find a Magnum Dynalab dealer near you.

Please note that the MD-309 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier replaces the MD 308 Integrated Amplifier, which has been discontinued.

 

FAQ What is the difference between the MD 208 and MD 209? What is the difference between the MD 308 and MD 309? Is the MD 309 Integrated Amplifier available with a gold or silver faceplate? Does the MD 309 Integrated Amplifier come with a warranty?             What is the difference between the MD 208 and MD 209? The MD 209 is a 125 watt into 8 ohms and 250 watts into 4 ohms high current receiver utilizing our new Hybrid-Acoustic CircuitryTM where the gain is produced by the tube. The MD 209 also comes with three digital inputs including a USB port to feed our World Class 24/192 over sampling DAC. Full function remote is standard. The tuner section is our top of the line RF section, whereas the MD 208 utilized the MD 100 RF section.     What is the difference between the MD 308 and MD 309? The MD 309 Integrated Amplifier is a no holds barred unit producing 225 watts into a 8 ohm load and 450 watts into a 4 ohm load, the gain is produced by the tubes with 40 transistors producing the current, The MD 309 comes with three digital inputs including a USB port that feeds our World Class 24/192 over sampling DAC. Full function remote is standard.     Is the MD 309 Integrated Amplifier available with a gold or silver faceplate? Yes, the MD 309 Integrated Amplifier is availble in silver at an additional cost of $200.00 and gold at an additional cost of $250.00.   Does the MD 309 come with a warranty? Yes, the MD 309 comes with a Warranty and Lifetime Service Policy.

Why an Integrated Amplifier?

A simple, one-package design of an Integrated Amplifier eliminates the interconnects and connectivity issues between the amp and preamp and the potential mismatch in impedance between the two pieces. It used to be said that you could not get an Integrated Amplifier with enough power and current to drive some hard to drive speakers, the new MD 309 will drive any speaker on the market today.