Consonance Référence 150 Linear
Hybrid stereo integrated amplifier combining a Cool Class A amplification stage and a 6H30 tube preamplifier, for linear and detailed listening.
Description
The Référence 150 Linear is a hybrid stereo integrated amplifier from Consonance, combining an amplification stage developed using Cool Class A technology and a preamplification stage using a 6H30 tube. This design aims to bring together the sonic qualities associated with class A alongside the energy efficiency typical of class AB, without resorting to high power consumption.
Cool Class A technology, applied to the amplification stage, delivers a linear response while controlling the thermal dissipation usually associated with pure class A operation. The preamplification stage is built around a Sovtek 6H30 tube, under digital control, contributing its characteristic colouration ahead of the signal. The amplifier delivers an output power of 120 W per channel into 8 ohms, and can handle loads down to 2 ohms. Selection of the four available inputs is carried out via gold-plated relays, a choice that limits signal degradation over repeated switching. Connectivity includes unbalanced Phono/RCA and balanced XLR inputs, both gold-plated, as well as a Phono/RCA pre-out and a set of gold-plated speaker terminals per channel.
In terms of stated performance, the unit offers a frequency response of 20 Hz to 80 kHz with a deviation of less than ±0.1 dB, a phase response with less than 2 degrees of deviation over the same range, a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 100 dB, crosstalk of less than -100 dB, distortion of less than 0.04% at 20 W into 8 ohms, intermodulation of less than 0.01%, and a damping factor greater than 800. The amplifier comes with a display screen and an infrared remote control compatible with RC-5, modulated at 36 kHz.
This type of amplifier is aimed at a hybrid electronics enthusiast seeking the refinement of an upstream tube stage combined with transistorised output power capable of driving demanding speakers, including low loads down to 2 ohms. The presence of balanced XLR inputs and a relay-based selector makes it a candidate for a carefully assembled system, where the quality of source switching matters as much as the available power.
Technical specifications
| Power | 120 W + 120 W at 8 Ohms |
| Minimum load | 2 ohms |
| Input sources | 4 selectable inputs switched by gold-plated relays |
| Connectivity | Unbalanced gold-plated Phono/RCA, balanced gold-plated XLR, unbalanced gold-plated Phono/RCA pre-out |
| Output terminals | One set of gold-plated speaker terminals per channel |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 80 kHz, deviation of less than ±0.1 dB |
| Phase response | Less than 2 degrees of deviation, 20 Hz - 80 kHz |
| Signal to noise ratio | More than 100 dB |
| Crosstalk | Less than -100 dB |
| Distortion | Less than 0.04% at 20 W into 8 Ohms |
| Intermodulation | Less than 0.01% (19 kHz + 20 kHz) |
| Damping factor | More than 800 |
| Vacuum tube | Sovtek 6H30 x1 |
| Remote control | IR compatible with RC-5, 36 kHz modulation |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 12 cm x 43 cm x 32 cm |
| Shipping weight | 18 kg |
What to check before buying used
The Sovtek 6H30 tube in the preamplification stage is a consumable part: check its wear condition and availability for replacement, as it directly affects the sonic character of the unit. The gold-plated relays handling switching of the four inputs are worth checking for contact cleanliness, a sensitive point on units that have seen little use recently. Finally, the minimum load of 2 ohms requires compatible speakers so as not to place excessive strain on the Cool Class A stage.
Looking for this reference: Référence 150 Linear ?
Tell us what you are looking for: our merchants are notified, and one of them may have it in stock.