Sumo Andromeda III
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[edit] Sumo Andromeda III Audiophile Power Amplifier Amp
The Sumo Andromeda III Amp was introduced in 1993 with a selling price of $1,800.00. As its name suggests it is a 3rd generation adaptation of the original Andromeda that started production in 1981. Sumo engineers managed to successfully improve an already outstanding amplifier, bringing its level of sonic fidelity and power to new heights. It features an innovative true-balanced circuit topology that begins at the input, (unlike most “balanced” amplifiers where balanced inputs are immediately converted to single-ended). The input signal passes through a wide-bandwidth, class-A gain stage entirely in balanced form. This gain stage feeds a zero-feedback balanced output stage that is linearized with a unique Sumo TL circuit. The balanced output stage is truly in a league of its own. In a conventional amplifier, the output stage only drives one terminal of the loudspeaker. The other terminal is tied to ground. The balanced output stage of the Andromeda III drives both terminals of the loudspeaker directly, for vastly improved control over loudspeaker motion. The result is more precise imaging and a more stable soundstage. In its day the Andromeda was Sumo’s most powerful amplifier, rated at 240 watts per channel into 8 ohms and capable of sourcing over 200 amperes of peak current. The amp features sixteen hand matched output MOSFETS that are capable of dissipating over 2,400 watts continuously. The massive 1,500 VA transformer with 50,000 uF of filter capacitance and a stacked power supply provide plenty of reserve.
The Andromeda III is indeed a beast, although it is a beast with a silken touch. Its high wattage never sacrifices sound purity. It presents music with surgical clarity and sonic imaging, yet not so sterile that it is without soul. That is to say it lacks distortion and coloration yet it has a tinge of sweetness that adds an authentic quality to the music. In its day the Andromeda III was reviewed by all the top audio publication, receiving stellar reviews by all. In his 1996 Stereophile review Thomas Norton even compared, and favored in many aspects, the Andromeda III to the $9,500.00 Krell KSA-300s. Today the Andromeda III’s reputation has only improved, as modern high end amps continue to increase in price the Andromeda III’s clean watt-to-dollar value is only looking better.
[edit] Specifications
- PowerStereo: 240 watts per channel into 8 ohms, from 20Hz to 20kHz, with less than 0.1% THD. 400 Watts per channel into 4 ohms, from 20 Hz to 20kHz, with less than 0.2% THD
- SMPTE IM: less than 0.05% from .25W to 100W, 8 ohms
- TIM: un-measurable
- Hum & Noise: 103dB below rated power
- Frequency Response: -0.2dB from 20Hz to 20kHz, -3dB from 1Hz to 80 kHz
- Input Sensitivity at rated output: 1.8v
- Input Sensitivity at 1 watt: 130mV
- Input Impedance: 47 kOhms
- Damping Factor: greater than 300
- Rise: Timeless than 2 uS
- Separation: greater than 80 dB
- Power Requirements: 220~240V 50 HzUnit can be re-wired for 110-120V 60Hz
- Dimensions: 19” W x 7” H x 16 1/5” D
- Weight: 40 lbs
