S500 by MSB Technology

S500 by MSB Technology

$130,000.00

The MSB Technology S500 stereo amplifier delivers high power with precision, offering ultra-low distortion and dynamic sound. Featuring an advanced linear power supply and cutting-edge engineering, the S500 provides effortless control over even the most demanding speaker systems.

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Description

MSB Technology S500 Stereo Amplifier: Precision in High-Fidelity Audio

The MSB Technology S500 Stereo Amplifier is designed to deliver a clear and immersive listening experience, reflecting MSB’s dedication to innovation and quality craftsmanship. Built to complement their advanced DACs, the S500 handles a wide dynamic range with accuracy and ease, enhancing the overall performance of your audio system.

Design Without Compromise

The S500 is built with a discrete Class A matched impedance input stage, a design choice that reduces signal reflections, input noise, and distortion. This approach maximizes power transfer and dynamic range, ensuring that every detail of your music is delivered with clarity and impact. The amplifier also features custom low-noise, high-current toroidal transformers and robust output buffers, providing a powerful and fatigue-free listening experience. Components are chosen specifically for their ability to enhance sound quality and ensure long-term reliability.

Precision-Crafted Heatsink

The S500’s thermal management is a key aspect of its design. Each amplifier’s heatsink starts as a 51-pound block of aluminum, which is carefully machined over eight hours to a refined 17.5-pound structure. This process results in a heatsink with over 10,000 square inches of surface area per amplifier, optimized to manage heat effectively. The varied fin thickness helps reduce resonances, while high-power heat pipes ensure even heat distribution for optimal performance.

Core Values in Design

The S500’s design focuses on reliability and performance, with a core enclosure that undergoes rigorous testing before assembly. This modular approach allows MSB to optimize the system for both performance and durability, ensuring that each amplifier meets high standards of quality before reaching the customer.

User-Friendly Control Features

The S500 is designed with the user in mind, featuring an intuitive control interface with push buttons, remote commands, and 12V triggers. These controls make it easy to manage power and standby modes, as well as control amplifier power-on timers and soft-start circuits, protecting your electrical system in multi-amplifier setups. The amplifier also features carefully oriented speaker lugs and multiple ground posts, which support EMI reduction strategies like shielded cables and system star grounds. A 20-amp IEC connection ensures high-current delivery, while three gain settings optimize dynamic range for any speaker.

Elegant Anodized Finishes

The S500 is available in matte silver or matte black anodized finishes, providing a sleek look that fits seamlessly into any high-end audio setup. The amplifier also comes with in-house designed Viton feet but can be customized with any audiophile M6X1 foot for a personalized touch.

Trade-In Program

Recognizing that audio systems evolve, MSB offers up to 100% trade-in value for existing MSB products when upgrading to a higher-performing series. This program allows you to enhance your system with the latest technology, with MSB handling the refurbishment and resale of your current equipment.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Quality

The MSB Technology S500 Stereo Amplifier embodies thoughtful design and advanced engineering, providing powerful and clear sound that enhances any audio system. It’s a solid choice for audiophiles looking to elevate their listening experience with a reliable and well-crafted amplifier.

Additional information

Weight 88 kg
Dimensions 88.9 × 58.5 × 53.4 cm
Finishes

Available in Black or Silver anodized
Static Power Consumption

270 Watts On
Standby power less than 2 watts
Operating Voltage Range

120/240V (Auto switching)
100V (Fixed)
Fuse

1/4"x1-1/4" 15A 250V Slow Blow
Input

2x XLR Input
Output

1x Binding post set per channel
Controls

Gain switch
Input Impedance Switch
On/Off Button
Standby button
Display Dimmer
12V Mode Switch
2x MSB 12V trigger port
Continuous Power Output (8Ω) < 1% distortion

500 W
Continuous Power Output (4Ω) < 1% distortion

900 W
Frequency Response (20 to 20kHz)

±0.025dB
Signal to Noise (20 to 22kHz)

>136dB (>140dBA)
Equivalent Input Noise (22kHz BW)

0.5μV
Crosstalk @ 2kHz

<-110dB
Low Gain (75Ω source impedance)

16.2dB
Medium Gain (75Ω source impedance)

22.2dB
High Gain (75Ω source impedance)

28.2dB
Input Impedance (User Selectable)

75Ω / 300Ω / 1.2kΩ
Output Impedance (20 to 20kHz)

0.07Ω
Input/Gain Stage (topology)

– Class-A
– Double balanced
– Impedance matched
– Fully discrete
– Independent power and transformer
Output Stage (topology)

– Class-AB
– Balanced
– High bias
– Current gain only
Chassis Dimensions

Width: 38.1cm
Depth: 59cm
Height: 26.7cm (without feet) 27.9cm (with feet)
Product Feet

M6X1 Thread
3 or 4 Foot Configuration
Product Weight

61.25kg
Included Accessories

User manual and IEC C19 power cord

About MSB

MSB Technology, a California-based leader in high-end audio, offers an extensive range of products designed for audiophiles who demand precision, modularity, and state-of-the-art performance. Their lineup includes not only world-class DACs but also powerful amplifiers and accessories, all crafted with a focus on delivering unmatched sound quality and long-term upgradability.

The S500 Stereo Amplifier is a cornerstone of their amplifier range, offering 500 watts per channel. Known for its fully discrete current feedback design, the S500 delivers a dynamic and controlled sound, characterized by tight bass, detailed midrange, and clean highs. Its ability to handle complex speaker loads with ease makes it a versatile option for high-end systems, ensuring both power and finesse​.

MSB is also at the forefront of digital innovation with their Digital Directors, which enhance the performance of their DACs by separating digital and analog processes. The Digital Directors, which include models like the Reference Digital Director, are designed to improve signal processing by minimising interference and jitter. These units work in tandem with MSB’s ProISL (Isolated Synchronous Link) interface to ensure the cleanest possible digital signal transmission, further elevating the already impressive performance of MSB’s DACs​.

For personal audio enthusiasts, the Select Headphone Amplifier offers the same precision and transparency that MSB is known for. With its fully discrete Class A amplifier topology, it drives high-end headphones effortlessly, providing a detailed and engaging listening experience. Paired with MSB’s renowned DACs, this headphone amplifier brings out the best in personal audio setups​.

MSB’s product lineup spans a wide range of audio solutions, including the Reference DAC, Discrete DAC, Digital Directors, and amplifiers like the S500. Their commitment to modular design allows users to customise and upgrade their systems over time, ensuring superior sound quality and future-proof versatility. Whether through their advanced DAC technology, powerful amplification, or digital accessories, MSB continues to lead the high-end audio market by delivering clarity, dynamics, and emotional depth across all listening formats.

Reviews

Julie Mullins – Stereophile Magazine (Februrary, 2020)

“The hybrid class-AB amp uses zero negative feedback—which, according to MSB, might not have been achieved before at 500W. It boasts a million microfarads (or one farad) of capacitance in the power supply and a 136dB dynamic range for an extraordinarily low noise floor.”

Read full review…

Matej Isak – Mono and Stereo (May, 2020)

“These amplifiers set new standards with impeccable design and acoustic characteristics and performance at the highest level. Stay tuned for part two, in which I will focus on particular sonic qualities and virtues of these state of the art technical over achievements.”

Read full review…

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