S500 Stereo Amplifier

$72,500.00

Powered by innovation.
The world’s leading DACs needed an amplifier to match. The result was a clean slate design that could meet our DAC’s ultra high dynamic range head on. With the amplifier’s architecture optimized in critical areas, audio performance, longevity, and an ability to drive any speaker became our principal design parameters. We redefined the idea of what an amplifier can be, embedding the S500 with a fully modular design alongside a 1.0 Farad Power Core, a matched impedance input stage and an all billet CNC case. The finest amplifier we’ve ever created, the 500 series redefines excellence and sets a new bar in the industry.

Description

Design without compromise.
The S500 features a discrete design featuring a class A matched impedance input stage. This result is a product with minimized signal reflections, input noise, and distortion while also maximizing power transfer and dynamic range in a zero negative feedback design. With custom low-noise high-current toroidal transformers and rugged high-current output buffers, the S500 provides a transparent, holographic listening experience that’s completely fatigue free. All components were meticulously chosen for their sonic performance and longevity, ensuring your amplifier is built to last.

Billet CNC heatsink.
The 500 series amplifier is designed and lovingly crafted in our factory based in California. Each of the heatsinks start out as a 51lb aluminum block before sixty percent is removed over eight hours of machining, resulting in 17.5 lbs of refined aluminum. This high efficiency design provides a surface area of over 10,000 in² per amplifier. What’s more–the fin thickness is slightly varied to help reduce resonances and ringing in the heatsinks, while multiple high power heat pipes distribute heat evenly for optimal thermal and electrical performance.

Core values.
Building the 500 series amplifiers with a core enclosure greatly improved their reliability and performance. Upon completion, the cores are rigorously tested and stocked for orders, ensuring the highest quality product is ready at a moment’s notice. With this segmentation, your system is optimized for performance and resilience.

Smart control features.
The S500 is equipped with a simple, user-friendly control interface. Intuitive push buttons, remote commands, and the 12V triggers guarantee control over power and standby modes. Further control of amplifier “power on” timers and soft-start circuits allow a multi-amplifier system to power up without putting strain on your listening room’s electrical system. Learn More > Click Here

Powerful configurations.
Intuitively oriented speaker lugs direct your speaker cables in the right direction without strain. Multiple ground posts enable EMI reduction strategies, including shielded cables and system star grounds. A 20 amp IEC connection is provided for high current delivery, while three gain settings optimize dynamic range for any speaker. Grounding Setup > Click Here to Learn More

Anodized finishes.
Elegant yet commanding, our finishes are available in a matte silver or matte black anodize. Our products include our in-house designed viton feet, but any audiophile M6X1 foot can be installed to personalize your system.

Trade in program.
While we’re committed to long lasting products that hold their value, we realize audio systems are always evolving. That’s why we’re thrilled to offer up to 100% trade-in value for existing MSB products when upgrading to a higher performing series. If you currently have an MSB DAC or amplifier that you love–but are looking to experience more from your system–please reach out to your local dealer. We’ll build a personalized offer for your existing MSB products that count towards a new DAC or amplifier. Let us do the work of refurbishing and finding your current electronics a new home–they’ll continue to be enjoyed for years to come. Learn More > Click Here

People are talking.
Since opening our doors in 1986, we’ve been driven by one goal: to craft an unrivaled listening experience for music lovers across the globe. In that time, we’ve pushed the industry forward with each product we’ve built, redefining what’s possible. But don’t take our word for it. See what the reviews are saying. Learn more > Click here

The best of the best.
At MSB, we believe excellence is a promise worth keeping. We’re honored to be recognized by the industry for bringing you the most lifelike sound we can. Check out the awards + accolades. Learn more > Click here

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

Brand

MSB Technology

Who we are. What we do.

Located in Silicon Valley, our dedicated engineers and production specialists work to bring you the best in high-end audio. Combining elegant design thinking with a passion for lifelike reproduction, our close-knit team, led by brothers Jonathan and Daniel Gullman, build and curate a wide array of hifi products—DACs, transports and amplifiers—setting an industry benchmark. By relying on tight integration between electrical, mechanical and consumer needs, we strive to push the listening experience further. At the end of the day, our joy comes from innovation and sharing our leading-edge technologies with the world.

Designing DACs for more than 25 years has given us keen insights for future ready products. Now, more than ever, our product range has the most flexible architechture yet. California based in-house development and manufacturing has evolved the digital front-end to a new level of playback.

Our people. Our values. Our culture.

We’re a small team of elite designers and technicians united by our love for high-end audio. While we’re builders at heart, our company culture drives the innovation and passion that makes MSB what it is today.

This is who we are.
    • Empower People We rely on a diverse and inclusive work environment where our team is equipped to solve problems on their own—but are invited to seek support when needed.
    • Optimize Quality We promote a culture of growth and improvement that relies upon precision, maintaining high standards and holding ourselves accountable for the work we do.
    • Honest Design We create and support long lasting products while maintaining simple, functional and intelligent design that performs at the highest level.
    • Promote Sustainability We maintain our environmental responsibility by seeking better manufacturing processes and minimizing use of resources.

We believe collaboration leads to excellence. Each member of the MSB team plays a critical role in getting our product out of our doors and into your home.

Contact Us:
    • North America Vince Galbo Sales Manager Phone: (716) 688-3527 vince@msbtechnology.com
    • Europe Very Fine Solutions Frank Vermeylen European Sales Manager Phone: +32 472 42 5775 frank@veryfinesolutions.eu www.veryfinesolutions.com
Find your local dealer > Click Here  
    • MSB Technology Factory & MSB Technology Corp 15 Brennan St. Watsonville CA, 95076 Phone: (831) 662-2800 Hours of operation: Monday – Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm PST Any questions, email daniel@msbtechnology.com
Need a repair? > Click Here