The concept of the EX-888.1 was even further perfection in the quality of music reproduction that made the success of the EX-888. The improvements consists improve the input stage and a number of crucial components for the quality of music reproduction including high-end connectors.The EX888 is an amplifier using KT88 power tubes and 12AX7/12AU7 tubes for pre-amplification.

We wanted to achieve with the EX-888 an amplifier with an exceptional sound that honours the legend of tubes but also benefiting from a reserve of power that allows easy association with the majority of speakers in the market. To achieve our goals, we used a proven pattern but with some unpublished parts (including a so-called "anode follower"), which allowed us to reconcile a low rate of reaction against (ensuring maximum power) and a very low level of distortion (less than 1% with a gradient odd harmonics characteristic of achievements tubes).

We reviewed the main inputs stages now using a symmetrical assembly. More generally, we have increased our specifications to improve, refine tolerance components used. We also optimized the operation of preamp tubes with the addition of damping rings to the total removal of all micro phonics effects.

Finally, the quality of transformers used both for power supply and for output stages have been a more careful quality of manufacture.

HIGHLIGHTS
- 1x XLR balanced stereo input
- 3x RCA inputs (gold plated)
- 1x RCA input (OPTION) can receive an optional board card
- 1x RCA "Pre-Out" output for adding an amplifier power in the context of a bi-amplification.

- Settings of Treble and Bass tone with "Direct" function to shunt circuits’ correction.
- Switching between triode mode and Ultra-linear.

SPECIFICATIONS
Continuous output power: 2 x 40W (ultra-linear mode) or 2 x 20W (in triode mode)
Output Impedance: 4Ω, 8Ω
Bandwidth: 10Hz ~ 38kHz (-1 dB)
Distortion ≤ 1% (1kHz)
S/N ratio ≥ 93dB
Tubes: KT88×4 12AX7×2, 12AU7×2
Input Sensitivity: 360 mV (700 mV bypass)
Input impedance: 100kΩ

Connections
1x XLR balanced stereo input
4x RCA inputs (gold plated) including:
               1x RCA input (OPTION) can receive an optional board card
               1x RCA input (LINE4/AV) for "by-pass" stages of gain control in the context of use in an A/V system.
1x RCA "Pre-Out" output for adding an amplifier power in the context of a bi-amplification.
Gold plated terminals isolated

Settings of Treble and Bass tone with "Direct" function to shunt circuit’s correction.
Switching between triode mode and Ultra-linear
Remote control

Dimensions (WxHxD): 430x200x405 mm
Weight: 25 kg

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Components
The volume knob is a motorized with APLS potentiometer.
Capacitors links are aluminum insulated polypropylene sheet.
They come from renowned manufacturer SOLEN.
The resistors areall high power.
Double side soldering.
The circuit is printed on epoxy and 70 microns thick.

Power supply
It is based on a very high quality impregnated EI transformer capable of delivering a continuous power of 550VA. The diodes used in the rectifier bridge are broadband-like to ensure a continuous tension as pure as possible. Finally the filter is achieved by an innovative structure called CLC ie the equivalent of a third order filter for a perfect smoothing of the output voltage.

Output transformer
The winding of the output transformer uses a structure to achieve perfect symmetry output stages and the same minimal distortion. They use a deoxygenated copper wire. They are very generously sized to pass the entire dynamics of the output stage. They are wound in 3Ω and 6Ω (normed 4Ω and 8Ω) whereas the trend (long ago) prevailing in speaker manufacturers.
 

How to set the damping rings
Make sure the amplifier is turned off for more than 30 minutes to allow time for the tubes to cool when you place the damping rings on them with the utmost delicacy.

How to adjust the tubes polarization and phasing the sector
Note: Settings have already been set ex works.
This information about the tuning process will be used after a good year, if all times the need arises.