TIDAL x BUGATTI introduces MA1 monaural power amplifier

TIDAL has introduced a new reference power amplifier for its Royale collection. The TIDAL x BUGATTI MA1 is a monaural design rated for continuous output of 420 W into 8 ohms, 840 W into 4 ohms and 1,500 W into 2 ohms.

The amplifier combines a symmetrical circuit topology with an actively regulated power supply. The power supply contains three toroidal transformers, each rated at 1,000 VA. All three are magnetically shielded and mechanically decoupled. A linear voltage supply serves the amplifier's two modules, alongside 800,000 µF of stabilisation capacitance.

The multilayer printed circuit boards have a copper thickness of 105 µm per layer, and the transistors are matched to better than 1%. The input circuit is DC-coupled, while low-impedance capacitors sit directly at the transistors. Specified bandwidth extends from 1 Hz to above 250 kHz at −0.5 dB.

A proprietary Amplifier Protection Management system operates outside the signal path. It monitors output current relative to output voltage, short-circuit current, DC offset, undervoltage and overvoltage. The MA1 also incorporates a soft-start system and supports remote power control from TIDAL preamplifiers through an RJ45 Ethernet connection. Specified standby power consumption is less than 1 W.

The MA1 has an internally braced aluminium cabinet and measures 69 × 52 × 41 cm, with a weight of 110 kg. A floating BUGATTI logo sits on the top plate. Illustrated finish examples include high-gloss painted carbon fibre and high-gloss midnight blue.