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icon Audio
BA3
Buffer Amplifier
Showing the 0A2 on the left and the two 6N6 valves on the right.
No Compromise High End Pure Valve Buffer Amplifier
About the BA3
Thank you for purchasing one of our amplifiers,
a lot of care has gone into the design, selection
of components and production of this amplifier.
We are sure that you will hear the difference.
Designed in Leicester by David Shaw,
MD and founder of Icon Audio.
We created the BA 3 in order to solve several
problems in Hi Fi:
1, A common complaint from customers is the lack
of warmth from their
“hi end/high spec” transistor
equipment often accompanied by excessive
“harshness”. This is often prevalent in CD/Digital
Radio/MP3 sources etc.
2, When driving long and often expensive
interconnects it is inevitable that there will be
some loss of detail and high frequency, as the
output impedance of some pre-amplifiers and
other units is either to
o high, or lacking “muscle”
to drive. Conversely the input impedance (load) of
some units can be too low, causing the same
problem.
3, Sometimes, for various reasons two units of Hi
Fi just do not seem to work well together. This
could be due to poor impedance matching, poor
loading or some other unidentified reason.
Our BA 3
“buffer amplifier” is designed to
overcome all these problems and give a
warmer more musical “valve sound”. It is an
excellent cure for “listening fatigue” (the
“sounds great but I can’t bear to listen for
more than 30 minutes” syndrome).
The BA 3 is a small all valve pre-amplifier with
zero gain. It is based around the superb 6N6
valve one of the best hi fi valves ever made.
Using one 6N6 per channel the BA 3 has a
wonderfully detailed smooth fluid quality. It will
add “texture” and make your system more
“listenable”.
6N6 valves have a reputation for a very long life, they
are inexpensive and easily replaceable. There is
“new production” and lots of “old stock” to experiment
with. The power supply is integrated in the BA 3 so
its “footprint” is very small. We use a substantial
mains transformer which forms part of a generous
power supply.
As with all Icon products we strive for the best sonic
performance, this demands hard wiring “point to
point”. The audio cable is Silver PTFE. Using only
high quality audio grade full size components.
The chassis using a combination of Anodised alloy
plate and robust matt finish steel plate.
Connecting:
The BA 3 would normally be connected between the
output of your source unit (e.g. CD player), or
between the output of a pre-amplifier and a power-
amplifier
. Alternatively the “record loop” of an
integrated amplifier may be used.
But there are many other situations where the BA 3
could be used, in studios, AV equipment etc.
What will it do for your sound?
The simple triode design coupled with the superb
characteristics of the 6N6 valve will enrich the
harmonic detail of your system adding a new
dimension to the sound of any musical instrument.
Your system will immediately have a richer warmer,
more textured sound But the BA 3
’s wide bandwidth
and low distortion ensure that nothing is detracted
from the purity of your system. There will be no loss
of information, a glance at the frequency response
and distortion will confirm the excellence of the
performance.
IMPORTANT!
THIS MANUAL CONTAINS
ESSENTIAL HEALTH & SAFETY
INFORMATION FOR YOU AND
YOUR AMPLIFIER. PLEASE
READ & KEEP SAFE AND
REFER TO IF NECESSARY
