Tube
amplifier with great performance that nevertheless never misses out on easiness
and musicality. Equiped with 4xEL34
for each channel, this whopper has enough power to reproduce
any bass foundation. Over average
strong tube power amplifier for price range.
Wonderfully open
sound that will carry you away.
Incredibly impulsive
and most splendidly arranged bass.
Looking at
the facts first, the 834 is a push-pull design, using two pairs of paralleled
EL34s per channel to generate a rather optimistic quoted 120W per channel.
These are driven by one 12AX7 (ECC83) and one 12AU7 (ECC82) valve per channel.
The output
valves operate in fixed bias mode which, confusingly, means bias needs to be
adjusted via preset potentiometers that are accessible in the top panel, in
conjunction with a multimeter used on the appropriate test points beside each
valve. Input count is four at line level but there is no tape loop facility,
and the hefty output transformers have dedicated taps for four and eight Ohms.
Finished in
a very pleasing shiny chrome, offset by matt black transformer covers, control
knobs and valve covers, the T.A.C. 834 is a very smart device and is sturdily
built, as shown by its 25kg weight. Fortunately, it is quite compact, measuring
420x210x270mm (WxHxD), and so it does not consume a vast amount of rack space.
Duly sited and warmed up, I was ready to see if it would work any magic on my
ears.
Specifications
Rated
Power RMS 4-8 Ohm: 2 x 120 W RMS 8 Ohm
Frequency
Range: 20 Hz - 25 kHz +/- 1.5 dB
THD: <
0,8 % max. (1 kHz, 1 W)
Signal-to-Noise
Ratio: > 89 dB
Input
Impedance: 100 kOhm
Speaker
Impedance: 4 or 8 Ohm
Tube
Pre Amplifier: 6N3
Tube
Power Amplifie:r EL 34
Power
Supply: 230 V / 50 Hz
Dimensions
(WxHxD): 420 x 210 x 270 mm
Weight: 25 kg
Color:black and
chrome