Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Sjöström - Gainclone QRP01 Amplifier (SS) by Brewmaster

Model:	QRP01
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	50$, only the pcb, 150-300$ for a complete amp
Description:	LM3886 based amp. Only rectifier bridge and transformer needed. Everything else are on the pcb.
Manufacturer URL:	Sjöström - Gainclone
Model Picture:	View

Review by Brewmaster ( A ) on May 14, 2004 at 05:46:19
IP Address: 194.196.34.81

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for the QRP01

I've built and tested the QRP01. I'm very pleased and highly impressed.

First. The pcb is of very high quality, both in respect of printed details, quality in respect of copper thickness (can be soldered and re-soldered over and over again) and regarding audio quality.

The parts list is very detailed and I used the parts as they were described. By moving a jumper the amp. can be changed from stereo to a bridged mono block. As I'm a new bee in this game I had god use for the comprehensive description that is available at Sjöströms home page.

When building the amp there are a few choices to be made; inverting or non-inverting mode, inverting or non-inverting buffer, with or without DC servo. Mine is in inverted mode with DC servo. The sound quality is so impressing I've decided to go for two separate bridged mono blocks and have just ordered my second pcb.

The amp ( more than just a Gain Clone) has a soft start up with absolutely no clicks. It plays very clear and is a real high end product. During shut down it keeps on playing for approx. two seconds after power is off, then the sound slowly fades out.

This is a fantastic product, try it out!

Product Weakness: Requires some experience using solder irons and it requires quite many parts (for a Gain Clone).
Product Strengths: Solder-ability, print quality, sound quality, can be either stereo or bridged mono just by moving jumpers.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	QRP01
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Yamaha RXV 1000
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Rega P25
Speakers:	Monitor Audio Silver 8
Cables/Interconnects:	Home made by braided cat 5 (see TNT)
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Any
Room Size (LxWxH):	4m x 4m x 3.4m
Room Comments/Treatments:	A bit cubic, still the sound was impressive
Time Period/Length of Audition:	Run in fro 48h, then listened to for some 10h
Type of Audition/Review:	Home Audition

Product Weakness:	Requires some experience using solder irons and it requires quite many parts (for a Gain Clone).
Product Strengths:	Solder-ability, print quality, sound quality, can be either stereo or bridged mono just by moving jumpers.