ALBARRY PP1 MC

Used. In fair condition. Shows signs of wear as visible in the photos. Front panel re-glued. Original packaging not included.

The Albarry PP1 is a transistor stereo integrated amplifier designed by the British company Albarry Music to combine a preamplifier section and a power amplifier stage in a single unit, maintaining a simple circuit design focused on musical performance. The project was developed with particular attention to versatility, offering different configurations with optional phono stages to suit both analog and digital-based systems.

The power amplifier section delivers approximately 45 W per channel into 8 Ohms, providing good loudspeaker control thanks to a design aimed at ensuring stability and adequate drive capability even with demanding loads. The amplifier adopts a direct signal path approach, minimizing unnecessary components and maintaining an essential configuration typical of British audio design philosophy of the period.

The unit features the MC (Moving Coil) phono module, allowing direct connection of turntables equipped with moving coil cartridges without requiring an external dedicated phono preamplifier. The PP1 range was available with different phono stage configurations, including MM, MM/MC, and dedicated MC versions, allowing the amplifier to be matched to different analog sources.

The input section includes four selectable line inputs controlled by the rotary selector on the front panel, together with a source/tape monitor function for managing tape recorders with monitoring capability. A supplementary gain mode of approximately +16 dB is also available, designed for sources with particularly low output levels, such as some tuners or analog tape decks.

The red perspex front panel is one of the distinctive elements of Albarry production, giving the PP1 a simple and functional appearance. The essential controls reflect the minimalist design philosophy of the amplifier, focusing on the main functions of source selection and signal management.

During listening sessions, the PP1 offers a sound presentation characterized by solidity and body, with particular attention to musicality and the natural reproduction of voices and instruments. The MC phono section enhances the characteristics of moving coil cartridges, providing a wide soundstage and a good ability to reveal the information contained in analog recordings.

The line inputs, thanks to the more straightforward signal path configuration, provide a balanced combination of detail and naturalness, maintaining good instrument separation and depth in the acoustic scene. The sonic character favors musical involvement rather than a purely analytical approach, making it suitable for extended listening sessions.

The combination of an integrated amplifier, built-in MC phono stage, four line inputs, and compact construction makes the Albarry PP1 a versatile solution for stereo systems dedicated to both analog and digital playback, representing one of the notable products from Albarry Music in the British integrated amplifier sector.

Technical specifications:

• Type: transistor stereo integrated amplifier with integrated preamplifier and power amplifier sections.
• Output power: 45 W per channel into 8 Ohms.
• Phono stage: integrated MC (Moving Coil) module.
• Line inputs: 4 selectable analog inputs.
• Phono input: dedicated to Moving Coil cartridges through the internal MC module.
• Tape Monitor function: available with dedicated recording monitoring circuit.
• Additional gain: +16 dB for low-output sources.
• Input sensitivity (with +16 dB gain): approximately 100 mV.
• Input impedance: 47 kOhms for line inputs.
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.03%.
• Damping factor: 290.
• Peak current: 21.5 A.
• Signal-to-noise ratio (power amplifier stage): -95 dB.
• Outputs: loudspeaker connections via dedicated terminals.
• Connectors: gold-plated RCA inputs and outputs.
• Preamplifier configuration: selectable passive operation or active mode with +16 dB gain.
• Construction: red perspex front panel, compact design characteristic of Albarry products.
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 44 × 7.8 × 26.5 cm.
• Weight: approximately 8 kg.