TRIODE MUSASHI

Triode Corporation, a Japanese company founded in 1994, stands out in the audio world for its highly regarded valve amplifiers, among which the Musashi shines as a commemorative model created to celebrate the brand’s 25th anniversary. This amplifier is Triode’s first integrated model to adopt KT150 power tubes, a quartet capable of delivering up to 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms, providing a dynamic and powerful sound typical of these valves. The power supply section, designed to optimally support the large output tubes, features a high-capacity toroidal transformer and a Schottky SiC barrier diode rectifier, which, thanks to its fast response and low losses, ensures efficient and stable power delivery, enhancing the overall sonic performance.

The chassis, made of stainless steel, combines refined elegance with remarkable sturdiness, characterized by a chromatic shine that makes it particularly striking. Above the three large transformers are 8 mm thick aluminum panels designed to reduce vibrations and improve heat dissipation. On the front panel, a pointer meter allows simple and precise monitoring of the output tubes’ bias current, facilitating bias adjustment.

The input section is very comprehensive: on the rear panel, there are four sets of single-ended RCA inputs for line-level sources and a dedicated input for a moving magnet phono stage. Although designed as an integrated amplifier, the Musashi can also be used as a power amplifier by simply activating a switch on the rear panel, which bypasses the input selector and volume control, sending the signal directly to the power amplifier circuit via the MAIN IN jack.

The Triode Musashi is positioned among high-end valve amplifiers, capable of moving listeners thanks to the sound quality it delivers, especially in the mid-high frequency range, where it adds a particular brightness and presence to all types of musical content. It is important to pair this amplifier with suitable speakers, considering its traditional valve nature, which can sometimes overly emphasize low frequencies, requiring careful management.

Fully analog and lacking digital inputs, it offers only line inputs and a solid-state MM phono input as its sole concession to modernity, along with a remote control for volume adjustment and input selection. Bias adjustment is very simple and effective thanks to the single elegant tool dedicated on the front panel. This amplifier is highly recommended for those who seek the true valve sound, fully appreciating its magic and distinctive timbre.

Technical specifications:

• Type: Stereo integrated push-pull valve amplifier, Class AB
• Tubes: 4x KT150 (power stage); 4x 12AU7 (preamplification stage)
• Bias: Fixed, adjustable with bias meter
• Output power: 100W + 100W at 8Ω
• Frequency response: 8 Hz – 70 kHz (-3 dB)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 93 dB
• Input sensitivity: RCA 480 mV; MM 2.5 mV Kohm; MAIN IN 920 mV
• Input impedance: RCA 100 Kohm; MAIN IN 10 Kohm
• Inputs: 4x RCA; 1x Phono MM; 1x MAIN IN
• Output: TAPE OUT (RCA)
• Speaker output impedance: 4Ω – 8Ω
• Power consumption: 520W
• Dimensions: 440 x 220 x 370 mm (W x H x D)
• Weight: 34.5 kg