A pure Class A single-ended amplifier, fully balanced from input to output and entirely free of negative feedback – with the AMP 6300, Japanese manufacturer C.E.C. built the top model of its series. Our unit dates from 2014, came to us from its first owner and shows very few operating hours for its age; depending on year and equipment, the list price ranged from 3,599 to 4,799 euros.
C.E.C. takes its own path here: there is no conventional preamplifier stage, only an input selector and the Digital Intelligent Gain Management (DIGM), which sets gain via switched metal-film resistors in 66 steps of 1 dB each – with minimal signal loss and digital balance adjustment in 1 dB steps up to +10 dB. Amplification itself is handled by the company's own feedback-free LEF (Load Effect Free) circuit, refined for stability and sound quality.
A 600-watt toroidal transformer and more than 100,000 µF of filter capacitance feed a power stage built around 16 large 15-amp transistors – good for 2x 190 watts, a damping factor of 360 and stable delivery even into complex loads, while a dedicated temperature control system deals with the Class A heat. Two balanced inputs are provided, RCA signals are converted to balanced internally, and each input's gain can be raised by 6 dB to match source levels.
Apart from two small, quite inconspicuous scratches on the top cover, the amplifier is in immaculate condition; it has received a technical inspection and minor servicing and comes with a twelve-month warranty. Included are the large system remote control, which also operates C.E.C. CD players and originally cost 380 euros extra, plus a standard power cable; original packaging and manual are not present, and shipping is in secure transport packaging.
