France
France
The current range of Lavardin products are truly superb and hard to surpass. It is no surprise then that Lavardin had to really push the envelope, to stretch their boundaries even further in developing new models that are significantly better than the current range, musically speaking.
Introducing the new evolutionary higher end version of the Lavardin Model IT ...
Limited Edition in celebration of Lavardin's 15th Anniversary
Exclusive
One of the best amplifiers in the world has just become even more significantly exceptional.
"Our new revolutionary technologies have only one goal : musical enjoyment. After more than 12 years of research, Lavardin Technologies reached the consumer market in 1997 through our Model IT integrated amplifier. In 1998 we introduced the Model IS including our exclusive new design for an incredible value for money ratio."
"Nothing we make leaves the factory without undergoing a listening test, to ensure that it performs its most important function - to respect music."
That last phrase says it all - Lavardin Technologies amplifiers, truly world-class high-end audio equipment.
For those who value simplicity at its best, check out Lavardin's integrated amplifiers.
Unassuming to behold, but we confidently ask customers to compare against pre-power combinations costing a lot more.
Ignore the hype (although we recognize that they are well-founded), listen to even just the Lavardin integrated amplifiers, and misguided preconceived ideas that separate pre and power amps are always better will crumble and fall apart, even with pre/power combinations at higher prices.
We have already proven this, against highly-regarded and more expensive pre-power combinations from other brands.
In this respect, the Lavardins are truly bargains, value for money amplifiers, as well as rare sonic phenomena in the hifi world.
Are pre-power configurations better than integrated amplifiers ? Check out our FAQ section.
A genuine marriage of tube and solid-state qualities.
Unfatiguing, unusually polished, absolutely tube-like - but not the unexciting or even brash type of tube sound. These integrated amplifiers can be very propulsive even with their low power, with first-rate bass definition and transparency.
And we haven't even started talking about the pre and powers from Lavardin yet ...
Truly among the best in the world pound for pound (regardless of price, or weight :-)), without spending serious money.
Even some of our equipment suppliers agree, and choose the Lavardins over their own countries' offerings for their own home use.
At their prices, Lavardins are still rated as serious bargains by reviewers.
Are you looking for an amplifier that is true to the music's rhythm and pace, the speed of the underlying pulse (the beat), yet with superb rendition of musical instruments' timbre ?
A very rare combination, and the Lavardin amplifiers are among the very select few that deliver.
We have heard systems with cavernous soundstages and powerful drums, for example, yet ultimately lacklustre and boring when non-audiophile or more complex music is played, as well as lacking in the quality of the musical note (timbre), one of the fundamental aspects of music, and of high-quality high-fidelity stereo as well.
One can certainly pick out from hifi systems the acoustic guitar from the national steel guitar, or the snare drum from the kick drum.
But the real difference is that Lavardins are one of the rare hifi that reveal the quality of the note very well. The Lavardins give justice to instruments, a Martin D-28 or Gibson J-200 guitar will not sound like just another acoustic guitar, or a Pearl or Ludwig drum set will not sound just like another drum set.
Instead, these high quality instruments will be rendered with very high fidelity to their tone and associated subtleties, whether the music is heavy metal, jazz, classical, etc... and all delivered with the emotion intact.
This is one aspect that separates Lavardin from the usual amplifier offerings, regardless of price.
"Lavardin Technologies amplifiers were chosen by the JM Lab listening staff out of very well known high end amplifier brands (tube as well as solid state designs ... ) to drive the new UTOPIA speaker range and also the new Electra speaker range for the world introduction to the press and distributors : JAM98 (J.M. Lab international Meeting 1998).
This professional event took place in the marvelous castle of Saint Victor, near Saint Etienne, end of 1998.
Saint Etienne is the city where all the JM Lab speakers are manufactured."
Click to read more of the report ...
The sound was widely praised by all the 250 visitors coming from all over the planet. We are proud at Lavardin to have contributed to the success of the Utopia range.
The Lavardin Model C62 replaces the previous PRE6/2. Similar in cosmetics to the previous PRE6/2, the C62 offers a more refined, natural presentation with even more insight into detail.
The Model C62 is designed to match Lavardin power amplifiers. This may be matched with other brands of power amplifiers.
However, if one does not intend to use a Lavardin power amplifier in the future, the Lavardin Model C42 is recommended instead. This is a more general design, but will certainly prove to be an upgrade against many other high-end preamplifiers.
| * Items in yellow background indicate that it is the same for all 3 models | Lavardin IS | Lavardin IS Reference | Lavardin IT, IT-15 |
|---|---|---|---|
Technical Summary
Shared/Common Features | Low memory distortion circuits and components High-quality relays strategically placed near the signal entry Gold-plated contacts for minimum contact resistance and outstanding long-term reliability High Speed and low Memory Distortion, Solid State Circuits, Lavardin Technologies Design | ||
| Notes | The Model IS Reference is a souped-up Model IS, with better parts and tolerances | 12 years of research and thousands hours of listening tests.
Considered as the flagship, even if the higher models are better and more expensive. The IT is the first Lavardin amplifier with the "Memory Free" system. | |
| Asymmetrical Inputs | 4 on gold plated high quality cinch connector (unbalanced, RCA) | ||
| Input Impedance | 10 Kohms | ||
| Input Sensitivity | Nominal 0,330 V. | ||
| Line Output | Fixed level for tape recorder | ||
| Phono MM Input | Optional in replacement of line input number 4 Phono board implemented in the factory | No phono boards, external phono stage required | |
| Input Selection | Sealed Relays | ||
| Input Switching Contacts | gold, silver, palladium alloy | ||
| Nominal Power | 2 x 35 W RMS | 2 x 55 W RMS (47 w for IT-15) | |
| Load Impedance | Nominal 8 Ohms | ||
| Output Current | > 2 x 10 amps peak | > 2 x 25 amps peak | |
| Harmonic Distortion | 0,005% @ max output | 0,001% @ max output | |
| Temporization | 5 seconds | ||
| PSU | Special Suspended PSU | ||
| Dimensions | H 80 W 430 D 340 (mm) | H 135 W 430 D 340 (mm) | |
| Finish | Black anodised and painted non magnetic high-grade aluminum. Knobs only in silver. | ||
| Weight | 6.5 Kg net (13 lbs) | 12 kg (25 lbs) | |
| Power Consumption | 32 watts idle ; 180 watts maximum | 45 watts idle ; 400 watts maximum | |
| Lavardin C62(upgraded version of previous Model PRE 6/2 and Model PE) |
Description | The Model C62 is a minimalist design utilizing our highly accurate, high performance Memory free Design. It is operated manually and has an unbalanced line level source selection for up to six unbalanced input sources.
The Model C62 is a full width design with the unrivalled Lavardin Technologies build quality and design philosophy, with low memory distortion circuits and components. The full benefit from low memory technology can only be attained when a low memory power amp in our range is used.
Meanwhile, our preamps can also be fantastic partners for traditional power amps as replacements of traditional and generally poor sounding original preamps. The Model C62, with its dynamics will certainly bring you closer to the music giving a purity and clarity that no other preamplifier could achieve.
The C62 preamp works best with Lavardin power amplifiers. The Lavardin Model 42 is instead recommended when non-Lavardin power amps are used. A significant improvement over many other preamplifiers. |
| Asymmetrical Inputs | 6 on gold plated high quality cinch connector |
| Input Impedance | 10Kohms |
| Input Sensitivity | Nominal 0,330 V |
| Line Output | Fixed level for tape recorder |
| Output level | Max +20db |
| Output Impedance | nominal 75 Ohms |
| Max Gain | 12 dB |
| Harmonic Distortion | 0,001% @ max output |
| MM Phono Input | Factory option |
| Input Selection | sealed relays, ground and signal |
| Relay Contacts | gold, silver, palladium alloy |
| Distortion | < -90dB (TID and THD) at the nominal power |
| Technology | High Speed and low Memory Distortion Solid State Circuits Lavardin Technologies Design |
| Size | H 80 L 430 P 340 |
| Finish
| Black anodised and machined non magnetic high-grade aluminum |
| Weight | 6 Kg net (12 lbs) |
| Power consumption | 10 watts idle ; 40 watts maximum |
| Lavardin A80(formerly Model AS) | Lavardin A80 Reference(formerly Model AS Reference) |
| Description | The Model A80 is the direct no preamplifier version of the Model IS integrated. It is a full width design with the unrivalled Lavardin Technologies build quality and design philosophy, with low memory distortion components.
The Model A80 delivers 35 Watts per channel at 8 Ohms but more than power it's quality is comparable to much more expensive competitors and world references units.
The Model A80 with its exceptional dynamics will definitely bring you closer to the music giving a purity and clarity that many other amplifiers cannot achieve.
It is the best partner to drive Spendor S100, Harbeth, Rogers LS3/5A, Quested, ATC and many other reference monitor speakers. | Direct evolution of the Model A80, the Model A80 Reference "gives more than an idea" of what Model AP150 is capable of.
Thus, sound stage is whider, detail sharper, overall temper is more mature even if sound balance remains respectuously neutral like on Model A80. The full benefit from low memory distortion technology can only be appreciated when a low memory preamp like the Model PRE 6/2 is used to partner the Model A80 reference.
|
| PSU | Special power supply | |
| Asymmetrical Inputs | on gold plated high quality cinch connector | on gold plated high quality cinch connector |
| Input Impedance | 10Kohms | 10Kohms |
| Input Sensitivity | Nominal 0,780 V. | Nominal 0,780 V. |
| Nominal Power | 2 x 35W continuous RMS | 2 x 35W continuous RMS |
| Load Impedance | Nominal 8 Ohms | Nominal 8 Ohms |
| Output Current | > 2x10 amps peak | > 2x10 amps peak |
| Harmonic Distortion | 0,005% @ max output power | 0,005% @ max output power |
| Technology | High Speed and low Memory Distortion Solid State Circuits Lavardin Technologies Design | High Speed and low Memory Distortion Solid State Circuits Lavardin Technologies Design |
| Size | H 80 W 430 D 340 (mm) | H 80 W 430 D 340 (mm) |
| Finish
| Black anodised and painted | Black anodised and machined non magnetic high-grade aluminum |
| Weight | 6.5 Kg net (13 lbs) | 6.5 Kg net (13 lbs) |
| Power consumption | 32 watts idle ; 180 watts maximum | 32 watts idle ; 180 watts maximum |
| Lavardin AP150(formerly Model AP) |
Lavardin MAP monoblocks |
| Description | The Model AP150 is the direct no preamplifier version of the Model IT integrated. It is a full width design with the unrivalled Lavardin Technologies build quality and design philosophy, with low memory distortion components.
The Model AP150 delivers 50 Watts per channel at 8 Ohms and a total of 150 Watts at 4 Ohms. | Summit of our power amplifier range, the Model MAP system is based on a pair of completely separated units, each one dedicated to one channel.
What else can be said... We know customers who build their new house around the Model MAP and Model PRE 6/2 preamplifier...
|
| Asymmetrical Inputs | on gold plated high quality cinch connector | on gold plated high quality cinch connector |
| Input Impedance | 10Kohms | 10Kohm |
| Input Sensitivity | 780 millivolts | 780 millivolts |
| Nominal Power | 2 x 50W continuous RMS | 2 x 50W continuous RMS |
| Load Impedance | Nominal 8 Ohms | Nominal 8 Ohms |
| Output Current | > 2x25 amps peak | > 2x25 amps peak |
| Harmonic Distortion | 0,001% @ max output power | 0,001% @ max output power |
| Technology | High Speed and low Memory Distortion Solid State Circuits Lavardin Technologies Design | High Speed and low Memory Distortion |
| Size | H 135 W 430 D 340 (mm) | H 135 W 430 D 340 (mm) x 2 |
| Finish
| Black anodised and painted | Black anodised and machined non magnetic high-grade aluminum |
| Weight | 12 Kg net (25 Lbs) per unit | 12 Kg (25 Lbs) per unit |
| Power consumption | 45 watts idle ; 400 watts maximum | 45 watts idle ; 400 watts maximum |
