DLS Ultimate A Series is an equipment range that has two main objectives. In the first place, to show the world that DLS can build power feeds of the best quality, and secondly, to retain all the conservative proponents of the Genesis brand. This is perhaps the reason why DLS Ultimate amplifiers look to many people deceptively similar to the English products. Well, if standards are to be followed, one should choose the highest standard possible! A closer look at the two amplifiers reveals, however, certain differences. What is more, the differences show that you will get more for your money if you buy a DLS product. 

Two in one The DLS A3 amplifier is a dual mono terminal with separate power sources and signal amplification sources for each channel. The purpose of such a set-up is to eliminate inter-channel interference, improve sound dynamics and the stereo sound, as well as diminish the interference noise produced by the amplifier. 

Perfection at every step An external examination of the amplifier makes an enormous impression on the viewer. The amplifier has a robust frame with numerous cooling ribs, and gleams like polished steel. On the front panel all the input and output terminals are located, as well as phase shift regulators and filters. The gold-plated RCA terminals have a solid look and are strongly bound up with the frame by means of stopper nuts containing an extra layer of insulation. A double pair of power supply terminals make the connection of power capacitor easy. A cable of 21 square millimetres in diameter can be fitted into these terminals. Both these and the speakers terminals are completely insulated. It is therefore quite unlikely that a short-circuit may occur by chance. One would have to try really hard to bring about this unlikely event, acting without rhyme or reason. The amplifier is also equipped with an output socket which will activate a fan if the amplifier becomes overheated. Located between the speakers terminals and the signal terminals are sensitivity regulators as well as highpass and lowpass filters. All the transitions occur smoothly. The HP filter works in the range of 20 Hz to 200 Hz, and the LP filter between 50 Hz and 125 Hz. They are accompanied by a simple in/out switch, which makes that three modes of filtration may be attained: highpass, lowpass and subsonic for subwoofers. In order to use the subsonic level both filters have to be switched on at the same time. The highpass filter works then as a regulator removing the lowest frequencies. All the filters have a slope of 12 dB/octave. 

Fantastic test results The A3 amplifier shows absolutely fantastic test results. We have never seen a power feed that equalled the power feed of A3. An extremely high damping factor oscillating above the value of 1000 applies to both high and low tones. The dual power system makes that the amplifier shows no difference in power output, regardless of whether one or both channels are being used. In both cases it puts out exactly 147 W. Putting it in a bridge mode makes that power output increases to 500 at 4 ohms. Extremely high stability makes that the equipment may be used without any risk of damage even with three subwoofers connected in parallel. Each channel practically doubles the power output at the load of 2 ohms when the power output increases from 147 Watts to 270 Watts, while the voltage drop is hardly noticeable. Input sensitivity may be regulated between 200 mV to 8.6 V. There are therefore no problems if the amplifier has to work in conjunction with any sound source. Our top expert in audio technology in charge of testing said straight out: ‘The person who made this amplifier deserves our sincere congratulations!’ Sound The equipment plays very fast and controls the functions of all the instruments in a most spectacular way. Clear and cool in the presentation of the recorded material, it does not falter in its reproduction of even the most demanding fragments of compositions. The reproduction of sound in the bass range has the quality of the best mono blocks. Irrespective of whether the bass is low and fast or whether it is longlasting and sonorous, DLS A3 has no problem in keeping up the correct sound quality and rhythm. The upper and intermediate register is clear and fresh. One can hear every single voice inflection, every blunder of the recording artist trying to regulate the microphone, every single movement of the musicians, which contributes something, whether on purpose or accidentally, to the piece. Even old Polish CDs, containing many recording errors, sound much better than when other types of two-channel amplifiers are used.