Bladelius Ask Integrated - Stereo Amplifier (with optional DAC/Streamer)

ASK INTEGRATED is our newest integrated amplifier with streaming capabilities. Designed using all the experience gained in designing our flagship integrated model ODEN.

Many of the design features of ASK, apart from its appearance, are directly inherited from ODEN. Such as the power amplifier gain section and the ultra-low noise multi-stage linear regulation. With its more compact size, truly packed with everything we could invent, without any compromise in quality, it can be clearly seen as a derivative of ODEN in terms of sound quality. Although with a slightly lower power, but still high.

From its 2kva toroidal transformer and massive capacitor bank, the amplifier's output is 2x220 Watts at 8 ohms and peak current output is a massive +/-68A. This makes it capable of driving the most demanding loudspeakers on the market with ease and full control.

From the remote control the user can conveniently select to operate the unit in heavy Class A mode or in a more standard Class A/B mode.

With the Simpler is better design philosophy, we have reduced the voltage amplifier stage to a single one for the shortest possible signal path. Just like the ODEN, the ASK features a truly balanced design with no ground as a reference for the highest possible performance. A high performance DC servo operating outside the signal path, the input stage is driven by a pair of manually matched current loaded JFETs in a foldback cascade arrangement. This makes for very linear performance regardless of the output level. Combined with current feedback technology, the ASK will operate extremely fast and stable.

The chassis is made of non-magnetic materials machined for the lowest possible electromagnetic fields for the best sound quality. The design and layout of all components are made to minimize the impact of vibrations and like all our products, the ASK is a very robust and stable unit with a clean Scandinavian design.

DAC

The ASK’s DAC has an impressive signal to noise ratio of over 134dB, which is significant and shows how extremely capable this integrated amplifier is when it comes to streaming capabilities. As a streamer it handles most formats, such as DSD1024 and streams files up to 32-bit, 728kHz. It also supports Tidal connect, Spotify connect, Qobuz and Roon. All of this is managed via a new web-based app (it can also be controlled via the Tidal app), which means it can be controlled via any device you want. This allows for quick and easy updates on our end and is more accessible for the user who can then focus solely on the music.

A custom digital filter is processed in the XMOS 216 chip and supports several user-selectable modes. All to meet the personal preferences of listeners.

The DAC is set in a balanced configuration where all resistors are 0.1% metal film type and the capacitors for the analog filters are high quality polypropylene type. The DAC also uses an ultra stable crystal clock oscillator with extremely low phase noise.

The analog and digital power supplies are completely separate, and all signal and power paths have been galvanically separated to ensure that no digital noise can reach the analog amplifier section.

Mythology

ASK was the name of the first man in the Norse Middle Earth and also the name of this integrated amplifier. ASK, together with the first woman in the Norse world, EMBLA, was created by ODEN, which is more or less the case with this integrated amplifier that we designed using all the experience we gained with our flagship integrated model ODEN.