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

Our newest integrated amplifier with streaming capabilities, designed with all the experience we have accumulated from its predecessors.

Many of the design features of the newest THOR have been inherited from ASK. 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 ASK in terms of sound quality.

From its 2kVA toroidal transformer and massive capacitor bank, the amplifier's output is 2x200 Watts into 8 ohms and peak current output is a massive +/-67A. 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 ASK, the THOR features a truly balanced design with no ground as a reference for the highest possible performance. A high performance DC servo that operates outside of the signal path, the input stage is driven by a pair of hand-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 THOR will run 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 THOR is a very robust and stable unit with a clean Scandinavian design.

DAC

The THOR's DAC is a slightly scaled down version of the DAC found in its sibling the ASK. The signal to noise ratio reaches an impressive 132dB+. This is significant and shows just 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 up in a balanced configuration where all resistors are of the specified 0.1% metalfilm type and the capacitors for the analog filters are of high quality polypropylene type. The DAC also uses ultra stable crystal clock oscillators with super low phase noise to minimize all forms of digital noise such as jitter.

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

Mythology

THOR, the son of ODIN. Ruler of the heavens, who can be heard banging his hammer and sending thunderstorms into our world.