The Stello Ai500 is a well-regarded "super integrated" amplifier that offers a combination of excellent power, a beautiful chassis with top-notch build quality from South Korea's Metal Sound Design, a built-in DAC and iPod interface, and a pleasingly organic sound.
DAC in the Box
Standard equipment with the Ai500 is what Stello describes as "an ultra high performance digital-to-analog converter capable of elevating your computer audio files to true high-fidelity performance." Because I never listen to music directly from my computer (presently, only two CDs are copied onto the hard drive), I didn’t test this claim, although I did play a number of CDs using both the NAD C542’s DAC and the DAC aboard the Ai500.
Specifications:
Output Power 150 Watts/CH @ 8 Ohms, 300 Watts/CH @ 4 Ohms
Output Stage Quad Para Push-Pull Hitachi MOSFET Power Transistors, Class AB
Power Supply Custom Made 800 VA Toroidal Transformer 90,000 uF Capacitor Bank.
Dimension 18.1” (W) X 3.4” (H) X 15.7” (D) in
Weight 35.3 lbs (Net.)
Asking price: RM4700.00