Hovland HP200/Sapphire pre-/power amplifier

摘要

There is surely some irony in the fact that two of the most visually stunning pieces of equipment ever to have graced the pages of the hi-fi press come from a company that for the first 20 years of its life was best known for its internal components. For me, the stereotypical product from a cable and capacitor manufacturer moving into amp production, would be: peerless cables and capacitors (of course), a superb circuit (to make the most of the cables and capacitors) plus a Peak Frean special biscuit-box casing. HP100, and its first power amp, the Sapphire, were outstandingly beautiful pieces of kit. In the case of the HP100, there was nothing too outlandish in its appearance, but the standard of construction, both inside and out, was exemplary, while the 'black nickel' fascia was breathtaking. Of course, the finishing touch was the thin translucent layer between the fascia and the amplifier's body - flick a switch, and the acrylic gaveout the most beguiling blue glow. Of course, we are meant to be beguiled by the sound of equipment, not its appearance. But in how many areas of life do stunning looks hurt? Yet, amazingly, the Sapphire power amp made the HP100 look almost plain.