As part of a series of events marking the 21st year of Sonneteer its Orton integrated amplifier has been elevated to MK IV status. The changes for 2014 include an aesthetic upgrade and some circuit design upgrades, resulting in claimed improved sound quality and looks. The MK IV now sports a fully machined aluminium and stainless steel remote control handset. Featuring polished stainless steel ball-buttons which are mirrored on the amp’s fascia. The handset boasts an internal rechargeable battery and an LED torch light for that little extra help when trying to wire up the rear of the amplifier. The battery charges from any powered USB port and should last at least a year from one charge under normal use.
The MK IV Orton has been designed to retain all of the desirable traits of the MK III while making the new model more refined. The control system power supply (the Orton has three power supplies) has been improved with careful revisions and in conjunction with design changes to the circuit board mountings, all culminating to deliver “pleasing improvements to an already highly regarded amplifier”. The Orton has a dual mono power supply configuration and a separate power supply for all its control circuitry, minimising its affect on the signal being amplified.
The Sonneteer Orton MK IV retails for £2,500
Specifications
Power output >33Wrms @8 Ohms 0.1% THD+N
Power output >50Wrms @4 Ohms 0.1% THD+N
Frequency response 8Hz-80Khz
THD 0.01% @1Khz@full power
THD 0.02% @10Khz@full power
Input Impedance 10K Ohms
Gain 27dB
Input Sensitivity 650mVrms (low setting)
Input Sensitivity 300mVrms (high setting)
Main unit size 430mm X 70mm X 280mm
Weight main unit 16kg