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Five channel amplifier 100x5R
A Place Reserved in Olympus
Rezervované miste na Olympu100x5R:
“Vynikajici*”
“Pro: Excellent and stable sound whether stereo or multi-channel. Universal and very inexpensive.
"Against: We couldn´t find anything”* Excellent
Stereo & Video (Czech Republic) - April 2003
"Expensive, but of superb quality, with a powerful and transparent sound. The AV30R and 100x5R combination is a fine way to move up to multichannel."“The pre and power amps look great together, and there's no denying the superb build and finish...
“This kind of 'hear through' transparency is relatively rare - even at this price, and makes this combo a brilliantly clear window on the world.
“Bass is decently tuneful with plenty of power and no signs of strain even at very high volumes... This follows up into the midband, which is extremely tidy and well ordered. The TAG can huff and puff with the best of them, delivering fantastic wallop on large dynamic transients."
“A deeply impressive combination, then." "We would say that the AV30R gives about nine tenths of the sound of its more expensive AV32R bigger brother, which is borne out by the quoted measured performance, which only shows a minor degradation of signal-to-noise ratio (102 dB vs. the AV32R's 104).
“The 100x5R is simply a barrel chested, no-nonsense powerhouse that's up to the job of keeping the AV30R company. Its flexible, modular design and gorgeous looks only sweeten the deal further.”
LAB REPORT
Measurememts have been made by expert Paul Miller, who already measured the AV30R for his review in Hi-Fi News' November 2002 issue. Click here to see details. So let’s see what Paul found for the 100x5R:
“The multichannel power amp 100x5R is considerably more powerful than its 100W moniker might suggest. In stereo mode, it achieves 2x175 W / 8 0hm with a mere dip to 5xl65 W / 8 0hm with all five channels driven simultaneously. Into lower 4 0hm loads, this increases to 2x270 W. Distortion remains very low indeed at 0.001% or less through the midrange at anything up to 100 W / 8 0hm. However, distortion does increase at higher frequencies (where there's less compensation available) to 0.007% at 20 kHz and 0.009% at 30 kHz, particularly once the amplifier has been driven for an hour or so and thoroughly warmed up. Nevertheless, it must be said that few amplifiers enjoy distortion as low as this at these sorts of frequencies.
“Because each amplifier 'module' is built to precise standards, they each have exactly the same distortion, response and noise characteristics. Channel matching is to within O.04 dB and separation better chan 90 dB at 20 kHz between modules. The response of each module has gentle HF roll-off, beginning wich -0.25 dB at 20 kHz but reaching just -5 dB down at 100 kHz. This is a subtler roll-off than might be expected from an SACD player, for example, so the amplifier may still be considered both 'wide bandwidth' in addition to extremely load-tolerant.”“These are highly advanced designs, destined for very modern, upmarket systems.” Hifi World - April 2003 - reviewing AV30R + 100x5R
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AV Products of the Year
The readers of the German home cinema magazine Audiovision have awarded TAG McLaren’s AV32R and 100x5R the Readers’ Award for the best AV processor & power amplifier combination.
“Quality has its price, but if sound and upgradability are in-line with it (as is the case with TAG McLaren), then this is fully justified. This is, at least, the opinion of two thirds of our readers who gave this excellent High-End combination their vote.”
Audiovision - March 2002
Please click here to read what Audiovision has said about TAG McLaren's DVD32R.
“A relative newcomer to audio - and especially to home cinema gear - TAG McLaren has, in just three years, established itself as a heavyweight. Why? Because it's produced some of the best-sounding, and best-looking home cinema separates going. Take this combination of power amp, AV receiver and DVD player - the 100x5R, the AV32R and the DVD32R respectively. This is serious home cinema at a price, but the money is well spent.”
T3 Aspirations - 2002
<% end if %>The 'forever young’ system AV32R, DVD32R and 100x5R
"There are two important features of the TAG equipment reviewed here which are not necessarily obvious from reading the spec sheets. One is the way that the various components cooperate, which goes significantly beyond the norm set by other similar equipment. The really impressive point however, and this really distinguishes TAG McLaren from the crowd, is the upgradability of each of the components, which ensures that any and every improvement that TAG introduce can be implemented on existing units of any vintage."Performing beautifully
"So we have established that the TAG system is flexible, and it turns its back on fashionable obsolescence. But all this would be for nothing if it failed to perform. Happily, and with some relatively minor reservations, it not only performs, it does so in spades... The processor AV32R is unusually transparent... The AV32R has a smooth, relaxed and finely controlled sound, with virtually none of the usual fingerprints of lesser digital audio... Similarly, and here is another absolute must-have for any system that demands to be taken seriously with music as well as home cinema, the DVD32R is one of the very few DVD players that deserve to be taken seriously as an audiophile CD player... The 100x5R offers fine precision and detail, and the treble again is of the highest quality... Musically, this is a system with true audiophile credibility, and with home cinema it is distinguished by superb video signal handling and aurally, by particularly well implemented and subtle versions of the main signal processing algorithms, Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS."Home Cinema Choice Practical Tip
"The home cinema market has seen an explosion in surround processing standards, more than could have been anticipated by TAG McLaren or anyone else. But the TAG hardware tested was designed so that it is almost infinitely upgradable... All this is supported by a well designed and comprehensive resource in the shape of the TAG website... So the message here is that this system will repay the investment by remaining abreast of developments as they occur. TAG’s record to date in this respect is exemplary."
Home Cinema Choice Special Edition Supplement 2001 - November 2001Image Home Entertainment - Dezember 2001 <% else %>
"With 26.5 kg this certainly isn't a lightweight amplifier, but we didn't expect such sovereignty, stability and dynamics from this powerful five channel amplifier, lifting it, without any doubt, straight into the top league of multi channel amplifiers... and there is lots of power: we measured 156/244/270 Watt continuous power at 8/4/2 Ohm, pulsed even 295W/4Ohm per channel. That is more than enough."
Stereo - November 2001AV Processor and Power Amplifier for Gourmets
AV32R and 100x5R
Criticism? None - even if we tried hard to find any. This isn’t solely based on perfect reproduction, well thought through details or good build quality, but - maybe even more important for the day to day use - intuitive ergonomics, intelligently applied comfort and the impression of performance and durability like a Swiss watch. This, combined with a ‘peace of mind’, forward looking upgrade policy, results in complete satisfaction, which is very rare in today’s rapidly changing consumer electronics.
Image Home Entertainment - December 2001 <% end if %>
<% if request("sog") <> "yes" then %> "Superbly engineered tangibly superior components with a bespoke, crafted quality and reputation for advanced technology. Performance lives up to very high expectations, thanks to combination of finesse, clarity and control. Advanced software and full upgradeability protect substantial initial investment."
Test of AV32R THX Surround EX Plus in combination with 100x5R
Audio Video - April 2001"TAG McLaren has produced a bulletproof power amplifier of superb performance. And in doing so has included features to make the life of the listener easier. What more could you ask for?"
'Home Theatre' presented by
Sound and Image - Best Buys 2000-2001
"Separating the two units [AV32R, 100x5R], the power amplifier has a dynamic range and grip beyond its 100W specification. It sounds powerful, plays loud and proved imperturbable in the face of more difficult loads, specifically the Wilson System 6.
"Conservatively rated, it actually produced just over 170W/ch into 8 ohms across the audio band; it gave 22.26dbW at 1kHz, with a fine power bandwidth. There was ample peak current capacity and a 4 ohm load raised 245W per channel mid-band while with 2 ohms it almost doubled again to 512W 21.1dbW. Output impedance was very low, while the peak current capacity exceeded +/-25A. Distortion was extremely low, approaching 100dB down overall at full power (0.001%), even down to 0.0007%, for 1kHz. A fairly ‘sweet' spread of harmonics was evident at a vanishingly small -112dB level.
"Good match to AV32R".
Hi-Fi News - March 2001
Hi-Fi News - October 2000Reviewing the av processor AV32R in THX Surround EX Plus specification, partnered by the five channel amplifier 100x5R
"In movie mode, the TAG McLarens continue their detail-driven, all-action approach, offering brutal levels of midrange punch through the explosive final sequence of End Of Days."For sheer visual thrills, this pairing has huge ability, and works its magic in both stereo and multichannel form. It offers a true high-end experience for music and film lovers alike."
What Hi-Fi - October 2000
"The power amp oozed quality, the build was second to none ad the soundstage that they delivered was expansive to say the least.
"Did we like the TAG McLaren processor and amplifiers? Well, the conclusion's a resounding 'Yes'."
Ultimate DVD Technology - July 2000Reviewing the 100x5R combined with the AV32R
"This is TAG McLaren at its best... The system has excellent definition. It is careful, conscientious, yet penetrating, and provides an extra dimension to the movie... It never adds superfluous detail that might get into your nerves. The system gives me the impression that it knows well what stand is appropriate...
"I have visited TAG McLaren Audio and have seen for myself that their technological expertise is generously poured into these models, so I find the pricing very acceptable. Together with their smart and modern exterior, I believe this system is extremely suitable for the Home Theatre of the new millennium. It is an unparalleled and very contemporary system.
"This is just a small detail, but it is very user-friendly, too. For example, one remote controller can work both the preamp and power amp. When you turn the power amp on and off, each channel then gets turned on/off in sequence, which is also nice. I can foresee many AV fans falling in love with the elegant, sophisticated functionality of these machines."
HiVi - April 2000
"This amplifier combination [DPA32R+100x5R in two-channel] puts TAG McLaren Audio in the front rank of the UK's hi-fi companies, and anyone in the market for a high-end amplifier should take a long hard listen before opting for one of British audio's more traditional names.
"..there's just a reassuring sense of power and control married to an ability to unleash the dynamics of the music to the full.
"Most striking is the complete clarity of the amplifier's presentation.
"...the DPA32R is undoubtedly impressive used in this way [the preamplifier fed from a CD transport], its sound combining a fully-realised bass with a crisp but clean top end, and fine detail in the presence band, ensuring consistently enjoyable performances.
"...the DPA32R/100x2R has something to prove, and it lives up to those demands exceptionally well, retaining complete control."
Gramophone - July 2000
"Despite looks that would scare small children, the 100x5R is an incredibly civilised performer capable of extracting subtle information like precious few others.
"The multiple power supplies allow spectacular dynamic swells across all channels.
"With the volume up high through the bullet-flying heist scene in Heat, we had to make a conscious effort not to dive for cover behind the sofa."
Home Entertainment - June 2000"Looks like an animal, sounds like an angel. The 100x5R hides its sonic graces behind a macho aluminium fascia"
HE - June 2000(testing the av processor AV32R with five channel amplifier 100x5R)
"In our listening tests the 100x5R/AV32R combination was one of the very best we have ever tested. Such powerful, low frequency extended, yet transparent, spatial and relaxed systems are very rarely found. Particularly, the spatial information is wonderfully accurate and sound locations are easily detected, revealing even the most complex sounds with ease.We have never seen such identical frequency response from all channels in our AV-laboratory. The signal to noise ratio, exceeding 80dB in ProLogic and almost 90dB in Dolby Digital, are also extraordinary. And in terms of amplifier output power the 5x145 watts into 8 ohms, respectively 5 x 235 watts into 4 ohms, are not easily challenged by others.
audiovision - May 2000"An incredible and homogeneous environment ... phenomenal strength in all the registers, the TAG McLaren Audio 100x5R is capable of top-notch performance and represents outstanding value.
"These electronics blessed by the Gods constitute some absolute credentials in all categories of disconcerted products - TAG McLaren Audio places the rod to an incredibly elevated level - A big lesson of ability and Know How."
PRESTIGE AUDIO VIDEO - May 2000Test AV32R together with 100x5R
"The combination of AV32R and 100x5R shows the future: affordable but nevertheless perfect components. Both are first class products on their own merits, but they also harmonise perfectly with each other. They are both convincing in stereo and five channel operation, supporting their quality... Together, the AV32R and the 100x5R produce a homogeneous sound of impressive detail and impact. This is high-end in its purest form."
Video - The Test Magazine - March 2000<% end if %>
<% if session("readin") = "german" then %> "Durch den fünffachen Monoaufbau waren auch im Mehrkanalbetrieb weder klanglich noch leistungsseitig Schwächen auszumachen. Der Surround-Test geriet zur beeindruckenden Leistungsschau: atemberaubende Dynamik, immense Kraft. Noch nie klang bei AUDIO ein Mehrkanal-Verstärker so gut. Bedingungslos zu empfehlen!"
"Imposante Leistung und bestechend guter Klang - ein Mehrkanal-Amp, der auch bei Stereo glänzt."
"Klang: überragend Referenzklasse !!!!!"
AUDIO - February 2000 <% else %> "Even when used with all channels there were no weaknesses in sound and performance thanks to the five-fold monobloc design. The surround listening test was an impressive demonstration: breath-taking dynamics and sheer power. AUDIO never heard a better multi-channel amplifier. Recommended without any strings attached. Impressive power and perfect sound- a multi channel amp, which also brilliantly handles stereo. Sound quality: Extraordinary. Reference Class !!!!!"
AUDIO - February 2000 <% end if %>
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"And this is what Audiophile concluded: The TAG McLaren 100x5R is at its price the result of a genius. The 100x5R's sound quality is extraordinary and with its ample power reserves it is suitable for both audiophile 2 channel stereo and exceptional home cinema."
Audiophile - January 2000 <% end if %>
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