Australian classic tube hi-fi company Melody International Holdings Pty Ltd. has expanded its Pro series with the Melody PRO88 MKII integrated amplifier. Traditionally for Melody, the novelty is assembled by hand, wall-mounted using quality components like Mundorf containers.
The final stage of the PRO88 MKII is powered by four KT88 beam tetrodes. In front of them are four XF184 vacuum pentodes and one Western Electric WE407 double triode. In principle, the PRO88 MKII can operate with different output tubes – for example, the KT120. In the basic configuration, the PRO88 MKII delivers 2 x 50 watts to 8 or even 4 ohm speakers.
The amplifier received a soft start system with a 30-second delay. There is a bias regulator on the front panel, and the current is controlled by an analogue ammeter.
The device is equipped with four RCA inputs and one balanced XLR. You can control their switching and volume both from the front panel and from the standard remote control. The “Mute” mode is accompanied by a smooth fading out.
The amplifier was supplemented with a removable protective grille for the lamp transformers located in front of the casings. The side panels of the case are made of mahogany. The weight of the novelty with an almost standard width of 47.5 cm was 40 kg.
In Europe, the integrated amplifier Melody PRO88 MKII will cost 4,900 euros.