CLASSÉ SIGMA 2200I INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

Classé’s latest stereo integrated amplifier, the Sigma 2200i, uses the same amplifier used in the Sigma AMP2, a Class-D design rated at 200-watts per channel into 8 and 400-watts per channel into 4 and the same front end as used in the Sigma SSP. The Classé Sigma 2200i has conventional analogue wired inputs (one balanced and two unbalanced) as well as digital wired inputs (coaxial and optical) as well as USB (types A and B), HDMI (×4) and Ethernet connections. Although there is no phono input, it’s possible to option one in. Everything can be controlled using Classé’s familiar touch-screen, which also gives access to a tone control, a nine-band parametric equaliser and bass management to control the subwoofer output, all of which is accomplished in the digital domain. It’s also possible to control the 2200i from your phone or tablet, with Classé providing apps for both Android and iOS.

Although the USB and coaxial connections can operate with 192kHz/24-bit signals, the optical digital input is limited to 96kHz/24-bit. According to John Martin, of Convoy International, which distributes Classé in Australia, the real secret to the Classé Sigma 2200i’s performance is that the pre-amp’s DSP section is directly linked to the Class-D power amplifier stage. ‘ By keeping digital signals digital all the way to the amplifier output filter, Classé shortens the signal path, avoids losses and eliminates digital-to-analogue converters and analogue-to-digital converters as well as their associated analogue circuits,’ he told Australian Hi-Fi Magazine. ‘ This is the secret to the powerful performance/price ratio.’ Available now, the Classé Sigma 2200i sells for $7,500 (RRP). Warranty period is five-years.