Icon Audio
Icon Audio Stereo 40 MK IV
Best tube amplifier for discerning audiophiles seeking rich, detailed sound.
Experience the Icon Audio Stereo 40 MK IV, an integrated tube amplifier renowned for its warm, dynamic sound. This amplifier offers exceptional value with a Class A, all-Triode front end and switchable Ultralinear or Triode output stages for personalized sound. Built with hand-wired point-to-point construction, custom transformers, and a choke-regulated power supply, it delivers audiophile-grade performance. It includes four KT88 and four 6SN7 tubes, a BIAS meter, a headphone socket, and a remote control for ease of use. Multiple inputs and a tape monitor circuit ensure versatile connectivity for your audio setup.
$5295.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1379
/ 2553
#1379 in Power Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-36%
Below average
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking a classic, engaging, and emotionally resonant listening experience
- Discerning listeners valuing craftsmanship, durability, and long-term investment in their audio gear
- Enthusiasts who enjoy fine-tuning their system for specific sonic preferences
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious users or those preferring a maintenance-free audio setup
- Users with limited space or those sensitive to ambient room temperature changes
- Newcomers to high-fidelity audio or those with strict budget limitations
Performance breakdown
Sonic Versatility
Switchable output modes offer distinct tonal profiles for different listening moods.
Build Integrity
Hand-wired point-to-point construction ensures exceptional longevity and signal purity.
Power Stability
Choke-regulated power supply provides consistent, clean energy for demanding musical passages.
Maintenance Ease
Integrated BIAS meter simplifies the essential task of monitoring valve health.
Connectivity Range
Multiple inputs and tape monitoring accommodate a wide array of sources.
User Convenience
Motorized remote control brings modern accessibility to a classic tube design.
Key Specs
4x KT88 matched output valves
4x 6SN7/CV181 first stage valves
Power Output
2x 50W (Ultralinear) per channel
Power Output
2x 30W (Triode) per channel
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.2%
Frequency Response
20Hz-20kHz +0 – 1db
Power Bandwidth
30Hz-30kHz
Input Connections
RCA
Features
- Switchable Ultralinear or Triode output modes for sonic flexibility
- Hand-wired point-to-point construction for superior build quality
- Custom hand-wound tertiary output transformers for rich sound
- Choke regulated power supply for clean, stable power
- Remote control with motorized volume pot for convenience
- Integrated headphone socket for private listening
- Low feedback design for natural audio reproduction
- BIAS meter for easy valve monitoring
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional sound quality delivered by this amplifier, noting its warm, detailed, and engaging presentation across various music genres. Many highlight the robust build quality and elegant design, appreciating the craftsmanship and premium feel. Owners frequently describe a significant upgrade to their listening experience, finding the unit both visually appealing and sonically rewarding. The overall consensus points to a highly satisfying investment for serious audio enthusiasts.
Know before you buy
The Ultralinear mode provides 50 watts per channel, offering more power and a punchier, dynamic sound suitable for most speakers. Triode mode reduces the output to 30 watts per channel, resulting in a smoother, more intimate, and refined sonic character that many audiophiles prefer for critical listening.
No, this is an integrated amplifier, meaning it includes a built-in pre-amplifier stage. You can connect your audio sources directly to the unit's four line inputs and control the volume using the included remote.
Yes, the Stereo 40 MK IV is designed to be compatible with 4, 8, and 16-ohm loudspeakers. It features dedicated output terminals to ensure optimal impedance matching for your specific speaker setup.
By avoiding printed circuit boards, the hand-wired construction allows for shorter, more direct signal paths and higher-quality component connections. This approach is widely considered superior for reducing signal interference and improving the overall transparency and longevity of the amplifier.
The headphone socket is designed for convenient private listening and is driven by the main amplifier stage. While it performs well with a wide range of headphones, it is best suited for standard-to-high impedance models rather than extremely demanding planar magnetic designs.
The choke-regulated power supply acts as a filter to smooth out electrical current, which significantly reduces background hum and noise. This results in a 'blacker' background, allowing for greater detail and clarity in your music.
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