Sound and Image (Lyd og Bilde), Best of 2002-2003, issue 01/2003
First tested 05/2002,
Initials G.A. (Geir Amundsen of Lyd og Bilde)
The power amplifier from Chapter Audio stands as a pillar in the exotic high-end universe. The English firm bet on new and innovative solutions in their quest of constructing the optimal amplifier.
With a design to take your breath away, we experienced Chpater Two as one of last years great musical revelations. Virtually without effort, it brings musical life into absolutely all loudspeakers we hooked it up to. Anything from electrostatics to demanding dynamic speakers with large bass elements it holds in an iron-grip. A musical iron-grip. Some of the secret behind the Chapter Two amplifiers virtually limitless power resources can be found in the specially developed power supply of the type Swith Mode (SMPS). This is a type of high frequency power supply which has been used in the computer industry for a long time, and which profits in low weight, lots of current and minimal heat dissipation. That means bye-bye to heavy lifts. Chapter Two weighs just under 20Kg on it's socks. The amplifier has incredible control over single instruments, timbre structure such as where the musicians are on stage. Tit stretches up an enormous sound image in both depth and width. Talk about live-experiences! Even with large orchestral arrangements on stage, it has control over every instrument. Focus on the bass clarinet, and you become impressed over the way the amplifier follows the instrument's move however small, even with a hundred other musicians in action simultaneously!
Then the dynamics! It is extreme. Even when one plays very loud, there is always room for more, and the dynamic breakout and transients are followed up without any tendency for hesitation or shortness of breath. The only thing that divulges that the amplifier is working is the blinking of the light in the room in tune with the music! There is no audible distortion to be found. An important part part of the total dynamic experience is calm in the soundscape. As an important part of the music, pauses are exemplified in a way that sets the explosions and setups in a magical contrast.
Chapter Two is nothing more than a fantastic amplifier with potential to bring you close to the music. One only caveat against our joy is that the price means not all that many will have this unit in their living room. This is a product that really should be prescribed on free medicare. Better peace to the soul and musical "fairytale moments" for winter cold Norwegians is something we are unable to imagine!
