NL Series Amplifiers & Preamplifiers ( G Series )

 

 

EDGE ELECTRONICS     NL Reference
   
         
    The NL Reference is the ultimate solid-state amplifier and is the best such amplifier in the world.    
 
   
DETAILS   OFFICIAL WEBSITE   COMPARISONS
 
 
EDGE ELECTRONICS     NL Signature One
   
         
    These monoblocks sit at the very top of the conventional solid-state amplifier high-performance class.    
         
         
         
 
   
DETAILS   OFFICIAL WEBSITE   COMPARISONS
 
 
EDGE ELECTRONICS       NL-12
   
         
    The price-performance winner - power, finesse, in a single chassis.    
         
         
         
 
   
DETAILS   OFFICIAL WEBSITE   COMPARISONS
 
 
EDGE ELECTRONICS NL-10
   
         
    The entry-level laser-biased amplifier - with 100% of the finesse of its big brothers but with  just a little less power.    
         
         
         
 
   
DETAILS OFFICIAL WEBSITE COMPARISONS
 
 
EDGE ELECTRONICS     Signature One
   
         
    This pre-amplifier has all the qualities that make it a perfect match for all of the Edge amplifiers.    
         
         
         
 
   
DETAILS   OFFICIAL WEBSITE   COMPARISONS
 
 
 

 

 

 EDGE
 ELECTRONICS
Edge Electronics is an American company that has been in business since 1987. Each component they manufacture is lovingly assembled by the principals and just a few trusted highly-trained technicians. The company is currently the only company in the world that uses laser-biased transistors in their amplifier design.

 

 

 
 Sound
Why are some astute listeners convinced that Edge amplifiers are the best solid-state amplifier in the world today?

Perhaps it is the speed - where notes just appear when they are supposed to appear- rise and fall naturally and exactly as they should in response to the music - and then die away, without inappropriate lingering. Listening to most, if not all other amplifiers, the listener may feel that the notes are being dragged through molasses. Or perhaps the listener feels that they ordered each note from a restaurant across town, the restaurant was late with the delivery, had burnt the note in the bargain, and the note, unfinished, had a lingering smell the next morning.

Perhaps it is the smoothness of the notes rendered by the amplifiers. They are grown organically, as opposed to carved out of stone in some kind of misbegotten caricature  of the note right out of Dante's Inferno - as so many solid-state amplifiers have done in the past.

Perhaps it is the dynamic capability - the ability to render the inner dynamics which produces notes that sound so entertaining, so real, just like when they were made by the musicians themselves - that the listener is emotionally moved, and often completely overwhelmed by their favorite music.

Or perhaps it is the ability to sound like the finest tubed amplifiers - speed, smoothness, inner detail but without the 2nd harmonic distortion, the heat (the Edge amplifiers run cool), the maintenance and placement issues and all the issues associated with most tubed designs at the extremes of the frequency spectrum.

What we have here is the realization of the promise of solid-state amplifiers; conceived in the 1960s, and after 40 long years of suffering, we finally have a maintenance free, family friendly, general purpose amplifier that surpasses all but perhaps the most ingenious, special-purpose tubed-amplifier designs.

Solid-state amplification can finally sound as good or better than the technology it is (supposed to have) replaced!

All we know is that these amplifiers just simply have the ability to present seamless, top to bottom, inside out, delicious music without doing anything seriously wrong - unlike every other solid-state amplifier in existence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 Technology
The Laser-Biased Transistor

The "NL" series of amplifiers utilize EDGE proprietary Laser Optical Bias Circuitry.  This new circuit incorporates a 630 nm wavelength laser in each channel operating directly on the silicon substrate of the bias transistors.   The laser bias circuit in turn is part of a servo feedback network.  As the signal rises, the output of the laser increases, and as the signal decreases the laser output falls.  This keeps the bias at the optimum operating point allowing a 10 fold increase in gain.

The additional gain is achieved while  maintaining signal integrity (linearity) - at light speed - a first for solid state amplification.

The "NL" series also features oversize binding posts and up to 16* low leakage snap lock 10,000 µF caps per channel.  Also the new low leakage / low field medical grade transformers are housed in magnetic stainless steel enclosures for non induction and low noise performance.  Chassis construction on these amplifiers is 1/2" thick 6061 aluminum, held together with marine grade stainless steel machine screws.  Heat sinks machined from solid 6061 bar stock keep transistors cool without fans.  The output stages utilize up to 32* N channel bipolar transistors for extremely low output impedance. 

 

 

 
 Portfolio
Edge has a portfolio of amplifiers of a number of different pedigrees:

 

 

 

 
 History
Edge has been in business making audio equipment since 1987.

 


Tom Maker standing behind
his Edge NL Reference and alongside Steven Norber's (also of Edge) custom speaker.

 

 
 Photo Gallery
 

 

 
NL
REFERENCE


Amplifier

Bias Circuit One 630 nm Bias Laser per channel
Output Circuit: 48 NPN Bipolar Transistors, 24 per channel
Power Supply Filtration: 280,000 µF: 14 x 10,000 µF per channel (uses capacitors superior to that used in the NL Signature One)
RMS Power Output: 800 Watts per channel @ 8 Ohms
1600 Watts per channel @ 4 Ohms
3200 Watts per channel @ 2 Ohms
Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.01%
Transient Intermodulation Distortion: <0.01%
Slew Rate: 120 Volts per microsecond
Bandwidth: 1Hz-150KHz , + 0 -2.5dB
Input Impedance: 30,000 Ohms
Input Type: RCA, XLR
Output Impedance: 0.013 Ohms
Constant Current Capability: >100 Amps, >50 per independent channel
Dimensions: 33" x 18" x 18" (HxWxD), 5" x 5" WxD at top
Weight: 440 (220 lbs each) [Shipping weight: 580 lbs crated]
 
DESCRIPTION

The NL Reference monoblocks are Edge Electronics' statement amplifiers. These 800 watt, 185 lb. monoblocks are very high voltage, very high current output amplifiers. The Edge Reference monoblocks continue the Edge Electronics' tradition of building extremely efficient amplifier designs.

And one has to keep in mind that these are Edge Electronics watts, which are cleaner, faster, smoother and more detailed than any other solid-state amplifier being made today.

Up until now, one had to use very large, 600 to 700 watt tube amplifiers to product the kind of forceful and overwhelming, yet pure and uncompressed crescendos that are required by many types of music. Unfortunately, large tube amps have problems in that they generate large amounts of heat and use large numbers of tubes that require maintenance after some amount of time.

Most solid-state amplifiers are usually harsh and unpleasant to the ear, especially after extended periods of listening, and even more so when listening at loud volumes. As anyone knows who has heard any of the Edge Electronics amplifiers, they have licked this problem using their laser-biased transistors.

Finally, those that want this level of performance but did not want to sacrifice the conveniences of solid-state amplification, now have the option to achieve their dreams with the NL Reference.

RECOMMENDED USAGE

The NL Reference monoblocks are excellent for systems that want over the top performance on a level that only a few people in the world have experienced. These monoblocks take the performance of the NL Signature Ones and extend it to the farthest reaches of what humans have so far imagined.

TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS
Dual Chassis Monoblock design
Four 2000 VA Toroidal transformers (two per chassis)
Each transformer operates at 96% efficiency. Regulation equals 4%
Laser Source Front Panel Illumination (one per chassis).
True balanced circuit.
Dual toroid transformer-quad filar wound high nickel content core w/electrostatic shield power supply.
Potted transformers in magnetic stainless steel can.
Dual bridge rectification. Laser biased, all "n" channel bipolar output stage.
OPTIONS

Finish: powder-coated or anodized aluminum. LED color: red, green, or blue.

MANUFACTURE AND ASSEMBLY
UNCRATING & SETUP
REVIEWS
MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW PAGE
AWARDS
 
LINKS
OFFICIAL NL REFERENCE PAGE
OFFICIAL TECHNOLOGY PAGE
FAQ
PRICES
 
 
 
NL
Signature
One


Amplifier

Bias Circuit One 630 nm Bias Laser per channel
Output Circuit: 64 NPN Bipolar Transistors, 32 per channel
Power Supply Filtration: 320,000 µF: 16 x 10,000 µF per channel
RMS Power Output: 400 Watts per channel @ 8 Ohms
800 Watts per channel @ 4 Ohms
Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.01%
Transient Intermodulation Distortion: <0.01%
Slew Rate: 120 Volts per microsecond
Bandwidth: 1Hz-150KHz , + 0 -2.5dB
Input Impedance: 30,000 Ohms
Input Type: RCA
Output Impedance: 0.015 Ohms
Constant Current Capability: 83.32 Amps, 41.67 per independent channel
Dimensions: 19.0" Deep x 15.0" Wide x 9.0" High
Weight: 230 (115 Pounds each)
 
DESCRIPTION

The NL Signature One monoblocks are the ultimate amplifier in the line of NL amplifiers. While retaining the overall character of the smaller NL amplifiers - the speed, smoothness and micro-dynamics - the NL is just so much better in all respects: the added power allows notes, at all frequencies, to explode within the force and passion that the music is demanding. There is much more authority in each note, you can just hear when the musician wanted to start the note, the emotion they wanted in the note, and exactly when they wanted the note to end. Essentially, it cleans up the many layered window between musician and listener.

The NL series amplifiers all use the same sized chassis and only differ in their outward aesthetic design and, of course, their internal electronics. The heatsinks on NL Signature One are wavy in form, unlike its siblings. All NL series amplifiers run only slightly warm to the touch and contain no sharp edges, which makes them user, family, placement, and summertime friendly.

"The EDGE NL Signature One is the quintessential expression of technology serving music.  Using EDGE proprietary Laser Biased Control circuitry this amplifier redefines "linear".   Massively constructed and well endowed throughout, it becomes "invisible" in all situations.  Use this one for your most demanding audio reproduction requirements."

RECOMMENDED USAGE

The NL Signature Ones are excellent for systems that either: need or want a lot of power, are too bright, the listener would like to use tubes but cannot or does not want to deal with tube's negative environmental issues (heat, maintenance, foot-print), or those systems that do not have enough PRaT (pacing, rhythm and timing).

TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS
Dual Chassis Monoblock design
with four 1500 VA Toroidal transformers (two per chassis)
Each transformer operates at 96% efficiency. Regulation equals 4%
Laser Source Front Panel Illumination (one per chassis)
OPTIONS

A clear (see-through) polycarbon top is available that can be ordered in addition to the solid (thick) metal top. This top fits all NL amplifiers and the Signature One preamplifier.

REVIEWS
MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW PAGE
AWARDS

Class 1 rated - The Absolute Sound, Issue 138, October/November 2002

LINKS
OFFICIAL SIGNATURE ONE PAGE
OFFICIAL TECHNOLOGY PAGE
FAQ
PRICES
 
 
 
NL-12


Amplifier

Bias Circuit: One 630 nm Bias Laser per channel
Output Circuit: 24 NPN Bipolar Transistors, 12 per channel
Power Supply Filtration: 160,000 µF: 8 x 10,000 µF per channel
RMS Power Output: 300 Watts per channel @ 8 Ohms 
600 Watts per channel @ 4 Ohms
Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.01%
Transient Intermodulation Distortion: <0.01%
Slew Rate: 120 Volts per microsecond
Bandwidth: 1Hz-150KHz , + 0 -2.5dB
Input Impedance: 30,000 Ohms
Input Type: RCA
Output Impedance: 0.03 Ohms
Constant Current Capability: 27.73 Amps
Dimensions: 19.0" Deep x 15.0" Wide x 9.0" High
Weight: 103 Pounds
 
DESCRIPTION

"The EDGE NL-12 Power Amplifier provides extraordinary wide bandwidth amplification.  Using EDGE proprietary Laser Biased Control circuitry this amplifier redefines "linear".   Massively constructed, yet conservatively sized, the NL-12, with a full 50% more available current than the NL-10 will elevate your experience from "Listener" to "Participant" in the medium of your choice. "

RECOMMENDED USAGE

The NL-12 is excellent for systems that either: need or want a fair amount of power, are too bright, the listener would like to use tubes but cannot or does not want to deal with tube's negative environmental issues (heat, maintenance, foot-print), or those systems that do not have enough PRaT (pacing, rhythm and timing).

TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS
Dual Mono, single chassis.
Two 1000 VA Toroidal transformers.
Each transformer operates at 96% efficiency. Regulation equals 4%
OPTIONS

A clear (see-through) polycarbon top is available that can be ordered in addition to the solid (thick) metal top. This top fits all NL amplifiers and the Signature One preamplifier.

REVIEWS
MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW PAGE
LINKS
OFFICIAL NL-12 PAGE
OFFICIAL TECHNOLOGY PAGE
FAQ
PRICES
 
 
 
NL-10


Amplifier

Bias Circuit: One 630 nm Bias Laser per channel
Output Circuit: 24 NPN Bipolar Transistors, 12 per channel
Power Supply Filtration: 160,000 µF: 8 x 10,000 µF per channel
RMS Power Output: 225 Watts per channel @ 8 Ohms 
450 Watts per channel @ 4 Ohms
Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.01%
Transient Intermodulation Distortion: <0.01%
Slew Rate: 120 Volts per microsecond
Bandwidth: 1Hz-150KHz , + 0 -2.5dB
Input Impedance: 30,000 Ohms
Input Type: RCA
Output Impedance: 0.03 Ohms
Constant Current Capability: 27.73 Amps
Dimensions: 19.0" Deep x 15.0" Wide x 9.0" High
Weight: 103 Pounds
 
DESCRIPTION

"The EDGE NL-10 Power Amplifier 2000 & 2001 Golden Ear Award winner.   Using EDGE proprietary Laser Biased Control circuitry this amplifier redefines "linear".   Massively constructed, yet conservatively sized."

RECOMMENDED USAGE

The NL-10 is excellent for systems that are too bright, the listener would like to use tubes but cannot or does not want to deal with tube's negative environmental issues (heat, maintenance, foot-print), or those systems that do not have enough PRaT (pacing, rhythm and timing).

TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS
Dual Mono, single chassis.
Two 1000 VA Toroidal transformers.
Each transformer operates at 96% efficiency. Regulation equals 4%
REVIEWS
MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW PAGE
AWARDS
Class 2 rated and Best Buy - The Absolute Sound, Issue 138, October/November 2002
OPTIONS
A clear (see-through) polycarbon top is available that can be ordered in addition to the solid (thick) metal top. This top fits all NL amplifiers and the Signature One preamplifier.
LINKS
OFFICIAL NL-10 PAGE
OFFICIAL TECHNOLOGY PAGE
FAQ
PRICES
 
 
 
Signature
One


Pre Amplifier

Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.001%
Transient Intermodulation Distortion:  <0.001%
Slew Rate: 800 Volts per microsecond
Bandwidth: 5Hz-300KHz, + 0/-0.1dB
Input Impedance:  50,000 Ohms
Output Impedance: 150 Ohms
Output Buffering: None
Gain: 28 dB
Rail Voltage: ±10 Volts following two stages of regulation
Input Sensitivity: 300 millivolts
Dimensions: 14.0" Deep x 13.0" Wide x 5.0" High
Weight: 33 Pounds
 
DESCRIPTION

"The EDGE Signature One Preamplifier is the ultimate control center of any custom system.  With battery operated true DC power supply and THD below 0.001% this component will effortlessly resolve and unveil the most demanding source material.  Specifying EDGE Laser Biased Amplifiers for your  power needs assures flawless reproduction at the limits of technology. "

RECOMMENDED USAGE

The Signature One Preamplifier is excellent for systems that want a battery-powered finesse but only want to deal with a single-chassis.

TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS
Battery operated true DC power supply
Remote Volume Control
REVIEWS
MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW PAGE
AWARDS
Class 2 rated - The Absolute Sound, Issue 138, October/November 2002
OPTIONS
A clear (see-through) polycarbon top is available that can be ordered in addition to the solid (thick) metal top. This top fits all NL amplifiers and the Signature One preamplifier.
LINKS
OFFICIAL SIGNATURE ONE PREAMP PAGE
OFFICIAL TECHNOLOGY PAGE
FAQ
PRICES
 
 
 
   
C
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P
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  NL Reference Signature 1.1 NL-12.1 NL-10.1
Bias Circuit One 630 nm Bias Laser per channel One 630 nm Bias Laser per channel One 630 nm Bias Laser per channel One 630 nm Bias Laser per channel
Output Circuit 48 NPN Bipolar Transistors, 24 per channel 64 NPN Bipolar Transistors, 32 per channel 24 NPN Bipolar Transistors, 12 per channel 24 NPN Bipolar Transistors, 12 per channel
Power Supply Filtration 280,000 µF: 14 x 10,000 µF per channel (uses capacitors superior to that used in the NL Signature One) 320,000 µF: 16 x 10,000 µF per channel 160,000 µF: 8 x 10,000 µF per channel 160,000 µF: 8 x 10,000 µF per channel
RMS Power Output: 800 Watts per channel @ 8 Ohms
1600 Watts per channel @ 4 Ohms
3200 Watts per channel @ 2 Ohms
400 Watts per channel @ 8 Ohms
800 Watts per channel @ 4 Ohms
225 Watts per channel @ 8 Ohms 
450 Watts per channel @ 4 Ohms
225 Watts per channel @ 8 Ohms 
450 Watts per channel @ 4 Ohms
Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.01% <0.01% <0.01% <0.01%
Transient Intermodulation Distortion: <0.01% <0.01% <0.01% <0.01%
Slew Rate: 120 Volts per microsecond 120 Volts per microsecond 120 Volts per microsecond 120 Volts per microsecond
Bandwidth: 1Hz-150KHz , + 0 -2.5dB 1Hz-150KHz , + 0 -2.5dB 1Hz-150KHz , + 0 -2.5dB 1Hz-150KHz , + 0 -2.5dB
Input Impedance: 30,000 Ohms 30,000 Ohms 30,000 Ohms 30,000 Ohms
Input Type: RCA, XLR RCA RCA RCA
Output Impedance: 0.013 Ohms 0.015 Ohms 0.03 Ohms 0.03 Ohms
Constant Current Capability: >100 Amps, >50 per independent channel 83.32 Amps, 41.67 per independent channel 27.73 Amps 27.73 Amps
Dimensions: 33" x 18" x 18" (HxWxD), 5" x 5" WxD at top 19.0" Deep x 15.0" Wide x 9.0" High 19.0" Deep x 15.0" Wide x 9.0" High 19.0" Deep x 15.0" Wide x 9.0" High
Weight: 440 (220 lbs each) [Shipping weight: 580 lbs crated] 230 (115 Pounds each) 103 Pounds 103 Pounds
US retail price $125,000 $35,900 $18,500 $13,500

 

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