London, UK – Veridian Acoustics' latest flagship power amplifier, the Aegis 2000 Reference, has garnered significant attention following a late October 2023 review by leading audio publication What Hi-Fi?. The review highlighted not only its formidable sonic performance but also its extraordinary, "tank-like" physical construction, setting a new benchmark for robust high-fidelity equipment.
Background
Veridian Acoustics, established in 1985, has long been a respected name in the high-end audio landscape, known for its uncompromising approach to sound reproduction and engineering excellence. The company built its reputation on a series of critically acclaimed pre-amplifiers and power amplifiers, including the revered Sentinel series from the early 2000s, which emphasized discrete componentry and meticulous power supply design.
The audio industry, particularly at its upper echelons, has seen a renewed focus on product longevity and build quality in recent years. Consumers are increasingly seeking investments that withstand the test of time, both acoustically and physically. This trend provided fertile ground for Veridian Acoustics to conceptualize a product that would embody these values to an extreme degree. The Aegis 2000 Reference project began nearly five years ago with a singular goal: to create a power amplifier that offered unparalleled sonic purity alongside an almost indestructible physical presence.
Key Developments
The Aegis 2000 Reference was officially unveiled at the prestigious Munich High-End Show in May 2023, drawing immediate interest from industry professionals and audiophiles alike. Its design philosophy was clear: a minimalist exterior concealing an incredibly complex and robust internal architecture.
Engineering and Construction
The amplifier’s "tank-like" moniker is no exaggeration. It boasts a chassis crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum, with internal steel reinforcement providing exceptional rigidity. The side panels feature massive, custom-extruded aluminum heat sinks, not merely for thermal dissipation but also as integral structural elements. These contribute significantly to its imposing weight of 55 kilograms (approximately 121 pounds). Dimensions measure 48cm wide, 28cm high, and 55cm deep, demanding substantial rack space.
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Beneath its formidable exterior, the Aegis 2000 Reference employs a true dual-mono design, ensuring absolute channel separation. Each channel benefits from its own dedicated, oversized 2.2kVA toroidal transformer, custom-wound for Veridian Acoustics. These transformers are individually encapsulated in a proprietary resin to minimize vibration and electromagnetic interference. Power filtering is handled by a bank of custom-designed, low-ESR capacitors totaling 120,000 microfarads per channel, providing immense energy reserves for dynamic peaks.
Sonic Architecture
The amplification stages utilize a fully discrete, Class A/B design, carefully optimized for linearity and low distortion across its entire operating range. Veridian Acoustics’ engineers spent countless hours refining the output stage, using hand-matched transistors to ensure precise current delivery and thermal stability. Signal paths are kept meticulously short, minimizing any potential for signal degradation.
Connectivity options are comprehensive, featuring both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, allowing integration with a wide array of pre-amplifiers. The custom-machined, rhodium-plated speaker binding posts are designed to accept large gauge speaker cables and provide an unyielding connection.
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Performance Specifications
The Aegis 2000 Reference delivers a substantial 250 watts per channel into an 8-ohm load, doubling down to 500 watts per channel into 4 ohms. Its frequency response spans an impressive 5Hz to 100kHz, with a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 120dB. Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) is specified at less than 0.005% at full power, underscoring its clean and transparent amplification.
What Hi-Fi? Review
The late October 2023 review by What Hi-Fi? lauded the Aegis 2000 Reference as a "masterclass in engineering." Reviewers praised its "unflappable composure," "effortless power delivery," and "forensic detail retrieval." Crucially, they dedicated significant commentary to its physical presence, describing it as "built to outlast its owner" and noting how its sheer mass contributed to an "unyielding stability" that translated into sonic authority. The publication specifically highlighted the tactile quality of its controls and the reassuring solidity of its chassis. The amplifier's price point is set at £17,500 / $21,000 / €20,000.
Impact
The launch and subsequent glowing reviews of the Aegis 2000 Reference have sent ripples through the high-end audio community. Its uncompromising build quality has been widely discussed on audiophile forums, establishing a new benchmark for physical durability in premium amplification.
Industry Reception
Competitors are reportedly taking note of Veridian Acoustics' bold statement. In an era where some manufacturers prioritize compact designs or digital integration, the Aegis 2000 Reference stands as a testament to traditional, robust analog engineering. It challenges the notion that high-performance audio must be delicate, instead advocating for an heirloom-quality product designed for decades of service. This approach also aligns with growing consumer interest in sustainable product design, where longevity reduces the cycle of replacement and electronic waste.
Consumer Interest
Pre-order numbers have been strong, indicating a significant demand for such a meticulously engineered and physically imposing amplifier. Audiophiles are drawn to its promise of unwavering performance and the peace of mind that comes with its robust construction. The amplifier has solidified Veridian Acoustics' position at the pinnacle of the ultra-high-end audio market, reinforcing their reputation for no-compromise design.
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What Next
Veridian Acoustics is currently focused on scaling production to meet the global demand for the Aegis 2000 Reference. Given the handcrafted nature of each unit, this involves a careful ramp-up to maintain stringent quality control standards.
Market Expansion and Future Products
A phased global rollout is planned, targeting key markets in North America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe throughout early 2024. Veridian Acoustics is also exploring potential complementary products, including a matching reference pre-amplifier designed to the same exacting standards, and possibly a monoblock version, the Aegis 2000M, for those seeking even greater power and channel separation.
The company is expected to showcase the Aegis 2000 Reference at upcoming international audio shows, including CES 2024 in Las Vegas and High End Munich 2024, providing attendees with firsthand demonstrations of its capabilities. Veridian Acoustics has also affirmed its commitment to long-term product support, offering comprehensive service and potential upgrade paths to ensure the Aegis 2000 Reference remains a pinnacle of audio engineering for years to come.
