I set up my Mclaren Astral today, a really lovely integrated MOSFET amplifier made around 1992; plugged it into a set of little Onkyo bookshelf (midi-system speakers) and a Sony Walkman CD Player to test in the workroom and put on a Lee Ritenour CD, even with these very modest accessories the sound was wonderful (the CD player is a particularly good Walkman!) great sound stage, lovely detail, the highs are fine and clear and the whole sound is warm and musical. This is a MOSFET amplifier using a complimentary pair, 2sj161/2sk1057, per channel. It was faulty when I acquired it needing a MOSFET output device replacing as well as a leaky small signal (driver) transistor. The MOSFET had been marked, possibly to indicate it was faulty, but not replaced. Getting to it required removing the large electrolytic filter capacitor and that also meant disassembling the whole case to get to it; anyway all done and it was well worth it BUT ... what is really interesting the Astral has been assembled on an Aura board, the Aura it seems was not a MOSFET output amplifier but used BJT's (as marked on the circuit board), many components from the Aura are not used, MOSFET design often uses less circuitry, but the Aura, it seems, would have had tone controls while the Astral does not, so even more empty spaces on the board. Some components are mounted directly to leads of other components where space and connection on the board does not exist for the other, Astral, design. The parts are all top quality, Alps Blue volume control, quality capacitors, fibreglass circuit board, etc. all contained in a very small case. The power transformers are, by the looks of them, the kind used for light fittings, designed to run halogens. There are two transformers back to back, they just fit into the case behind the heatsink. I have never seen that done before, but a great way to make best use of the space, a toroidal would waste room in the corners. Like most MOSFET amps it runs warm, a higher quiescent current is used for better linearity. Note the magical BCC, Bruce Crothers, initials on the board and the fact it was originally for the Aura, the rear of the case also says it is an Aura. Also note that the input and speaker signage is written both ways up to facilitate reading from the top when setting up.
This amplifier is a favourite and wont be leaving in a hurry....now where can I set up another McLaren system?!