{"id":3751,"date":"2025-08-09T16:01:22","date_gmt":"2025-08-09T14:01:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/?p=3751"},"modified":"2025-05-02T16:11:11","modified_gmt":"2025-05-02T14:11:11","slug":"engstrom-arne-an-exceptional-amplifier","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/tests\/types\/amplifier\/engstrom-arne-an-exceptional-amplifier\/","title":{"rendered":"ENGSTROM Arne: An Exceptional Amplifier"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Engstrom has set itself the mission of rediscovering the softness and serenity of the best tube amplifiers. To achieve this, the small Swedish family business set up in 2008 drew its inspiration from radio cabinets and the electronics that went into them in the 1960s and 1970s. This specificity gives this tube amplifier a rather surprising and spectacular design, which immediately sets it apart from the competition – just like its behaviour. What’s more, the Engstrom Arne will delight fans of the famous 300B tube and the exceptional musicality for which it is renowned.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To preserve the smallest details of the sound signal and allow it to express itself fully, Engstrom has chosen to offer the Arne a symmetrical architecture combined with an amplification chain with no feedback. While the configuration of the power stages determines the final temperament of an amplifier, the upstream signal processing, and therefore the preamplification sections, play a fundamental role and have a considerable impact on its behaviour. The same applies to the driver stages, whose job is to drive the output tube push-pulls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another vital element is the power supply. Its mission is not limited to supplying energy to the various sections in all circumstances, and in particular during the current surges associated with the most pronounced bursts of dynamic range. The voltages delivered to the various stages must be stable, clean and not interact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"engstrom<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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To create the Engstrom Arne’s input stage, Engstrom used two Siemens D3a pentodes, connected as triodes on each channel. They are fed symmetrically from negative and positive voltages. The signal is applied via an input transformer that balances it, whether it comes from a balanced input on an XLR socket or an unbalanced input on an RCA socket. The signal then passes through a 48-step Khozmo resistor attenuator, which acts as a volume control. Finally, it goes to the driver stages of the 300B. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This section has been completely redesigned. Entirely rethought, it has an even better controlled distortion rate and ensures more efficient control of the 300Bs. Output transformers, based on a silicon\/iron \u2018C\u2019 core architecture, provide the final impedance matching required to drive conventional 4 or 8 ohm loudspeakers. All these amplification sections work in a perfectly linear fashion, so there is no need for any feedback device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we said, Engstrom has taken particular care with the amplifier’s power supply so that these 300B-based stages can express their full potential. It is divided into two sections, each based on a huge toroidal transformer. The first powers the preamplifier section and driver stage, while the second powers the 300B push-pulls. In addition to high-value capacitors, the filtering of these power supplies uses Lundahl chokes to perfectly smooth the voltages applied to the amplifier and driver stages as well as to the power push-pull. Note that in order to deliver 20 W at 8 ohms and 30 W at 4 ohms, the 300Bs are supplied with 400 V plate voltage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, for absolute purity of reproduction, their filament is fed continuously. These tubes are therefore pushed to the limit. These values should therefore be taken into account when changing 300Bs to assess the impact that each brand can have on the final reproduction.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As far as connectivity is concerned, the Arne remains fairly conventional. On the input side, there are two pairs of XLR and RCA sockets for problem-free connection to analogue sources, in both balanced and unbalanced modes. The same applies to the outputs. There are two pairs of WBT terminals, capable of accepting banana plugs, forks or even large cross-section cables directly. All these connectors are of very high quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the Engstr\u00f6m Arne has a finish that may come as a surprise. Its rather imposing cabinet has an asymmetrical shape. While most of the chassis remains fairly conventional, the upper part of the cabinet is made up of a glass section that protects the four 300Bs and the four input triodes while allowing the user to admire them. A succession of curves and linear zones, this unusual design confirms Arne’s desire to assert its personality and make a clean break with tradition. What’s more, because Engstr\u00f6m produces its products by hand, it can offer a vast range of finishes and even the option of personalising them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"engstrom<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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The set up<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In terms of size, this amplifier has all the superlatives. It’s wide, it’s deep, it’s high, it’s heavy and it heats up. In short, it needs to be placed on top of a piece of furniture, or better still, on a freestanding shelf where it can stand alone. The support must be stable and rigid, because we are dealing with tube electronics. And tubes mean microphonic effect. The stand must therefore be capable of filtering out vibrations as much as possible to ensure that the device operates in the best possible conditions. As far as the cables are concerned, we didn’t feel there were any particular contraindications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The only thing we have to insist on is the quality of the mains cable. And above all, the quality of the associated sources. It’s vital to provide this amp with the best possible sources, both analogue and digital. Finally, when it comes to loudspeakers, please refer to the last paragraph in the listening section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The sound of the Engstrom Arne<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you read its technical specifications alone, this amplifier is far too expensive. On the other hand, if you take the time to install it properly and listen to it in an environment that suits it best, it’s impossible not to fall deeply under its spell. And why is that? I can only try to give you some of the answers. Because his power of seduction goes beyond words. And in all sincerity, in a society in which everything is planned, thought out and calculated, it does a world of good… The very first sensation that spontaneously springs to mind is that of presence, and more particularly the sensation that the musicians are there! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the system warm-up and adjustment period, I often leave the auditorium with the sound at a realistic level. Then I go about my business. You’ve probably already done this test of listening to a system while being in the room next door. It’s very interesting, especially when you’re using acoustic messages with little or no processing. In this case, I had Ahmad Jamal’s Marseille album playing on a loop. And at one point, I really had the impression that musicians had moved into the room. It was unsettling. That’s how I wanted to refer to presence, in the sense of being there as the Anglo-Saxons say. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only does the Arne offer us an unprecedented vision of the density of timbres, but it also couples this value with a completely unaccustomed impression of binding. The recorded music flows uninterrupted, with an admirably orchestrated sequence of notes and impeccable transitions. In yoga, it is said that the sequence of postures is just as important as the quality of the postures themselves. The Engstrom family must often indulge in this discipline to have succeeded in developing a machine that makes recorded music so very human. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listening to your records with this amplifier allows you to experience sonic beauty in its purest form, and of course with both ears. But how does sonic beauty manifest itself so that we can be swept up in its magic? Here, it’s through variety and naturalness. Beauty for beauty’s sake is a rather sterile notion. Engstrom understands this perfectly. In fact, it’s the simplest, purest messages that give themselves up to us with the greatest reluctance and difficulty. It’s impossible to cheat with a purely acoustic piece, a human voice, a piano alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There’s something very special about the way the voices materialise through the Arne amplifier. Once again, it’s all about the binding. It’s reminiscent of the lingering aromas you experience when tasting a wine. With Arne, the notes are stretched out, prolonged and savoured. Time seems almost suspended, because the way we experience music is completely different. Our attention is no longer focused on conventional criteria, because the machine forces us to reconsider the way we listen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before concluding, I think it’s important to talk briefly about the marriage between the Arne and various loudspeakers. We carried out most of our tests with two pairs of speakers, the T&T Nel Extr\u00eame and the ZU Soul VUreplica. In both cases, the pairing was extremely satisfying and allowed us to explore two very distinct worlds. And although, on paper, the T&Ts are superior to the ZUs, it was with the latter that the pairing was the most complementary. This is certainly due to the absence of filtering, the 100dB efficiency, and the large paper full-range driver. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also had the opportunity to listen to this amp with the excellent Living Voice, a pairing we fully endorsed. But one of our acquaintances had a remarkable match with Wilson loudspeakers. You will understand that, despite appearances, this amplifier is particularly universal. The success of the marriage will depend on your tastes and, of course, on thorough optimisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"engstrom<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Our conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It’s rare to have such unforgettable encounters. We spent many hours of musical bliss with the Enstrom Arne. It’s the kind of machine that takes you completely out of your everyday life, that makes you forget time to capture you in the present and put you in close relationship, intimacy I should say, with your precious recordings. In all sincerity, there’s not much more to say. We sincerely hope that you will have the opportunity to listen to this machine and realise just how much energy and clever stratagem its creators have deployed to achieve such an admirable result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Author<\/strong>: Laurent Thorin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technical sheet: Engstrom Arne<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Origin<\/strong>: Sweden<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Price <\/strong>: \u20ac33,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Dimensions <\/strong>: 80 x 320 x 450 mm<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Weight <\/strong>: 38 kg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Output power<\/strong>: 30 W<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Harmonic distortion <\/strong>: 1 % at 30 W<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Frequency response<\/strong>: 10 Hz to 40 kHz +\/- 1 dB<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Gain<\/strong>: 20 dB<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Sensitivity<\/strong>: 1 V for 30 W output @ 5 \u03a9 load<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Noise<\/strong>: 90 dB at full output voltage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • THD (at 70 kHz)<\/strong>: 100 Hz – 10 kHz – 20 W less than 0.5 %.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Input impedance <\/strong>: 12 k\u03a9<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Output impedance <\/strong>: 5 \u03a9<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Engstrom has set itself the mission of rediscovering the softness and serenity of the best tube amplifiers. To achieve this, the small Swedish family business set up in 2008 drew its inspiration from radio cabinets and the electronics that went into them in the 1960s and 1970s. This specificity gives this tube amplifier a rather surprising and spectacular design, which immediately sets it apart from the competition – just like its behaviour. What’s more, the Engstrom Arne will delight fans of the famous 300B tube and the exceptional musicality for which it is renowned.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3752,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[25,124,37,35,38],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3751","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-amplifier","category-engstrom","category-manufacturer","category-tests","category-types"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3751","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3751"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3751\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4285,"href":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3751\/revisions\/4285"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3752"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3751"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3751"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vumetre.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3751"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}