The I1 integrated amplifier is possibly the most complex project that CH Precision has ever undertaken – and the most versatile product we have ever produced. Imagine the core qualities and capabilities of the C1 DAC Controller and A1 Amplifier combined in a single box. Now throw in the choice parts of the L1 Line-stage and add the option of a P1 phono-stage, all combined in a single, standard CH chassis and you begin to get the picture.
The I1 is supplied in standard form equipped with four digital inputs (CH-Link HD, AES/EBU, S/PDIF and TosLink – although a second identical digital input board can be added in the spare chassis slot if you need the extra connections) one set of balanced and two pairs of single-ended analog inputs. The factory fitted Ethernet Control Board, which allows the unit to be remotely accessed, configured and controlled via the CH-Control Android App, can be replaced with a full network streaming capable Ethernet input and a separate, asynchronous USB input card can be added to enable connection of computer sources for file replay. The discrete, fully-complementary analog input boards can be fitted with additional internal circuit blocks that allow owners to convert either or both of the RCA analog inputs into current-sensing MC phono-inputs, complete with switchable replay EQ settings for RIAA, eRIAA, Decca, Columbia, EMI and Teldec (DGG) curves.
Finally, a Clock- Sync board allows you to slave the I1 to external master clocks, or designate its internal clock as the system master. Dominating the interior of the I1 chassis, you’ll find a massive 1000VA transformer that’s more than capable of supporting the 100 watt/channel into 8 Ohms rated output; in combination with the 100,000uF of reservoir capacitance it allows the output stage to handle awkward loudspeaker loads with ease.
Standard Inputs
- Factory fitted with CH-Link HD, AES/EBU, S/PDIF and TosLink digital inputs
- The CH-Link HD interface allows for synchronized transfer of high-definition audio content (up to 32bit/768kHz) and DSD, offering the ideal interconnection to the D1 CD/SACD Transport or other CH-Link HD equipped units
- Standard digital inputs accept PCM to 24bit/192kHz, DSD 1bit/2.822MHz (DSD64 DoP encoded)
- Ethernet Control Board (replaced by the network streaming board if ordered or retrofitted)
Optional Digital Inputs
- The I1 can accept two digital input boards, allowing multiple digital sources to be connected. The second board can be either another standard Digital Input Board or the USB Input Board
- Ethernet audio streaming input board, UPnP/DLNA compatible, allows connection to audio servers (NAS drives), streaming services or internet radio
- PCM to 24bit/192kHz (384kHz for uncompressed formats)
- DSD 1bit/2.8224MHz (DSD64), 5.6448MHz (DSD128) or 11.2896 MHz (DSD256)
- Native DSD and DoP
- WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, AAC and MP3 formats supported in PCM
- DSF and DFF formats supported in DSD
- Asynchronous USB audio input board – PCM to 24bit/384kHz, DSD 1bit/5.6448MHz (DSD128 DoP encoded)
Digital to Analog Conversion
- Individual Multi-bit Delta-Sigma converters for each channel
- Fully complementary, dual mono symmetrical circuit topology
- Discrete dedicated, shunt topology regulated linear power supplies for low noise and maximum channel separation
Processing And Clocking
- Proprietary CH-PEtER synchronous data over-sampling processing to DXD sample rate
- Resolution enhancement of audio material recorded at less than 24bits
- Two ultra-low jitter VCXO oscillators, one per time domain
- Optional master/slave Clock-Sync board allows synchronization with external clocks or when used with the D1 CD/SACD transport
- Clock-Sync board also allows use of the T1 10MHz Time Reference clock
Display
- 480 x 272 pixel, 24bit RGB AMOLED
- 15 standard, user-selectable text colours
- User definable RGB option for text colour
Remote Control Options
- Infrared Remote Control handset for basic functions
- Ethernet-based CH-Control Android App
