Audio Analogue Maestro Anniversary Integrated Amplifier, Black

The Audio Analogue Maestro Anniversary is a purely analogue stereo integrated amplifier, built in Italy, delivering 150 W into 8 Ω without global feedback.

Preamp and power amp sit in one chassis, built as a consistent dual-mono concept: separate power supplies, separate signal paths, a single large control knob on the front. No display fireworks, no app, no menus — instead, 31 kilos that command instant respect the moment you unpack it.

Why the Maestro Anniversary?

Because everything that stands in the signal's way has been consistently left out. Audio Analogue does without global feedback and without op-amps in the volume path; level runs via electronically switched resistor chains. Each channel gets its own toroidal transformer of around 600 VA, plus 67,200 µF of filter capacitance and four transistor pairs per channel. The result: 150 W into 8 Ω, 300 W into 4 Ω and 500 W into 2 Ω. So power dutifully doubles as impedance drops — that's exactly how you recognise a power supply built for more than the brochure.

What you hear

First of all, quiet. Around 100 dB signal-to-noise ratio and a noise level around 10 µV keep the background black, and the music stands out in front of it, free and well-sorted. Bandwidth reaches up to 90 kHz, output impedance sits at 0.2 Ω — bass is guided, not just pushed. What strikes you most is the composure: at room volume, the Maestro sounds just as assured as at levels the neighbours develop opinions about.

Who is the Maestro Anniversary for?

For anyone who already has their sources and wants an amplifier that doesn't dictate to them. Three RCA and two XLR inputs comfortably cover a classic stereo system. Straight talk: streaming, a DAC and phono aren't built in, and there's no headphone or preamp output either. If you want everything in one chassis, a streaming integrated amplifier is the better pick. And if you listen quietly in a small room, buying this mainly buys you reserves you'll never call on.

Our verdict

An amplifier with no hobbies: it amplifies, nothing else, and does so at a level you'd otherwise look for in two separate chassis. Whether your speakers even demand these 150 watts is something we can sort out on the phone faster than you can read the spec sheet. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil: 044 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Technical data

• Type: analogue stereo integrated amplifier, Class AB, dual-mono construction, no global feedback
• Output power: 150 W into 8 Ω / 300 W into 4 Ω / 500 W into 2 Ω (1% THD+N)
• Volume control: electronically switched resistor chains, no op-amps
• Inputs: 3 × RCA (unbalanced), 2 × XLR (balanced)
• Outputs: one pair of speaker terminals per channel
• Preamp output: not available
• Headphone output: not available
• Input impedance: 47 kΩ
• Maximum input level: 6 Vrms
• Sensitivity (rated power into 8 Ω): 720 mVrms
• Frequency response (−3 dB): up to 90 kHz
• Output impedance: 0.2 Ω (at 2 Ω / 1 kHz)
• Noise level (0 Hz–80 kHz / A-weighted): ≈20 µV / ≈10 µV
• Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted): ≈100 dB
• Power supply: one toroidal transformer of around 600 VA per channel, total filter capacitance 67,200 µF
• Output stage: four transistor pairs per channel
• Standby consumption (230 V): 0.5 W
• Finishes: natural aluminium (silver), satin black
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 450 × 168 × 550 mm
• Weight: 31 kg
• Included: integrated amplifier, aluminium remote control

Frequently asked questions

What inputs does the Maestro Anniversary have?

Five analogue high-level inputs: three unbalanced RCA inputs and two balanced XLR inputs. Digital inputs, a phono stage or a network connection are deliberately absent. Input impedance is 47 kΩ, maximum input level 6 Vrms — so practically all common sources work without level issues. If you need more connections, a switch box helps.

What does doing without global feedback achieve?

None of the output signal is fed back to the input for error correction. On paper this doesn't produce the most spectacular distortion figures, but it avoids the typical side effects of heavy feedback. In practice you hear a more relaxed, less nervous presentation, especially in complex passages and at high levels. Audio Analogue has built its amplifiers this way for years.

What's the difference to the Maestro Anniversary 2.0?

The 2.0 is the bigger step up: 200 instead of 150 W into 8 Ω, a fully balanced circuit, two toroidal transformers at 670 VA each, and RR volume control as standard. It weighs 47.5 instead of 31 kg. Both units are built dual-mono — so that particular point doesn't set them apart.

Can I connect headphones to the Maestro Anniversary?

No, the Maestro Anniversary has no headphone output. A preamp output for an additional power amp or an active subwoofer is also absent — the unit is consistently designed for driving speakers. For headphones you'd use a separate headphone amplifier; we'll tell you which one suits your headphones.

Why buy the Maestro Anniversary from HD Zürisee?

Because this amplifier falls short of its potential with the wrong speakers — and we'll tell you honestly which combination works. We're an authorised dealer, we deliver and install at your home, and our own technician Mauri remains your contact afterwards. Call us: 044 680 22 00.

Goes well with

This kind of power wants speakers that can do something with it: check out the floorstanding speakers, pick sources from All sources, and connect both with proper cables. The rest of the series is in the Audio Analogue collection.