Audio Analogue Maestro Anniversary Integrated Amplifier with RR Volume Control, Black

The Audio Analogue Maestro Anniversary with RR volume control is an analogue stereo integrated amplifier with 150 W into 8 Ω, which sets level via relay-switched precision resistors instead of a potentiometer.

Technically it's the twin of the standard Maestro: same output stages, same power supply, same 31-kilo satin black chassis. All the extra effort goes into the one spot in the signal path that's most often underrated — the volume control.

Why the Maestro Anniversary with RR control?

Because every potentiometer is a compromise. It ages, it never tracks exactly the same in both channels, and sooner or later it starts to scratch. RR control replaces it with a chain of matched precision resistors switched in stages by relays — fully analogue, with no detour through a digital chip. Underneath, the unchanged Maestro base does the work: one toroidal transformer of around 600 VA per channel, 67,200 µF of filter capacitance, four transistor pairs per channel, no global feedback. 150 W into 8 Ω, 300 W into 4 Ω, 500 W into 2 Ω.

What you hear

Above all, a centre image that stays put. Because both channels are attenuated equally across the whole control range, the vocal no longer drifts slightly left or right as you turn it down. That's exactly where the difference is clearest — at room volume and below. Otherwise the Maestro recipe holds: roughly 100 dB signal-to-noise ratio, bandwidth up to 90 kHz, 0.2 Ω output impedance — a lot of control, not much fuss.

Who is the Maestro Anniversary with RR control for?

For listeners who already have their system dialled in and don't want to skimp on that last percent. Straight talk: if you mostly listen at the same volume and run solid mid-range speakers, you'll barely experience the difference from the standard Maestro as a revelation. And as with its sibling: no DAC, no streaming, no phono stage, no headphone output. You bring your own sources.

Our verdict

An upgrade for discerning listeners, not a decision of reason — and that's perfectly fine as long as you know it. Whether RR control really moves the needle in your living room depends on your speakers and your room. Tell us what you've got: 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: RR – purely analogue via relays and precision resistors, remote-controllable
• 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
• Internal wiring: 7N-OCC copper
• Standby consumption (230 V): 0.5 W
• Finishes: satin black, natural aluminium (silver)
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 450 × 168 × 550 mm
• Weight: 31 kg
• Included: integrated amplifier, aluminium remote control

Frequently asked questions

What does RR mean on the Maestro Anniversary?

RR stands for relay-switched resistor volume control. Instead of a potentiometer, precision resistors sit in the signal path, switched in stages by relays. The control stays fully analogue throughout — nothing converts to digital. You operate it via the rotary knob or the included aluminium remote control.

Does RR control sound different from a potentiometer?

Usually yes, if the rest of the chain reveals it. A potentiometer's resistance curve shifts over the years and never tracks perfectly between channels; switched precision resistors don't. This is most audible at very low levels and in how stable the centre image stays between the speakers.

Is the RR version more powerful than the standard Maestro?

No, the power output is identical: 150 W into 8 Ω, 300 W into 4 Ω, 500 W into 2 Ω. The power supply, output stages and chassis dimensions are the same too. The difference lies solely in the volume control. You only get more power with the Maestro Anniversary 2.0 and its 200 W.

Does the Maestro Anniversary RR have a headphone or preamp output?

No, neither. The Maestro Anniversary RR has neither a headphone output nor a preamp output — it's a pure integrated amplifier for speakers. Sources connect via three RCA and two XLR inputs. For headphones or an additional power amp, we'll plan the right extra unit for you.

Why buy the Maestro Anniversary with RR control from HD Zürisee?

Because we tell you up front whether RR control will actually show itself in your system — instead of simply selling you the more elaborate variant. As an authorised dealer, we take care of warranty, delivery and setup. Get in touch in Wädenswil at 044 680 22 00.

Goes well with

Fine level control only pays off with fine speakers: browse the floorstanding speakers, choose sources from All sources, or a streamer specifically. More amplifiers are under All amplifiers, the whole brand in the Audio Analogue collection.