The AX10's baby brothers

Throughout the AX10's development a number of more affordable derivatives have been designed, though not as well spec'd they still have to impress to warrant MONITOR status.

D2011 2002-2003

Launched in late 2002, this was the first venture in down-scaling the AX10 for less critical listening environments. At a third of the price of it's big brother the feature set was reduced (no video conversion and a 5-band MCACC) and power rating was down to 100 Watts. The audio performance was kept as high as possible setting new mid-range standards. The most noticeable sonic difference was the overall loss of sound pressure that was a consequence of dropping the power, but it was still capable of going loud enough. The treble and mid remained clean and open, the sound stage was accurate and involving.

AX5i 2003-2004

A year later the first truely scaled down AX10 was launched, the AX5. It had less power, at 100 Watts but used the same MOSFET output devices as the AX10Ai. The MCACC was just 5-band but it gained i.Link, a USB input and component video switching (no converting). This amp sounded fantastic, much better than it's predecessor. With a lower rated power supply the bass didn't go quite as far as the AX10Ai but it was well controlled with clean and open treble. Another award winner!

AX3

A scaled-down AX5i with fewer inputs (no i.link, USB or component). Despite a different chassis and power supply it used the same AX10 output devices. Sounded great and got good reviews.

AX5Ai 2004-2005

With the AX10Ai still leading the field and other manufacturers playing catch-up, the AX5i was tweaked for 2004. Upgrading the power supply delivered 160 Watts in stereo (120 Watts in surround). The chassis was beefed up and TAOC supplied a set of cast iron feet. This resulted in better bass extension and control, cleaner treble and better imaging. It got the Advanced MCACC from the AX10A but only had a 5-band equaliser. The i.link was upgraded and video convertors added. A great sounding amplifier that was less than half the price of an AX10Ai.

AX4AVi 2006...

Following the AX5Ai was a tall audio. The new AX4AVi has two switchable HDMI inputs, i.Link with PQLS jitter-free circuit, iPod interface and WMA9Pro decoding. It's Advanced MCACC (9-band at last) is the first in the world to feature Standing Wave Control. The iPod interface allows on screen navigation via remote control. A new 'Phase Control' feature corrects timing errors inherent in the LFE (sub) path, this tightens up the bass response of movies and multi-channel music.

A power supply redesign has increased the output to 180 Watts per channel yet has lost none of the imaging or clarity of the AX5Ai.

AX2AVi 2006...

Replacing the AX3 this is a down-rated AX4AVi. At 170 Watts it has only sightly less power, no i.link or USB but retains all the other inputs and features. Exceptional value for money.

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