Integrated Amplifiers

Maybe it's a Scandinavian thing, but Copland founder and chief designer Olé Möller, previously with no less than Ortofon, has launched new models with cautious irregularity. The recently revamped website aims to boost awareness but, in almost 40 years, it has produced only 36 components. Among them were seven CD players and a cool DAC/headphone amp [HFN Aug '16], and while the company's devotees rate the Danish brand for its valve and hybrid amplification, it has previously offered a few all solid-state models, joined now by the CSA70.

Despite the lack of prolificacy, the back catalogue boasts more than its fair share of riches for such a dearth of models. My personal faves are based on user experience; thus I lust for assorted models, especially the CTA506 power amp [HFN Jun '12]. An early showcase for the KT120 tube, it married real power with unbelievable delicacy, a Copland stock-in-trade. Its 'grid-cooling' front panel, reminiscent of 1930s radios, lives on in the equally-retro CTA408 [HFN Apr '19], which uses KT150s. My choice as a future classic? The CTA401 integrated amp of 1990 – the CSA70's EL34-equipped great-grandpappy.