PS Audio Sprout100 Integrated Amplifier

As PS Audio’s newest, first-tier integrated amplifier, Sprout100 represents their vision of a simple, elegant means of playing music at home.
Sprout represents their vision of a simple, elegant means of playing music at home. They created it for those who want quality sound without the hassles that sometimes come with it. Sprout features a phono preamplifier for vinyl, a Bluetooth receiver for music streamed from smartphones, a high-quality hi-res DAC to handle anything stored on a computer, enough power for any speaker, and a headphone amp that drives even the toughest loads. Roughly the size of a large novel, Sprout100 is a source of music for those who want quality sound without the hassles that come with it.

Sprout is a simple, elegant source of music for those who want quality sound without the hassles that come with it. Sprout was designed by PS Audio’s Scott McGowan as an answer to the complexity and cost of Audiophile systems. Appealing to the eye and ear, solid and reassuring to the touch, Sprout’s ease of use makes it appealing and accessible to music lovers around the world. It features a phono preamplifier for vinyl, a Bluetooth receiver for music streamed from smartphones, a high-quality hi-res DAC to handle anything stored on a computer, enough power for any speaker, and a headphone amp that drives even the toughest loads.

Design

Designed to be compact and elegantly versatile, Sprout100 brings the content of yesterday to the technology of today. Sprout100 offers a maximum-resolution DAC, a variable subwoofer mono output, full RCA analogue in/out connectors, a world-class RIAA phono-stage, a z-feedback low-impedance headphone amplifier, and a universal internal power supply that allows you to take your new integrated amplifier abroad for maximum flexibility. Adorned with real walnut and machined aluminium knobs, every Sprout100 is unique.

Application

Sprout100’s ease of use makes it appealing and accessible to those who would find most audio gear intimidating. Sonically notable for its lucid spatial detail, acute tonal retrieval, and commanding noise immunity, Sprout100 is equipped to drive your loudspeakers and headphones better than ever. For those seeking a better, simpler way to play music in their home, Sprout100 will fill your living room, bedroom, or any room with enormous, live sound. Sprout100 provides quality without complication.

Inputs

To ensure the best possible vinyl reproduction, PS Audio’s engineers crafted a brand-new hybrid circuit design that incorporates a JFET input stage, aimed at reducing noise and increasing headroom, alongside a passive high-frequency RIAA circuit, facilitating extended and nuanced high-frequency response. Optimized for cutting-edge digital playback, Sprout100 also utilizes an ultra-high-resolution ESS Sabre DAC (9016) with USB-B input, accommodating resolutions up to PCM 384/24 and DSD128: ensuring bit-perfect playback for high-rez computer audio, video, and gaming applications. An optical (Toslink) input enables integration of a TV or other modern digital device with the new system. Bluetooth functionality provides versatility, convenience, and one-touch access to a plethora of content.

Power

Equipped with bleeding-edge ICEpower amplifier technology, the Sprout100 offers 100 watts per channel, with peaks of up to 135 watts per channel. Additionally, it features a built-in subwoofer output (mono RCA, variable), providing users with the flexibility to incorporate their preferred powered subwoofer for desired bass enhancement. Boasting one of the finest headphone amplifiers available, the Sprout100 upholds and reveres the integrity of the music through a low-impedance z-feedback circuit capable of driving virtually any pair of headphones with impeccable transient impulse response. Operating at an unprecedented slewing rate of 1,300 volts/microsecond, the Sprout100’s headphone amp delivers vivid spatial detail and precise tonal retrieval.

Features

  • FULL-FEATURED INTEGRATED AMP
  • 100 WATTS PER CHANNEL POWER AMP
  • DRIVES ANY SIZED LOUD SPEAKER
  • ALUMINUM REMOTE CONTROL
  • RCA ANALOG INPUTS
  • DAC SUPPORTS 384/24 OR DOUBLE RATE DSD
  • PASSIVE EQ MOVING MAGNET PHONO PREAMP
  • LOW OUTPUT HEADPHONE AMP
  • TOSLINK DIGITAL INPUT
  • USB INPUT
  • BUILT-IN BLUETOOTH RECEIVER
  • MANUAL INPUT SELECTOR
  • 32Ω: 500mW HEADPHONE OUTPUT
  • 300Ω: 125mW HEADPHONE OUTPUT
  • OPTIONAL BASS BOOST
  • SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO 100dB AT 4Ω
  • THD <0.01% (1W, 1kHz into 4 ohms)
  • INDICATOR LIGHT
  • 6ft REGIONAL POWER CORD
  • 4x BANANA ADAPTERS
  • 2x SPROUT DECALS
  • OWNER’S MANUAL
  • DIMENSIONS: 6.2″W x 8.2″L x 1.9″H

Specifications – Sprout100

Physical
Unit Weight 2.9 lbs [1.3 kg]
Unit Dimensions Width 6.2″, Height 1.9″, Depth 8.2″ (chassis only, not including knobs) or 9.2” (including connectors and knobs)
Shipping Weight 5lbs [2.2 kg]
Shipping Dimensions Width 10.5″, Height 5″, Depth 14″

Power requirements
Voltage Options 100-240 VAC, 50-60Hz, Auto-Detect
Power Consumption 280W Maximum
Mains Power Input IEC C14

Phono Audio Input
Connector 1 Stereo Pair, Phono RCA
Cartridge type Moving Magnet
Cartridge Output 3mV-10mV (5mV recommended)
Cartridge Loading 47KΩ (100pF)
EQ Type RIAA
Gain +40dB
S/N ratio >84dB A-weighted (analog output)

Analog Audio Inputs
Connector 1 Stereo Pair, Line Level RCA
Maximum Input level 2.1VRMS (+6.44dBV)
Input impedance 10KΩ

Analog Audio Output
Connector 1 Stereo Pair, Line Level RCA
Output level, maximum 3.0VRMS (+9.5dBV)
Output Max Gain (using Analog Inputs) 8.45dB
S/N ratio >105dB (3VRMS ref)
THD (Analog) <0.01% (1VRMS, 1KHz)

S/PDIF Digital Input
Connector Optical (Toslink)
Format PCM (96KHz max), 24 bits

USB Input
Connector USB “B” Type
Format PCM (384KHz max), 24 bits, DSD64 (DoP), DSD128 (DoP)
Transfer mode Asynchronous

Bluetooth
Antenna Built in
DAC Uses Sprout’s built-in asynchronous DAC over S/PDIF (ESS Sabre 9016 DAC)

Stereo Power Amplifier Output
8Ω loudspeakers connected 50 watts per channel, both channels driven
4Ω loudspeakers connected 100 watts per channel, both channels driven
THD (Speaker Output) <0.01% (1W, 1KHz into 4Ω)
Frequency Response +/- 1dB (1VRMS out, 20Hz – 20Khz into 4-8Ω)
Signal to Noise >100dB at max power into 4Ω

Headphone Output
32Ω headphones connected 500mW
300Ω headphones connected 125mW
THD <0.01% (1KHz, 50mW into 32 Ω)
Signal to Noise >105dB at max power into 300Ω