Audio Innovations ALTO AM1

Smooth Operator of an Amplifier, another British Classic

This amplifier is simply wonderful, Audio Innovations really built something special here. Unfortunately these amps have a bad reputation for reliability but only because they have been abused or “fixed”.

To get the best out of this amp i changed all the known parts that cause issues, from matching transistors to replacing all the diodes, capacitors and potentiometers. The main filter capacitors were increased in size and the rectifying diodes were replaced with new vishay soft recovery types.

The input capacitors were changed to Russian PIO, an ALPS blue pot replaced the cheaper original item, a mains filter was installed. You have to hear this amp to believe it, i really enjoyed this amp. It’s smooth, controlled and not fatiguing to listen to, you can pick these amps for a song “cheap” and if you service and upgrade it you have an audiophile level amp for very little money.

Thanks to Toni for his assistance over whatsapp when things went wrong!