Brian Powell Audio

Crimson Elektrik 600 Series Amplifiers

Introduced 1982

Models were:-

610 preamplifier with MC option

620 Stereo amplifier 2 x 40W

630 Mono Amplifier 1 x 75W

640 Mono 1 x 130W was added by Virtual Reality in 1999.

These amplifiers were reviewed in 2002 by the German HiFi Magazine Image Hi-Fi. They were so impressed that Crimson were awarded best product first place at a presentation later in 2002.

610 2x 630 system

Refurbished 1980s 610/2x 630

The older Crimson 600 had the more rounded corners to the aluminium extruded cover. These were usually grey powder coated but sometimes spray painted. The later Crimson have squarer corners and an anodised black finish.

These amplifiers thermally shutdown at a heatsink temperature of 70C. The heatsinks are adequate for most domestic conditions. Under some conditions extra cooling may be needed. A 100mm fan can be purchased to sit in front of the heatsink. These are powered by a 5V USB supply. Fan noise will be inaudible over music playing at that level.

Rebuilt 610/620

The combination below shows a 610 with an moving coil PCB. It has been converted from battery to mains PSU (visible left). The disc input has a rear switch for MM or MC. The MC input has the latest super low noise devices. The disc connects via 5 pin DIN socket. To the right is a gold plated converter to accept MC or MM phono sources. The volume control is now a motorised type which is operated by the small remote on the left. Almost every part is new including all gold plated phono sockets. The solid aluminium outer cases have been recoated in a light crackle semi-matt black. There are four selectable line inputs (via gold plated switches) and a gain option on the top switch also gold plated.

The 620 power amplifier has the latest surface mount component PCBs as well as speaker protection. There is a temperature controlled outlet for a fan for when its party time. New reservoir capacitors are fitted in the power supply. All signal connectors are gold plated.

As of 2024 only the 640 power amplifiers are in production (apart form the 880s). Contact Peter More via Crimson Products Limited (crimsonelectronics.com) to enquire about availability.