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<p><strong><a rel="attachment wp-att-12158" href="http://www.tonepublications.com/review/exposure-3010s2-monoblock-amplifiers/attachment/1-81/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12158" title="1" src="http://www.tonepublications.com/media/198.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="449" /></a>Exposure espouses a simple tenet: Produce high-quality hi-fi gear at very reasonable price. Still made by hand in the UK, the manufacturer puts all the value into the sound quality. Users wanting elaborate casework or billet remote controls should look elsewhere. But if an understated look with excellent performance is your game, tune in to Exposure.</strong></p>
<p>Much like Naim, Linn, or Rega products, a complete system gives the full perspective on the Exposure sound. What began as a review of monoblock amplifiers quickly morphed into a full system review. We will touch on the other products in the Exposure 3012S2 lineup, but concentrate on the monoblocks.</p>
<p>For the price-conscious, top-line 3010S2 components are priced as follows:* The full-function preamplifier retails for $2,395 without phonostage (MM or MC cards available at $495 each); the CD player runs $1,595; and the monoblocks $2,895 a pair. All components are available in silver or black.</p>
<p><strong>Family Affair</strong></p>
<p>My first exposure to the 3012S2 components happened at Executive Stereo in Toronto, where they were featured with a pair of Harbeth Compact 7ES-3 speakers. As the Compact 7s are one of our reference speakers, it was easy to get into the groove despite the unfamiliar location. The current Compact 7 is chameleon-like, and when fed with a low-power amplifier tends to be more of a wallflower. Yet when a high-power, high-current amplifier like the Exposure is part of the equation, the Harbeth rocks.</p>
<p>With <em>TONEAudio</em>’s Room Two now completed, and tailored to smaller speakers, the Harbeths were the perfect place to begin listening. I also used the Exposure stack with the Dynaudio Confidence C1 II and Penaudio Cenyas. The matching Exposure preamp and CD player rounded out the system for most of my listening sessions. A few variations on the theme later revealed that, while system synergy is high, these components work well with other brands.</p>
<p><strong>Double Exposure</strong></p>
<p>As hard as it is to believe, less than $3,000 gets you a pair of 100-watt mono amplifiers that use discrete components. Indeed, the 3012S2s are marvels of cost-conscious engineering.</p>
<p>Imaging is a major strong point of monoblock amplifiers, and it’s no different here. Thanks to the physically separated chassis, signal separation is maximized and the Exposure monos a delight. Me’Shell Ngedeocello’s classic <em>Plantation Lullabies </em>proves revelatory. This record features some of the best deep bass grooves the 90s have to offer, as well as a massive soundscape.* The first few cuts instantly disclose massive grip without sacrificing pace, and the monoblocks sail through Ngedeocello’s complex bass lines. The opening bass riffs on “Call Me” are positively crushing through the Cenyas—so much so, they suggest a subwoofer lurks in the area. Small monitors and British amplification: a slice of hi-fi heaven.</p>
<p><strong><a rel="attachment wp-att-12160" href="http://www.tonepublications.com/review/exposure-3010s2-monoblock-amplifiers/attachment/2-79/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12160" title="2" src="http://www.tonepublications.com/media/291.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="371" /></a>Power Rules</strong></p>
<p>All of the small speakers at our disposal have a sensitivity rating of 84-86db. They all sound okay with a classic 15-watt Naim Nait amplifier, and definitely become more interesting with the new Rega Brio-R’s 50 watts per channel (or 30 watts of tube power). However, 100 watts per channel makes the game even more interesting.* Little speakers often passed off as “polite” light up via the Exposure monos.</p>
<p>There’s no mistaking these amplifiers for having valves, but the sound is ever so slightly relaxed for solid-state—an enticing balance of pleasant albeit resolving qualities usually reserved for much more expensive solid-state gear. James Taylor’s <em>Sweet Baby James </em>(Audio Fidelity’s current remaster) comes alive through the full quartet of Exposure gear. Taylor’s voice claims lavish body and decay, staying firmly in its own space as the resonance of his acoustic guitar takes over the soundstage, extending well beyond the speakers.</p>
<p>Best of all, 100Wpc opens the doors to big speakers as well. Pairing the Exposure units with B&W 802 Diamonds simply rocks. Going through some 70s guitar-heavy favorites, and cranking up Robin Trower, Pat Travers, and Rory Gallagher, will convince even the harshest skeptic that Exposure deserves an audition. Fed by my newly rebuilt Studer B67 (to avoid acoustic feedback at high volume in a small room), spinning needle-drops via the AVID Acutus/TriPlanar/Lyra Atlas combination pushes the Exposure stack as hard as possible. After a solid hour of maximum rock, the amplifiers are still barely warm to the touch.</p>
<p>These monoblocks also make for a fantastic combination with a pair of Vandersteen 2CE Signatures that, at 86db, usually need more giddy-up than the average integrated can muster. The Vandersteen/Exposure combination is very dynamic, as the amplifiers take firm control in the bass region. And the ‘Steens are capable of getting down pretty low—provided the amplifier possesses enough control. The S2s did not disappoint. Playing Kruder and Dorfmeister’s “Bug Powder Dust” moves plenty of air and results in a visceral experience.</p>
<p>It just wouldn’t be an audiophile review without female vocal tracks, right?* Patti Smith’s latest, <em>Banga, </em>sees the icon back in fine form, her laden voice as heavy and penetrating as ever. Smith’s rendition of Neil Young’s “After the Gold Rush” is haunting, especially in comparison to the original. As made transparent on this track, inner detail is another field in which the Exposure amps excel. Regardless of your favorite vocalists, these amplifiers have enough tonal contrast and body to convince you they cost more than the price on the tag.</p>
<p>Plugging the Exposure stack in to the $110,000 pair of Peak Consult Kepheus speakers shows off the former gear’s true capabilities. They even have no problems driving the Magnepan 1.7s.</p>
<p>So, let’s review: Great imaging? Check. Rock-solid bass and dynamics? Check.* The only thing the Exposure monoblocks leave on the table in comparison to big-bucks amps is a smaller helping of image depth and ultra-fine detail. When judged within the $3,000-$4,000 range, they are at the top of their class.</p>
<p><strong>The Rest of the Chain</strong></p>
<p>Exposure’s matching CD player and preamplifier are worthy additions to the system, and well on par with similarly priced components. But the monoblocks are the real overachievers.</p>
<p>The preamplifier is straightforward, with basic volume control and selector switch. All inputs and outputs are RCA. A look under the hood reveals a basic power supply and op amp layout, with connectors for adding either a MM or MC phonostage. To their credit, the $495 phono cards utilize fully discrete designs. Kudos to Exposure for offering the board as an option; listeners uninterested in vinyl can spend the money elsewhere.</p>
<p>Playing LPs via a mid-80s Linn LP-12 with Shure V15vxmr cartridge and Rega RP6/Exact combination jives wonderfully with the onboard phono section. As you might expect, this solid-state phonostage is extremely quiet and dynamic. It resolves enough detail to get you hooked on analog. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Bottom line, the 3010S2 preamplifier gets out of the way of the music in terms of adding coloration or distortion. Isn’t that what a good preamplifier should do?</p>
<p>The matching Exposure CD player keeps the same design and performance ethos as its sister components. Its uncluttered, no-frills approach doesn’t hint at the performance lurking under the hood. Actually, I’m most impressed at what this player does not<em> </em>do. It is very free of grain and digital artifacts. Tonally, it’s right smack in the middle of the comparably priced Naim and Rega players; not quite as warm and forgiving as the Rega, not quite as forward as the Naim. This is a CD player that you can listen to for hours on end without fatigue.</p>
<p><strong><a rel="attachment wp-att-12165" href="http://www.tonepublications.com/review/exposure-3010s2-monoblock-amplifiers/attachment/3-66/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12165" title="3" src="http://www.tonepublications.com/media/379.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="445" /></a>Visiting a Different Neighborhood</strong></p>
<p>Revisiting the James Taylor disc with my recently rebuilt CJ PV-12 (sporting a full complement of CJD Teflon capacitors) reveals more depth and midrange texture, with a smoother top end than the Exposure pre. I admit reviewer bias, and ‘fess up that I’m a huge fan of a tube preamplifier combined with a solid-state power amplifier, taking advantage of the strengths of both topologies.</p>
<p>The Exposure amp and preamp provide wonderful tonal accuracy and dynamic attack, but adding a tube amp to these monoblocks really has me freaking out. In a good way. Janis Joplin’s singing on “To Love Somebody” jumps out from between the speakers, capturing her voice from the lowest breath to the loudest scream with ease, all the while her band stays firmly locked in place.</p>
<p><strong>Fantastic Value and Performance</strong></p>
<p>All told, the whole stack comes in just under $7,000, and provides serious performance. Add your favorite speakers (and maybe a turntable) to complete a reasonably priced, high-performance music system. While the individual components all excel in their own right, the combination is tough to beat for a music lover that wants to get off the upgrade train and just get down to enjoying their music collection.</p>
<p>Yes, it’s easy to see how these amplifiers could become cult classics. They easily reveal what is placed in front of them and deliver a level of performance well beyond their price.* The very definition of what qualifies for a 2012 Exceptional Value Award.</p>
<p><strong>Exposure 3010S2 monoblock amplifiers</strong></p>
<p>MSRP:* $2,895/pair</p>
<p><a href="http://www.exposurehifi.com">www.exposurehifi.com</a> (factory)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bluebirdmusic.com">www.bluebirdmusic.com</a> (NA distributor)</p>
<p>Peripherals</p>
<table width="100%" align="left" class="easy-table easy-table-default "><tbody readability="3.5"><tr readability="2"><td>Analog Source</td>
<td>Rega RP6 * *Exact cart * *Linn LP-12 * *Shure V15mvxr cart</td>
</tr><tr><td>Digital Source</td>
<td>Sooloos Control 15</td>
</tr><tr readability="3"><td>Speakers</td>
<td>Vandersteen 2 CE Signature * *Harbeth Compact 7 – 3ES * *Dynaudio Conficence C1 II * *Penaudio Cenya * *GamuT S9 * *Peak Consult Kepheus</td>
</tr><tr><td>Cable</td>
<td>Cardas Clear</td>
</tr><tr><td>Power</td>
<td>Running Springs Haley</td>
</tr><tr readability="2"><td>Accessories</td>
<td>GIK room treatments * *Furutech DeMag and DeStat</td>
</tr></tbody></table>
[Source: http://www.tonepublications.com/review/exposure-3010s2-monoblock-amplifiers/]
<p>Much like Naim, Linn, or Rega products, a complete system gives the full perspective on the Exposure sound. What began as a review of monoblock amplifiers quickly morphed into a full system review. We will touch on the other products in the Exposure 3012S2 lineup, but concentrate on the monoblocks.</p>
<p>For the price-conscious, top-line 3010S2 components are priced as follows:* The full-function preamplifier retails for $2,395 without phonostage (MM or MC cards available at $495 each); the CD player runs $1,595; and the monoblocks $2,895 a pair. All components are available in silver or black.</p>
<p><strong>Family Affair</strong></p>
<p>My first exposure to the 3012S2 components happened at Executive Stereo in Toronto, where they were featured with a pair of Harbeth Compact 7ES-3 speakers. As the Compact 7s are one of our reference speakers, it was easy to get into the groove despite the unfamiliar location. The current Compact 7 is chameleon-like, and when fed with a low-power amplifier tends to be more of a wallflower. Yet when a high-power, high-current amplifier like the Exposure is part of the equation, the Harbeth rocks.</p>
<p>With <em>TONEAudio</em>’s Room Two now completed, and tailored to smaller speakers, the Harbeths were the perfect place to begin listening. I also used the Exposure stack with the Dynaudio Confidence C1 II and Penaudio Cenyas. The matching Exposure preamp and CD player rounded out the system for most of my listening sessions. A few variations on the theme later revealed that, while system synergy is high, these components work well with other brands.</p>
<p><strong>Double Exposure</strong></p>
<p>As hard as it is to believe, less than $3,000 gets you a pair of 100-watt mono amplifiers that use discrete components. Indeed, the 3012S2s are marvels of cost-conscious engineering.</p>
<p>Imaging is a major strong point of monoblock amplifiers, and it’s no different here. Thanks to the physically separated chassis, signal separation is maximized and the Exposure monos a delight. Me’Shell Ngedeocello’s classic <em>Plantation Lullabies </em>proves revelatory. This record features some of the best deep bass grooves the 90s have to offer, as well as a massive soundscape.* The first few cuts instantly disclose massive grip without sacrificing pace, and the monoblocks sail through Ngedeocello’s complex bass lines. The opening bass riffs on “Call Me” are positively crushing through the Cenyas—so much so, they suggest a subwoofer lurks in the area. Small monitors and British amplification: a slice of hi-fi heaven.</p>
<p><strong><a rel="attachment wp-att-12160" href="http://www.tonepublications.com/review/exposure-3010s2-monoblock-amplifiers/attachment/2-79/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12160" title="2" src="http://www.tonepublications.com/media/291.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="371" /></a>Power Rules</strong></p>
<p>All of the small speakers at our disposal have a sensitivity rating of 84-86db. They all sound okay with a classic 15-watt Naim Nait amplifier, and definitely become more interesting with the new Rega Brio-R’s 50 watts per channel (or 30 watts of tube power). However, 100 watts per channel makes the game even more interesting.* Little speakers often passed off as “polite” light up via the Exposure monos.</p>
<p>There’s no mistaking these amplifiers for having valves, but the sound is ever so slightly relaxed for solid-state—an enticing balance of pleasant albeit resolving qualities usually reserved for much more expensive solid-state gear. James Taylor’s <em>Sweet Baby James </em>(Audio Fidelity’s current remaster) comes alive through the full quartet of Exposure gear. Taylor’s voice claims lavish body and decay, staying firmly in its own space as the resonance of his acoustic guitar takes over the soundstage, extending well beyond the speakers.</p>
<p>Best of all, 100Wpc opens the doors to big speakers as well. Pairing the Exposure units with B&W 802 Diamonds simply rocks. Going through some 70s guitar-heavy favorites, and cranking up Robin Trower, Pat Travers, and Rory Gallagher, will convince even the harshest skeptic that Exposure deserves an audition. Fed by my newly rebuilt Studer B67 (to avoid acoustic feedback at high volume in a small room), spinning needle-drops via the AVID Acutus/TriPlanar/Lyra Atlas combination pushes the Exposure stack as hard as possible. After a solid hour of maximum rock, the amplifiers are still barely warm to the touch.</p>
<p>These monoblocks also make for a fantastic combination with a pair of Vandersteen 2CE Signatures that, at 86db, usually need more giddy-up than the average integrated can muster. The Vandersteen/Exposure combination is very dynamic, as the amplifiers take firm control in the bass region. And the ‘Steens are capable of getting down pretty low—provided the amplifier possesses enough control. The S2s did not disappoint. Playing Kruder and Dorfmeister’s “Bug Powder Dust” moves plenty of air and results in a visceral experience.</p>
<p>It just wouldn’t be an audiophile review without female vocal tracks, right?* Patti Smith’s latest, <em>Banga, </em>sees the icon back in fine form, her laden voice as heavy and penetrating as ever. Smith’s rendition of Neil Young’s “After the Gold Rush” is haunting, especially in comparison to the original. As made transparent on this track, inner detail is another field in which the Exposure amps excel. Regardless of your favorite vocalists, these amplifiers have enough tonal contrast and body to convince you they cost more than the price on the tag.</p>
<p>Plugging the Exposure stack in to the $110,000 pair of Peak Consult Kepheus speakers shows off the former gear’s true capabilities. They even have no problems driving the Magnepan 1.7s.</p>
<p>So, let’s review: Great imaging? Check. Rock-solid bass and dynamics? Check.* The only thing the Exposure monoblocks leave on the table in comparison to big-bucks amps is a smaller helping of image depth and ultra-fine detail. When judged within the $3,000-$4,000 range, they are at the top of their class.</p>
<p><strong>The Rest of the Chain</strong></p>
<p>Exposure’s matching CD player and preamplifier are worthy additions to the system, and well on par with similarly priced components. But the monoblocks are the real overachievers.</p>
<p>The preamplifier is straightforward, with basic volume control and selector switch. All inputs and outputs are RCA. A look under the hood reveals a basic power supply and op amp layout, with connectors for adding either a MM or MC phonostage. To their credit, the $495 phono cards utilize fully discrete designs. Kudos to Exposure for offering the board as an option; listeners uninterested in vinyl can spend the money elsewhere.</p>
<p>Playing LPs via a mid-80s Linn LP-12 with Shure V15vxmr cartridge and Rega RP6/Exact combination jives wonderfully with the onboard phono section. As you might expect, this solid-state phonostage is extremely quiet and dynamic. It resolves enough detail to get you hooked on analog. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Bottom line, the 3010S2 preamplifier gets out of the way of the music in terms of adding coloration or distortion. Isn’t that what a good preamplifier should do?</p>
<p>The matching Exposure CD player keeps the same design and performance ethos as its sister components. Its uncluttered, no-frills approach doesn’t hint at the performance lurking under the hood. Actually, I’m most impressed at what this player does not<em> </em>do. It is very free of grain and digital artifacts. Tonally, it’s right smack in the middle of the comparably priced Naim and Rega players; not quite as warm and forgiving as the Rega, not quite as forward as the Naim. This is a CD player that you can listen to for hours on end without fatigue.</p>
<p><strong><a rel="attachment wp-att-12165" href="http://www.tonepublications.com/review/exposure-3010s2-monoblock-amplifiers/attachment/3-66/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12165" title="3" src="http://www.tonepublications.com/media/379.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="445" /></a>Visiting a Different Neighborhood</strong></p>
<p>Revisiting the James Taylor disc with my recently rebuilt CJ PV-12 (sporting a full complement of CJD Teflon capacitors) reveals more depth and midrange texture, with a smoother top end than the Exposure pre. I admit reviewer bias, and ‘fess up that I’m a huge fan of a tube preamplifier combined with a solid-state power amplifier, taking advantage of the strengths of both topologies.</p>
<p>The Exposure amp and preamp provide wonderful tonal accuracy and dynamic attack, but adding a tube amp to these monoblocks really has me freaking out. In a good way. Janis Joplin’s singing on “To Love Somebody” jumps out from between the speakers, capturing her voice from the lowest breath to the loudest scream with ease, all the while her band stays firmly locked in place.</p>
<p><strong>Fantastic Value and Performance</strong></p>
<p>All told, the whole stack comes in just under $7,000, and provides serious performance. Add your favorite speakers (and maybe a turntable) to complete a reasonably priced, high-performance music system. While the individual components all excel in their own right, the combination is tough to beat for a music lover that wants to get off the upgrade train and just get down to enjoying their music collection.</p>
<p>Yes, it’s easy to see how these amplifiers could become cult classics. They easily reveal what is placed in front of them and deliver a level of performance well beyond their price.* The very definition of what qualifies for a 2012 Exceptional Value Award.</p>
<p><strong>Exposure 3010S2 monoblock amplifiers</strong></p>
<p>MSRP:* $2,895/pair</p>
<p><a href="http://www.exposurehifi.com">www.exposurehifi.com</a> (factory)</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bluebirdmusic.com">www.bluebirdmusic.com</a> (NA distributor)</p>
<p>Peripherals</p>
<table width="100%" align="left" class="easy-table easy-table-default "><tbody readability="3.5"><tr readability="2"><td>Analog Source</td>
<td>Rega RP6 * *Exact cart * *Linn LP-12 * *Shure V15mvxr cart</td>
</tr><tr><td>Digital Source</td>
<td>Sooloos Control 15</td>
</tr><tr readability="3"><td>Speakers</td>
<td>Vandersteen 2 CE Signature * *Harbeth Compact 7 – 3ES * *Dynaudio Conficence C1 II * *Penaudio Cenya * *GamuT S9 * *Peak Consult Kepheus</td>
</tr><tr><td>Cable</td>
<td>Cardas Clear</td>
</tr><tr><td>Power</td>
<td>Running Springs Haley</td>
</tr><tr readability="2"><td>Accessories</td>
<td>GIK room treatments * *Furutech DeMag and DeStat</td>
</tr></tbody></table>
[Source: http://www.tonepublications.com/review/exposure-3010s2-monoblock-amplifiers/]