Essence Class D Power Amplifier, Pascal UMAC, 2x250 W

Control Without Coloration.

The Pure Line Audio Essence Power Amplifier is a fanless Class D stereo power amplifier built around a Pascal Audio module with UMAC technology. After many experiments with different modules, this is the one we believe gets the most out of Class D.

Class D has improved enormously and in areas like bass control it has led for some time. Pascal modules are used by many high-end brands, for good reason. Paired with a great preamplifier, the Essence gives the most demanding speakers the control they need.

Class D, Done Properly

The Essence uses Pascal’s UMAC Class D design with a full-bandwidth PWM modulator and an advanced feedback loop taken directly at the speaker terminals. That keeps distortion ultra-low (below 0.05% THD+N) and delivers a damping factor above 1000 at 1 kHz, for firm, exact woofer control.

Our Own Input Buffer, XLR Input

We designed our own input buffer with a balanced XLR input. If your preamplifier, tube or otherwise, has RCA outputs, we also provide an XLR to RCA adaptor, so you can connect the Essence to almost any system.

Power Reserve and Efficiency

The Pascal UREC switch mode power supply is universal mains, with Power Factor Correction (PFC) and an integral standby converter. It is heavily oversized for this amplifier and delivers up to 1150 W maximum. In standby it draws just 0.35 W.

At 89% efficiency, very little energy is wasted as heat. That is why the Essence needs no fan, no ventilation tricks and no noisy cooling. The result is a compact, silent, solid aluminum chassis.

A Black Background

With a signal-to-noise ratio above 120 dB, the noise floor disappears. Micro-detail, air and spatial imaging emerge from silence, not from effort.

Key Features

• Pascal UMAC Class D with full-bandwidth PWM modulator.
• Feedback taken directly at the speaker terminals, with THD+N below 0.05%.
• Damping factor above 1000 at 1 kHz for tight, controlled bass.
• Pure Line Audio input buffer with XLR input, plus XLR to RCA adaptor.
• Pascal UREC universal mains supply with PFC and integral standby converter.
• 89% efficiency, completely fanless and silent.
• Signal-to-noise ratio above 120 dB.
• Full protection: short circuit, DC, under voltage, temperature and overload.
• Full aluminum chassis with thick front panel.
• Gold-plated connectors and XLR input.
• Furutech FI inlet IEC, 24k gold plated.

Technical Specifications

• Power Output: 2 x 250 W into 8 ohm / 2 x 500 W into 4 ohm / 2 x 750 W into 2 ohm
• Bridge Mode: 1000 W into 8 ohm
• Damping Factor: above 1000 at 1 kHz
• THD+N: below 0.05%
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: above 120 dB
• Gain: 24 dB
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz to 70 kHz (-3 dB)
• Input Impedance: 40 kohm
• Input: XLR, with XLR to RCA adaptor
• Power Supply: Pascal UREC universal mains SMPS with PFC and integral standby converter
• Power Supply Maximum Output: 1150 W
• Standby Consumption: 0.35 W
• Efficiency: 89%
• Protections: short circuit, DC, under voltage, temperature, overload
• Mains IEC: Viborg 24k gold plated
• Chassis: full aluminum, thick front panel
• Weight: 4.6 kg
• Dimensions: 215 x 70 x 308 mm (W x H x D)

Who It Is For

Listeners with demanding or power-hungry speakers who want tight bass, a silent background and a compact amplifier that stays cool. It works well with both solid-state and tube preamplifiers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Essence with a preamplifier that only has RCA outputs?
Yes. We also provide an XLR to RCA adaptor, so it works with RCA preamplifiers, including tube preamps.

Can I run it in bridge mode?
Yes. In bridge mode it delivers 1000 W into 8 ohm, for use with a single speaker or in a dual-mono setup.

Does it need a fan or special ventilation?
No. At 89% efficiency it is fanless and silent, so it does not need active cooling.

Will it drive low-impedance speakers?
It is rated for 2 x 750 W into 2 ohm, with short circuit and overload protection.

Not sure it matches your system?
Tell us your preamplifier and speakers and we’ll tell you honestly whether the Essence is the right amplifier.

Why Pure Line Audio

We build audio components without material compromise, on the same principles across the whole range. The Essence Power Amplifier is built to disappear: control without coloration, and nothing added.