The past few years have been the most significant in Brinkmann’s 34-year history. Starting with the development of Nyquist, Brinkmann’s relentless innovations subsequently yielded “Mk II” updates of our Edison Phono Preamplifier and Marconi Line Preamplifier. Nyquist’s modular architecture also suggested ways to add versatility and upgradeability to future products. These advancements have culminated in the creation of Voltaire: a new category of audio product which combines the extreme performance of our discrete Source Components, Preamplifiers and Power Amplifiers with a level of integration never before offered in a state-of-the-art audio component.

An entirely new design, Voltaire begins as an ultra-performance Integrated Amplifier. Borrowed from our Marconi Mk II Line Preamplifier, Voltaire’s hybrid circuitry utilizes vacuum tube phase inverters for superior voltage tracking. (For Voltaire, Brinkmann has chosen Raytheon military tubes. Developed for rocket guidance systems, their supreme reliability promises decades of trouble-free use.) Signal path lengths and internal wiring have been kept to an absolute minimum. 105 micron-thick copper circuit board traces, Lundahl interstage transformers and zero global negative feedback further demonstrate Voltaire’s uncompromising design and execution. 120,000 microfarads of power supply capacitance and a custommade transformer capable of 1500 watts peak power enable Voltaire to match our Mono’s 150 watts into 8 Ohms and 250 Watts into 4 Ohms, while its higher-current design delivers 300 watts into 2 Ohms.

In terms of both its measured performance and lifelike sonics, Voltaire’s reputation as one of the world’s finest Integrated Amplifiers is assured; however, our design brief extends beyond the traditional concept of pre- and power amplifiers occupying a single enclosure. The modularity pioneered for Nyquist reaches a higher level of versatility with Voltaire, which can be outfitted with either an MQA compatible, Roon Ready streaming DAC similar to Nyquist Mk II (its decoding hardware is identical to Nyquist Mk II) or a simplified version of Edison Mk II Phono Preamplifier. So equipped, Voltaire becomes a complete audio system occupying a single chassis.

Given its unique modularity and upgradeability, we have designated Voltaire a new component category: Integrated Sound System, or ISS. Voltaire will be available in three variations: as an Integrated Amplifier, Integrated Amplifier with Streaming DAC or Integrated Amplifier with Phono Preamplifier. Either module can be installed at time of purchase or in the future, at the owner’s discretion.

The Integrated Sound System (ISS) offers versatility never before embodied in a state-of-the-art component. For those connoisseurs who desire the signature Brinkmann sound in a streamlined, space-efficient package, the Voltaire ISS might be the ultimate High End Sound System. Voltaire: Just Add Speakers!