Review: CM Labs 914 Amplifier


Category: Amplifiers

Long before Levinson,Krell,Threshold,and others there was CM Labs of Danbury,CT. This little high end company produced some of the most musical solid state power amps.The build quality is robust,and is a total mil-spec amp. The 914 is one of the first,if not the first of the high speed power amps. The power output is 125 Watts RMS into 8 ohms,with less than 0.1 percent THD,at any freqency from 20 to 20,000 Hz. 175 watts RMS into 4 ohm. IM Distortin less than o.1 percent up to rated power.Frequency response +- 0.1 dB from 20 to 20,000 Hz at full power.Damping factor better than 500 at 8 ohms!!Circuitry is fully differential,full complementary common-emitter output.Is built to MIL spec A8625C,Type 2.More important than all the above impressive specs,is the sound quality. This is without doubt one of the finest and most musical power amps I have owned. Clearly in the same league as Threshold,Levinson,and others in the high end spectrum.Seldom seen in for sale or auction. People that have then just dont get rid of them--Thats how good they really are in the real world of high end audio. But if you ever get a chance to acquire one,Grab it fast

Associated gear
Acoustat Speakers,HK T-60 TT,Threshold Preamp

Similar products
Bryston,Adcom,Van Alstine
ferrari
I get the chance to buy a CM LABS 912 the one with the VU
power meter. At a very good price. The seller said that
i will need to change some old electronic piece to get
a maximum sound from this old amplifier.

Someone has an experience with a rebuild of a CM LABS 912 power amp or other CM LABS model?

This worth the investment knowing i will need to paid also
for rebuild.

Thank to answer me as i have to make my mind soon...
I finaly choose to buy the CM LABS 912 and i'm very happy
i did. I will made a rebuilt from a pro tech and comment on the result. It will be my part contribution for audiogon forum
who has help me a lot in the progression on my modest system.

I have to said that i have been bless in my system cause this
912 is a pretty rare found and at a very good price... But
same in the bad period i never stop believe in God and today
i reap what i have sow in tears...
FERRARI,

You have experience in CM LABS product so it will be nice if you can explain us the difference between the CM LABS 914
and the 912? I have read some where that the 914 was sold
new $400 and the 912 $800??? But no more info...
I had a 35D for awhile, it was great fun to listen to. Blew a pair of Minimus 7 woofers with it!