Tonewinner AD3 Pro +

Thirty kilos on the scale, a 600 W toroidal transformer, 165 watts per channel. The AD3 Pro + fully embraces its status as a high‑end integrated amplifier within the Tonewinner lineup. This evolution of the AD-3PRO corrects the lack of a USB input on its predecessor and optimizes its internal circuits, while preserving the philosophy that made the AD-1 and AD-2PRO models so successful: fully balanced amplification in Class A or AB.

A massive and configurable power stage

Amplification is handled by 24 Toshiba 1941/5198 transistors arranged in a complementary Darlington push-pull configuration. The signal path is fully balanced from the differential input to the BTL output. Nine Texas Instruments OPA1656 operational amplifiers provide gain with minimal background noise.

The distinctive feature of the AD3 Pro + lies in its triple operating mode. In pure Class A, the first watt is permanently biased: distortion remains low at low levels, and the sound gains density and harmonic warmth. In Class AB, the unit unleashes its full power reserve for dynamic peaks and sharp transients. The automatic mode lets the electronics switch from one operating regime to the other depending on operating temperature and signal demand. A dedicated button on the remote control allows switching from one mode to another without leaving your seat.

An oversized power supply

The 600 W toroidal transformer occupies a central place in the chassis. Eight filter capacitors total 80,000 µF of capacity, an energy reserve that supports current demands without sagging. This oversized power supply partly explains the unit’s 30.5 kg weight, but also its ability to drive demanding speakers with authority.

The internal architecture physically separates the different sections: power supply, energy storage, input stage, left and right channels each occupy a shielded compartment. This layout reduces electromagnetic interference between circuits and contributes to a very low noise floor.

Digital conversion and USB input

The built-in DAC uses an ESS Sabre ES9038 chip, paired with a CT7601PR USB controller. The system accepts PCM streams up to 32‑bit / 768 kHz and native DSD up to DSD512. This is the major addition compared with the original AD-3PRO, which limited its digital inputs to coaxial and optical: the USB‑B input now allows you to connect a computer directly and fully exploit the converter’s capabilities.

Optical and coaxial inputs are still available for traditional sources. Volume control is handled by an NJW1195A chip, with a specified noise floor of -118 dB and 0.5 dB adjustment steps.

Analog connectivity and vinyl compatibility

On the analog side, the AD3 Pro + offers two stereo RCA inputs, one balanced XLR input, and one phono input compatible with MM and MC cartridges. A switch allows you to select the cartridge type. A dedicated ground terminal completes the setup for turntables.

Outputs include two pairs of speaker binding posts (for bi‑wiring or use with two pairs of speakers) and two subwoofer outputs, one RCA and one XLR. This latter option, rare at this price level, makes it easier to integrate an active subwoofer with a balanced input.

Pure power amplifier mode

The AD3 Pro + can operate in “pure power” mode, i.e., as a standalone power amplifier. A long press on the AMP button on the remote control bypasses the internal preamplifier section. The unit then becomes a power amp driven by an external preamplifier or audio processor. This flexibility allows you to upgrade the system later without replacing the amplifier.

Technical specifications

Design

• Integrated stereo amplifier
• 600 W toroidal transformer
• 8 capacitors, total capacity of 80000 μF
• 32-bit / 768 kHz and DSD512 digital-to-analog converter (DAC)

Operating modes

• Class A / AB, manual or automatic selection
  • Class A: warm sound with rich harmonics
  • Class AB: maximum dynamics
  • Auto Mode: automatic switching between Class A and Class AB depending on operating temperature
• Dedicated button on the remote control for mode selection

Performance

• Power: 2 x 165 W at 8 ohms
• Frequency response: 15 Hz – 95 kHz (+1 / -3 dB)
• Gain: 40 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio: greater than 100 dB
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): 0.05%

Connectivity

• Digital inputs
  • 1x USB-B input
  • 1x coaxial input
  • 2x optical inputs
• Analog inputs
  • 2x stereo RCA inputs
  • 1x stereo XLR input
  • 1x MM / MC phono input
• Outputs
  • 1x RCA subwoofer output
  • 1x XLR subwoofer output
  • Binding post speaker terminals
• Trigger input

General information

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 444 x 226 x 460 mm
• Weight: 30.5 kg