BONAWATT Triton is a high-end integrated hybrid tube amplifier that combines the natural character and spaciousness of a tube audio signal path with the high power and control of modern power stages. It is designed for listeners who appreciate the sweet tonal character and refined musicality of tube amplification but do not want to compromise when driving large, demanding loudspeakers.
The tube analog section uses American 6SL7 RAY TUBES together with VR150 voltage regulator tubes and a GZ34 tube rectifier, with full compatibility with 5U4 tubes as an alternative rectifier. The amplifier’s tonal character is shaped at the preamplifier stage, which is a true preamplifier rather than the unity-gain buffer used in many competing designs. In this hybrid amplifier, the buffer stage is implemented by a specially designed low-noise JFET audio buffer built around 16 operational amplifiers operating in parallel, together with MOSFET stages. This provides an effective interface between the tube signal path and the high-performance power section. The result preserves the sonic character of the tube stage while achieving very low output impedance, high dynamics, and precise control of the loudspeaker drivers.
Triton delivers 2 × 250 W RMS at 8 Ω and 2 × 500 W RMS at 4 Ω, making it suitable for both conventional hi-fi loudspeakers and large, current-demanding high-end designs. Its substantial power reserve maintains dynamic freedom even with complex arrangements and recordings with a wide dynamic range. The sound combines rich, natural vocal tonality with clear layering, convincing soundstage depth, and firm low-frequency control. Triton therefore performs equally well with acoustic and vocal music, as well as rock, electronic, symphonic, and other genres that demand high dynamics and precise bass control.
One of the amplifier’s key features is its BAX™ modular architecture. The rear panel provides two slots for interchangeable expansion cards, allowing the amplifier’s functionality to be tailored to a specific audio system. Installing the appropriate modules can add a DAC, PHONO MM/MC phono preamplifier, balanced XLR inputs, and WIRELESS functionality. Individual cards are available in three performance levels – Premium, Standard, and Lite – allowing users to expand their system according to their requirements without replacing the entire audio system.
The expansion card system was developed in cooperation with MuzgAUDIO, a company specializing in digital-to-analog converters and creator of products such as the Reference AUDIO DAC 01S. The modular design allows Triton to serve as a flexible central component of a stereo system, even when future requirements for signal sources, connectivity, or signal processing change.
The amplifier is designed so that its advanced architecture remains convenient in everyday use. Functions available through the RC1 or RC2 remote control are fully integrated with operation via the multifunction control knob and button on the front panel. This provides a consistent way to control all amplifier functions, including volume, input selection, the VU meter, mute, operating mode, and BAX™ card settings.
Built-in control procedures and protection systems also automate correct operation of the tube section. Controlled tube warm-up during startup and a dedicated cooling procedure after the amplifier is switched off reduce component stress and increase operating safety. Triton therefore retains the character of a true tube amplifier while providing the modern convenience expected from a contemporary integrated audio amplifier. The hybrid design also incorporates comprehensive protection for the power stage, including overload, thermal, short-circuit, voltage-level, and clipping protection. These systems help protect the loudspeakers against the consequences of accidental or improper use of the amplifier’s substantial output power.
The name Triton refers to the mythological figure associated with two distinct natures and deliberately distinguishes this model from BONAWATT’s fully tube amplifiers, which are named after rivers. Like its namesake, Triton brings together two different worlds: classic tube technology and modern high-performance solid-state electronics. The result is an innovative Polish stereo amplifier created for listeners seeking the tonal character and spaciousness of tube amplification without the typical power limitations of a conventional tube amplifier – an approach already appreciated by users around the world.
- A Polish hybrid tube amplifier with two BAX™ expansion card slots.
- Installing expansion cards activates DAC, PHONO, balanced XLR and WIRELESS functionality, available in several performance levels: Premium, Standard and Lite.
- Amplifier power: 2 × 500 W RMS at 4 Ω and 2 × 250 W RMS at 8 Ω, providing precise control over high‑power loudspeakers.
- The gold audio amplifier features a brushed aluminum front panel in a refined champagne finish, complementing both contemporary and classic interiors. Rich vocal tonality combined with precise control of the loudspeaker drivers delivers dynamic sound that invites long, relaxed listening sessions.
- Vacuum tubes: 2 × VR150 + 2 × 6SL7 + GZ34, or alternatively 5U4.
- Low‑noise audio buffer based on 16 operational amplifiers operating in parallel.
