dbx CX-1, TX-1 and BX-1, BIG POWER COMBO!

dbx, Inc. was founded in Boston in 1971 by David Blackmer. Blackmer was a US Navy veteran, Harvard and MIT graduate, and well-respected engineer his entire career.  He fulfilled his audio passion when he founded dbx, and stayed on with the company into the late 1970s, even after after selling majority ownership to British turntable manufacturer, BSR. dbx's claim to fame has always been its noise reduction circuit which battled head-to-head with Dolby throughout the 70s. But for audiophiles and studio-heads, the dbx compressors, expanders, and analyzers are second-to-none; even today.

What we have here is a MONSTER 3-piece setup.  We have to start with the crown jewel, the BX-1 2,3,4 Channel Configurable Power Amplifier. First off, this amp is physically HUGE.  Sitting at just a hair over 24 inches deep, this amp is literally and figuratively an anchor to any hifi system.  Produced right around 1985, this amp was a statement piece; and it really still is.  As the kids would say, this amp has the power to "cook"; and with over twenty square feet of heat sinking wrapping this beast to keep things cool, it literally could if given the chance. This monster pumps out 400 watts per channel RMS x 2 into 8 ohms & 800 watts per channel RMS x 2 into 4 Ohms. In 4 channel mode they are 100 watts per channel but have tons of headroom. Unit weighs in at approximately 100 lbs boxed - a beast by any measure. 

To accompany the BX-1, we have the matching CX-1 Control Preamplifier.  In addition to its many audio and video inputs, outputs, and processor loop controls, the CX-1 is a very clean MOSFET-driven gain stage.  Although the DOLBY functionality is a bit outdated, as a 2-channel preamp, this piece delivers clean, uncolored music from point A to B.  The Phono stage is also quite good, and configurable as well for MM or MC operation. 

A full STEREOPHILE, March 1988" review of these two pieces can be found HERE.

Finally, to finish off the trio we have the TX-1 AM/FM-Stereo Tuner.  The TX-1 was designed by the legendary Larry Scholtz; an audio engineer with successful developments at NAD, Proton, and Nakamichi, among others.  The low-profile and compact TX-1 uses advanced filtering to reduce noise from weak stations and constantly monitor FM signal noise.  The automatic switching from Narrow to Wide IF band helps clean the signal as you listen.  While we still have FM broadcasts to enjoy, it's nice to know that this dbx will delivery one of the best FM outputs possible.

This is a remarkable combo. These three have seen decades of house parties, holidays, and late-night movies.  They have been verified by our tech and are ready for decades more. 

Demos are encouraged in Andover, MA 

$1,799 for the set

* Note, shipping is ONLY possible via freight carrier.  The three components together will packaging will weigh over 150 lbs.)