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Margules I-240
This one-of-a-kind high-end integrated amplifier was handcrafted with materials and components of the highest quality, observing the strictest production processes and looking after the smallest detail.
Due to its manufacturing philosophy, the I-240 integrated amplifier merges design with functionality, offering versatility, convenience and, most of all, a realistic sound with an appropriate frequency response, low distortion and precise harmonic reproduction.
In the same way, this amplifier will allow you to enjoy a captivating, engaging and natural sound since its conceptualization and development are built on the implementation of our Neuro-Acoustic Alignment technology (ANA®) based on the way the human brain perceives sound, prioritizing harmonic structure over fundamental tone.
I-240 Tube Integrated Amplification System
The I-240 is a tube integrated amplification and preamplification system (based on the legendary U280 ASB, which is a reference in the audio world) that recreates realistic and dynamic scenarios thanks to the fusion between the application of cutting-edge technology and the tonal benefits of the tubes: the formula of Casa Margules' characteristic sound.
CLASS-A OPERATION AND ACTIVE SERVO BIAS
This amplifier incorporates our exclusive Active Servo Bias (patent pending), which guarantees an optimal operation since it does not require any polarization adjustment, always operating at pure Class-A to ensure a detailed sound scenario.
By continuously adjusting the polarization based on the signal, this circuit radically extends the useful life of the output tubes and allows them an ideal operation, which in addition optimizes energy consumption by avoiding overheating.
ULTRA-LINEAR OPERATION
The output tubes are configured to operate in ultra-linear mode in order to improve the efficiency in amplification.
SHUNT REGULATED POWER SUPPLIES
The power supplies for the small-signal stages are independent and of the SHUNT type.
By not having a control loop circuit, they avoid the induction of harmonics, guaranteeing the integrity of the audio signal.
Another advantage of the SHUNT power supplies lies in the carefully designed circuit to protect them from the common and uncommon defects of the tubes, which makes them practically indestructible.
ZERO NEGATIVE FEEDBACK
On the other hand, the I-240 avoids the use of negative feedback, a common practice that results in a loss of details and sound richness.
BACK ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE SENSOR
In order to improve the damping factor without recurring to negative feedback, Margules Audio has developed the Back Electromotive Force Sensor system or BEFS, which changes the output impedance of the amplifier per the load requirement.
The optimal impedance of the equipment ranges between 4 and 8 Ohms, which is already pre-set. Hence, the BEFS together with the Active Servo Bias allow the amplifier to drive with excellent dynamics and controlled bass the difficult loads in low-efficiency or low-sensitivity speakers.
CONNECTIVITY
As to connectivity, the I-240 comes with three different line inputs and an attenuation or high precision volume control, which allow the use of the equipment with several sources.
NEURO-ACOUSTIC ALIGNMENT (ANA®)
The ANA® technology (Neuro-Acoustic Alignment) is one of Margules' technological innovations developed from a fundamental principle: the human brain perceives sound by prioritizing the harmonic structure above fundamental tone; that is, it focuses on how humans perceive sound and not on how we measure it.
This technological advance originates from the engaging sound theory and is based on the way in which our brain decodes the information from the sound waves through the ears: when sounds are closer, they keep us focused due to the relation between perception and sound, the distance at which we perceive them and their intelligibility, whereas distant sounds, even when intelligible, do not catch our attention and are easily ignored.
Our ANA® technology is designed to achieve a realistic sound, with a wide frequency response, low distortion and precise harmonic reproduction, optimizing to the utmost the relationship between the source and the receiver, so that you can enjoy your music in a way you have never experienced before.
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Margules I-240
Margules I-240 marries classic tube character with modern Class-A control, delivering a remarkably 3-dimensional soundstage. Its 25 watts per channel are managed by Margules’ Active Servo Bias and ANA technology to keep dynamics tight while preserving harmonic detail. Reviewers including Todd Cooperider and Jesús González-Monreal note wide, deep imaging and surprising bass authority for a low‑power tube amp. The chassis is elegantly finished with wooden end panels, eight output and driver tubes and a wooden remote, reflecting robust build quality. Best suited to efficient monitors or speakers that favor tonal richness—jazz, vocal, acoustic and even electronic—this integrated prioritizes musical engagement over features, as multiple reviewers observe. For listeners seeking a single-box tube solution that emphasizes holographic imaging and natural timbre, the I-240 is a compelling high-end option.
Pros
- Wide, deep and holographic soundstage with precise imaging that outperforms expectations for a 25 Wpc tube amp.
- Natural, musical tube timbre that preserves inner detail and harmonic richness without an overly warm or smeared presentation.
- Attractive, well-made chassis and presentation—wooden end panels, tube layout and wooden remote underline premium build and packaging.
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Cons
- Minimal connectivity: only unbalanced RCA inputs, no phono stage, no XLR/balanced or digital inputs—limits versatility in modern systems.
- Headroom and ultimate expansiveness are constrained with very large, multi‑driver towers—25 Wpc can limit the widest, most powerful presentations compared with high‑power solid‑state rigs.
Sound Quality
88/100
Dynamics
87/100
Although a low-power Class A tube design (25 Wpc), reviewers report confident, well-controlled delivery: 'never felt the Margules was running out of steam' and 'no issues driving them to high volumes' (Part Time Audiophile, HomeTheaterHifi). There are minor caveats about relative bass weight versus large solid-state designs, but headroom and transient delivery were repeatedly described as capable for the amp's class.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
Multiple reviewers highlight a wide, deep and highly three-dimensional presentation: 'holographic presentation', 'images were bigger, deeper' and '3-dimensional translucence' (HomeTheaterHifi, Audiophilia). A few reviewers mention limits in expansiveness tied to the 25 W output, but overall imaging, depth and instrument delineation are standout strengths.
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Build Quality
87/100
Cosmetically and physically the unit is well executed: reviewers call it 'gorgeous', 'well-packaged', heavy and elegantly finished with wooden end-pieces and a matching wooden remote (Part Time Audiophile, Audiophilia). There are minor mechanical criticisms (some play in front-panel dials noted by HomeTheaterHifi), but overall construction, weight and presentation are praised.
Features Connectivity
80/100
Connectivity is intentionally minimal: reviewers note only unbalanced RCA inputs (three inputs referenced), no phono stage, no balanced/XLR inputs, no digital inputs and no headphone output (Audiophilepure, Audiophilia). Given the lack of modern digital/analog extras, the score is set to the baseline for minimal-feature integrated amplifiers.
Value for Money
88/100
Value commentary is mixed but leans positive: HomeTheaterHifi and Part Time Audiophile praise its performance-for-the-money ('Some of the best 25 watts you can buy', 'reasonable price'), while two reviews explicitly note the USD 7,000 price and say it faces stiff competition ('Sisyphean climb') (Audiophilepure, Audiophilia). Overall reviewers generally feel the sound and build justify a premium in its segment.
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