On a whim, I bought this very nicely built but apparently rare (at least in the US) amplifier: A Bypass CB-2 integrated, from Bypass Electronic Co. Ltd. of Taiwan.
All labels dated within 1997 (versions and manufacture dates). It is in nearly-new condition, and works great (some potentiometer imbalance that has been working itself out). Sounds formidable; gain a bit high; I haven't measured it in any way. Build quality is very heavy, front panel is gorgeous, and parts are of high quality. Large power supply caps mounted near the output devices are Nippon Chemi-con; mostly Elna elsewhere. I would assume 50-80WPC, but the heatsink is quite large and it does run cool. I can't see the output devices to identify. It is a heavy amplifier, very dense. Steel and aluminum, with nice hardware. Buttons and knobs feel good. No tone control defeat, but they are pretty subtle.
If anyone is familiar with these or their manufacturer, I would love to have more information beyond the store I bought it from's website. I would be especially curious if the company was building amplifiers for others as an OEM, or using this as a prototype to show off, since it is a very refined build consistent with boutique gear of that era. Sorry, I forgot to get a good picture of the back panel, but it has a tape loop and usual inputs/outputs, switchable 115/230, and switched/unswitched grounded outlets for convenience.
All labels dated within 1997 (versions and manufacture dates). It is in nearly-new condition, and works great (some potentiometer imbalance that has been working itself out). Sounds formidable; gain a bit high; I haven't measured it in any way. Build quality is very heavy, front panel is gorgeous, and parts are of high quality. Large power supply caps mounted near the output devices are Nippon Chemi-con; mostly Elna elsewhere. I would assume 50-80WPC, but the heatsink is quite large and it does run cool. I can't see the output devices to identify. It is a heavy amplifier, very dense. Steel and aluminum, with nice hardware. Buttons and knobs feel good. No tone control defeat, but they are pretty subtle.
If anyone is familiar with these or their manufacturer, I would love to have more information beyond the store I bought it from's website. I would be especially curious if the company was building amplifiers for others as an OEM, or using this as a prototype to show off, since it is a very refined build consistent with boutique gear of that era. Sorry, I forgot to get a good picture of the back panel, but it has a tape loop and usual inputs/outputs, switchable 115/230, and switched/unswitched grounded outlets for convenience.
