Exposure 19 (1978–1985)
The Exposure 19 was the company's first integrated amplifier, launched in 1978 and produced into the mid-1980s. It was designed to show that British budget amplifiers didn't have to be underpowered and limited, and by most accounts it did. Studio Sound (June 1977, p.24) documented Exposure Electronics' early professional audio offerings from their Hove, Sussex facility. It was considered one of the finest budget integrated amplifiers of its era, praised for its transparency and drive, and it was often compared favorably with the Quad 33/303 combination. The sound was described as "fast" and "dynamic" - less warm than many British contemporaries but more articulate.
The 19 is a dual-mono design with separate power supplies for each channel, a FET input stage, and tone controls that can be bypassed. It delivers 50W per channel into 8 ohms. Frequency response is rated at 20Hz-20kHz ±0.5dB, THD below 0.02%, and signal-to-noise better than 75dB. Inputs are three line-level plus a tape monitor. There's a mono/stereo switch and a loudness contour switch. The phono stage was not standard. It was an optional extra board, and the basic version won't suit moving-coil cartridges. Dimensions are 440 × 115 × 330mm, weight 11kg.
Like most 40-plus-year-old amplifiers, the 19 has known weak points. Aging capacitors are the main issue, and many units need recapping. The mains switch and volume pot are both prone to failure or noise after decades of use. The speaker binding posts sit close together, which makes thick cables awkward. Some owners also report hum from the toroidal transformer when it's placed near sensitive phono stages. Working units typically sell for £300-£500 at UK audio fairs. Restored examples with fresh capacitors and clean pots can fetch £550-£650. Exposure no longer stocks parts for the 19 and recommends third-party servicing. Recapping kits are available from UK sellers.
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