Hafler DH-500
A 19-inch black box that made high-power amplification affordable.
Overview
The Hafler DH-500 is a power amplifier in a metal case measuring 19 by 7 inches across the front and 10¼ inches deep, plus clearance for handles and connections. It came factory-assembled or as a kit, and the price gap shows who Hafler was selling to. High Fidelity (July 1982, p.31) listed the completed amp at $750 and the kit at $600. A DH-502 bridging adapter, which the magazine noted it did not test, was $25. The warranty was limited, one year on parts.
Reviewers treated the DH-500 as part of a pair. Recording Engineer (August 1983, p.47) noted that the David Hafler Company had earned a reputation for producing state-of-the-art power amplifiers at rock-bottom prices. It singled out the DH-220 and DH-500 as well known for their sound quality, reliability, and value. High Fidelity (July 1982, p.31) framed the DH-500 as the follow-up to the DH-200, which the magazine had praised in its March 1980 test report for combining value and high performance.
Protection is a real design feature here. High Fidelity (July 1982, p.32) described a relay that keeps turn-on transients from reaching the speakers. The same relay kicks in any time there is excessive DC at the output.
The DH-500 was a kit as much as a finished product, and that shapes what turns up on the used market today. High Fidelity (July 1982, p.32) described the assembly manual as clear and thorough - it even teaches you how to solder - and noted that the magazine's fairly experienced kit builder was able to complete the build.
None of this makes the DH-500 a fragile amplifier. A period reputation for value is why it still turns up in working systems rather than on shelves.
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