This is a small and compact package with an impressively large sound. It is partned with the primo half width cd player and is driving the Proac tablette 8 Reference Signature speakers. I suspect that the tablettes are capable of sounding even better with superior and more expensive ancilliaries, but the Primo couple are doing a fine job. The amp is the main hero here. Hundred watts is a lot of power and its delivered with finesse and restraint. Its not a head banger for sure, but for jazz ensembles and chamber music this set up would be hard to better. Large scale orchestra has an impact and the presentation is quick footed. The low frquency is limited by the speaker more than anything else. In comparison with my 20 watt lyrita valve amp, in the same set up, the cento has a much better grip on the cone and much better dynamics. While the valve unit has its own charm the Cento is the more balanced combination of the two. There is a decent phono stage as well. I am running it with a Project xpression turntable and Shure M97 cartridge. The sound quality is excellent. It is compatible with Low MC, so future upgrades are possible. Cento has a valve up front. What this means technically I dont know. Perhaps its just a gimmick. But sound wise, this amp is a very smooth, reasonably detailed and authoritative transducer. With the prices of the AA Puccini getting higher every day, this Integrated Cento may well be the amp that AA fans might want to get as an admission ticket. Price wise this amp matches that of the original Puccini. Whether it sounds as good, or better or worse I dont know, never having heard the latter, butin its own right its a fine all-round amp and very good value for money in an elegant and stylish if understated package.

No balance control. Cheap skimpy remote.

This is an excellent all-round product. Good value for money. Compact and Sophisticated styling, refined sound quality.

Customer Service

So far so good. the Jaipur dealers are new and learning. They seem to be keen on quality audio, but are having trouble selling kit that lacks bells and whistles.
The Audio Analogue site does not have any arrangements for customer contact. May be they dont want people writing to them. I was supplied with the brochure for the lower range Settanta not the Cento. It seems they dont make a separate brochure for this amp. This is not correct since they are very different products. It's not there on the site either.

Similar Products Used:

Lyrita Valve Integrated
Cyrus One