BS 5500 True Dual-Mono Power Amplifier
The BS-5500 was introduced in Setton's second generation, to be used with the PS-5500 preamplifier
and TUS-600 tuner. It retailed for $800 in its day, a very high price for an amp of its size.
It is believed that less than 300 were ever produced. The BS 5500 is my favorite amplifier
ever made, and I am fortunate enough to own two of them. The sound quality is excellent and
the design is second to none.
The faceplate reads: "TWO ENTIRELY SEPARATE AMPLIFIERS MODEL BS 5500." Which is completely
correct. The BS 5500 has two of everything--two power supplies, two power switches, two transformers,
etc., etc. Like other Settons, the front glass panel is tinted a rose color to provide for
warm orange backlight. There are 3 lights in the security panel: One for overheating, one for
clipping and distortion, and one for the speaker protection relay circuit. When turned on,
these all light up and blink out one by one. Below is a picture demonstrating this. As you
can see, the left amplifier has just been turned on while the right has already stabilized.
Here is a picture of the "insides" of the BS 5500 taken with the cover off. Note the incredible
build quality and ruggedness of this amp. It weighes over 40 pounds unboxed!
