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I1 Universal Integrated Amplifier

Power. Precision. Presence.
CH Precision I1

The I1 Universal Integrated Amplifier distills the core performance of CH Precision’s celebrated separates into a single, elegant chassis. Combining the digital expertise of the C1 DAC/Controller with the musical authority of the A1 Power Amplifier—and drawing on key elements from the L1 Line Stage and P1 Phono Stage—it delivers capabilities rare in any integrated design. From high-resolution digital replay to finely tuned analog and phono inputs, the I1 is conceived not as a compromise, but as a complete control and amplification hub for ambitious systems.

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Its versatility comes from CH’s hallmark modular architecture and in-house engineering across digital, analog, and software domains. Whether in standard form or expanded with optional digital boards, streaming, current-sensing phono inputs, or clock-syncing, every function is seamlessly integrated under sophisticated software control. The result is a single component that adapts to your sources, your loudspeakers, and your listening ambitions—delivering CH Precision’s signature resolution, authority, and musical realism without the footprint of a full separates system.

CH Perescion I1
Adaptable Without Compromise

The I1 shares the same modular, upgradeable architecture as every CH Precision component, allowing it to adapt and expand as your system evolves. Out of the box, it arrives with a suite of high-performance digital and analog inputs—four digital connections (CH-Link HD, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, TosLink), plus balanced and single-ended analog inputs—making it ready to integrate with a wide variety of sources. But that’s just the beginning.

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Two dedicated expansion slots open the door to a wealth of optional boards: an asynchronous USB audio input for computer sources, a second digital input board for multiple digital front ends, and a Clock-Sync module for integration with CH transports or the T1 Time Reference Clock. For network playback, the factory-installed network control board—used for setup and control via the CH-Control app—can be replaced with a streaming-capable Ethernet board, as in the C1.2 and C10, without occupying either expansion slot. Analog flexibility is equally impressive. Additional circuit blocks can convert RCA analog inputs into fully optimized, current-sensing phono inputs—complete with user-selectable EQ curves for RIAA, eRIAA, Decca, Columbia, EMI, and Teldec pressings. All adjustments, from gain and loading to input naming and routing, can be made directly from the front panel or the CH-Control app, ensuring that every source operates at its full potential.

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The result is a single, elegant chassis that can serve as the beating heart of a streamlined, high-performance system—or as the core of a fully expanded, custom-tailored control and amplification hub. With the I1, versatility is not an add-on—it’s engineered into its DNA.

CH Precision I1 Universal Integrated Amplifier - CD screen (high angle)-Edit
Control. Finesse. Realism.

At the heart of the I1 lies a fully discrete, dual-mono, symmetrical analog output stage capable of delivering 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms with absolute composure. A massive 1000VA power transformer, paired with 100,000µF of custom-engineered reservoir capacitance, ensures unshakable control over even the most demanding loudspeakers. From the softest pianissimo to the most explosive orchestral climax, the I1 maintains speed, grip, and dynamic authority without strain.

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Signal purity is preserved through ultra-short signal paths, meticulous mechanical grounding, and shunt-regulated power supplies dedicated to each stage. Whether handling digital streams or analog inputs, every circuit is designed for vanishing noise, wide bandwidth, and absolute stability—allowing music to emerge with lifelike presence, microdynamic shading, and harmonic richness. This is the performance foundation on which the I1’s remarkable versatility is built—a fully integrated system that embodies the precision, transparency, and musical truth at the heart of CH design.

Document and Firmware Downloads

A resource built with the same precision and care that define our instruments, the CH Precision Downloads area provides access to the most recent manuals, firmware updates, spike installation guides, and product brochures. Each document reflects our engineering culture—meticulous in detail, exact in purpose, and designed to ensure that every component performs precisely as intended.

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These materials are intended to support owners and partners in configuring, maintaining, and optimising their CH systems. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, we encourage you to contact your authorised CH Precision dealer or reach out directly through our Technical Support form. Our teams are committed to providing the same standard of excellence in service that we apply to our engineering—so that every listening experience remains true to the performance we envisioned.

International Press Honors

Reference the absolute sound
VuMetre Award
Stereophile Editors Choice
Editors Choice the absolute sound
Editors Choice absolute sound 2023
Editors Choice the absolute sound
etm-award
haute-fidelite
stereophile recommended components
Editors Choice the absolute sound
I1_int_amp_fairaudio_2019
Editors Choice the absolute sound
CH Precision I1 Universal Integrated Amplifier - Rear
CH Precision I1 Universal Integrated Amplifier - Transport screen (front view)-Edit-Edit-E
CH Precision I1 Universal Integrated Amplifier - CD screen (high angle)
Versatile. Powerful. Musical.

The I1 is more than an integrated amplifier—it’s a complete CH Precision system distilled into a single chassis. By uniting advanced digital processing, a fully discrete analog stage, and the flexibility of our modular architecture, it delivers the musical realism, precision, and stability that define every CH component. Whether serving as the heart of a compact high-performance setup or expanding into a multi-source, multi-function control center, the I1 adapts seamlessly to your needs without compromising its core performance.

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From its massive, linear power supply to its software-driven configurability, every engineering choice serves a singular purpose: to bring you closer to the music. And because it shares the same DNA as our reference-level separates, the I1 retains the ability to grow alongside your system—adding inputs, streaming, phono capability, or clocking upgrades as your listening evolves. For those who demand CH Precision’s engineering pedigree in its most streamlined form, the I1 offers a complete solution—crafted to inspire for years to come.

Specifications

General

  • Type: Stereo integrated amplifier

  • Options:

    • MC phono module

    • Additional digital input HD board

    • USB audio board

    • Ethernet streaming HD board

    • Clock sync board

  • Upgrade path:

    • Connect an additional power amplifier to the preamp out for biamping or increased power

    • Configure the I1 in pure analog power amp mode, and add a DAC and/or preamp upstream

  • Color: Silver (standard), Anthracite or Champagne (option)

  • Dimensions: 440 x 440 x 133 mm (W D x H)

  • Weight: 33kg

  • Operating conditions: 5°C<T<35°C, 5%<humidity<85% no condensation

  • Power supply: Selectable 100V, 115V or 230V AC, 47Hz to 63Hz, 1x IEC C13 socket

  • Power consumption: <0.5W standby, 120W idle, 1000W max

 

User interface

  • Display: 800 x 480 pixels, 24 bit RGB AMOLED

  • Control: Dual concentric encoder with push function, Infrared remote control, Android app (iOS app to be released)

  • Firmware update: via USB flash drive or the Internet

 

Analog input

  • Line level

    • Type: 1x Balanced XLR + 2x single-ended RCA per channel

    • Impedance: 94kΩ or 600Ω (balanced), 47kΩ or 300Ω (single-ended)

    • Level: 8VRMS max (balanced), 4VRMS max (single-ended)

    • A/D conversion to DXD 24 bit / 384kHz, 1 per channel

  • Phono (optional)

    • Moving-coil current-sensing

    • Type: 1 or 2 single-ended RCA can be used as phono input

    • Impedance: < 100mΩ, virtual ground

    • A/D conversion to DXD 24 bit / 384kHz

    • Playback EQ curve accuracy: +/- 0.01dB (software implementation)

 

Digital input

  • Type:

    • 1x CH Link HD, 1x AES/EBU (XLR), 1x S/PDIF (RCA), 1x S/PDIF (TOSLINK) per Digital input board (1x standard)

    • 1x USB type B per USB input board (optional)

    • 1x RJ-45 on Streaming HD input board (optional)

  • Sampling rate:

    • CH Link HD: PCM 44.1kHz to 768kHz, DSD 2.8224MHz to 22.5792MHz

    • S/PDIF, AES/EBU: PCM 44.1kHz to 192kHz, DSD 2.8224MHz (DoP format)

    • Ethernet: PCM 44.1kHz to 768kHz, DSD 2.8224MHz to 22.5792MHz

    • USB:  PCM 44.1kHz to 384kHz, DSD 2.8224MHz to 5.6448MHz (DoP format)

  • Bit depth: PCM 16 to 32 bit, DSD 1 bit

  • MQA: Full MQA decoding (unfolding and rendering) at 24bit/352.8-384kHz

  • File Format:

    • PCM: WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, AAC and MP3

    • DSD: DSF and DFF

  • Services:

    • Local: UpnP/DLNA, Roon ready, Audirvana compatible

    • Streaming: Qobuz connect, Tidal connect, Web radio

 

DAC

  • Conversion type: Multi-bit delta-sigma converter, 1 per channel

  • DXD (352.8/384kHz, 24 bit) resolution

  • Upsampling filter: Proprietary ultra-short, low-ringing, time-optimized, synchronous, 32-bit fixed-point PEtER algorithm

  • Clocking option: clock master or synchronization to reference clock or optical disc transport

 

Analog Output

  • Connectors: Spade/Banana sockets, 1 set per channel

  • Preamplifier output: XLR, 4VRMS max

  • Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: <0.0025% (@ 20Hz-20kHz, A-weighted)

  • Signal-to-noise ratio: >125dB (@ 20Hz-20kHz, A-weighted)

  • Dynamic range: >120dB (@ 20Hz-20kHz, A-weighted)

  • Nominal gain: +24dB

  • Volume control: -96dB to +24dB

 

Power (1kHz test signal)

  • 2x 100WRMS/8Ω

  • 2x 175WRMS/4Ω

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