The I1 is supplied in standard form equipped with four digital inputs (CH-Link HD, AES/EBU, S/PDIF and TosLink – although a second identical digital input board can be added in the spare chassis slot if you need the extra connections) one set of balanced and two pairs of single-ended analog inputs. The factory fitted Ethernet Control Board, which allows the unit to be remotely accessed, configured and controlled via the CH-Control Android App, can be replaced with a full network streaming capable Ethernet input and a separate, asynchronous USB input card can be added to enable connection of computer sources for file replay. The discrete, fully-complementary analog input boards can be fitted with additional internal circuit blocks that allow owners to convert either or both of the RCA analog inputs into current-sensing MC phono-inputs, complete with switchable replay EQ settings for RIAA, eRIAA, Decca, Columbia, EMI and Teldec (DGG) curves.

Finally, a Clock- Sync board allows you to slave the I1 to external master clocks, or designate its internal clock as the system master. Dominating the interior of the I1 chassis, you’ll find a massive 1000VA transformer that’s more than capable of supporting the 100 watt/channel into 8 Ohms rated output; in combination with the 100,000uF of reservoir capacitance it allows the output stage to handle awkward loudspeaker loads with ease.