Revox H5

Revox H5 – High-End Integrated Stereo Amplifier – 2 × 150 Watts – Champagne Gold – Near Mint

The Revox H5 is one of the most technically and visually distinctive integrated amplifiers from the classic Revox H-Series. Combining a powerful output stage, sophisticated electronic volume control and a deliberately minimalist operating concept, it represents an impressive combination of traditional Swiss engineering and innovative high-fidelity design.

Our example features the particularly attractive champagne-gold finish with black side panels and is in exceptionally well-preserved cosmetic condition, which we rate as Near Mint.

The amplifier is fully functional.

Revox H-Series – A New Generation of Swiss HiFi Engineering

With the H-Series, introduced around 1990, Revox adopted a distinctive approach to high-quality audio equipment.

While conventional integrated amplifiers typically featured numerous switches and rotary controls, Revox developed a clean, minimalist front-panel design combined with extensive electronic control.

The H5 is a particularly impressive example of this philosophy.

Its elegant styling, carefully selected materials and distinctive champagne-gold and black finish give it a timeless appearance.

Behind the understated exterior lies a remarkably powerful integrated stereo amplifier whose internal engineering is considerably more sophisticated than its minimalist design might suggest.

Powerful Output Stage

The capabilities of the Revox H5 were documented in a contemporary test published by the German audio magazine STEREO in 1990.

The following output powers were measured:

• 2 × 150 watts into 8 ohms
• 2 × 220 watts into 4 ohms
• 2 × 280 watts into 2 ohms

These figures demonstrate not only the amplifier's considerable power output but also its ability to deliver substantial power into low-impedance speaker loads.

This is particularly relevant when driving demanding loudspeakers.

The output stage combines impressive performance with carefully designed circuitry and sophisticated internal construction.

Electronic Volume Control with Optical Rotary Encoder

One of the H5's most interesting technical features is its volume control system.

Although the amplifier features a conventional rotary knob, it does not operate a traditional mechanical volume potentiometer.

Instead, Revox employed an optical rotary encoder controlling an electronic volume adjustment circuit.

The rotary knob therefore serves as a precise user interface, while the actual signal level is adjusted electronically.

The contemporary STEREO review specifically praised the smooth operation and solid mechanical construction of the volume control.

This approach was unusually advanced for an integrated amplifier of its era and remains one of the characteristic features of the Revox H-Series.

Sophisticated Input Selection and Signal Routing

Revox also adopted an innovative approach to input selection.

The H5 uses electronically controlled source selection.

The contemporary review highlighted the amplifier's exceptionally tidy internal layout and carefully organised circuitry.

The input electronics are clearly arranged, with particular attention paid to internal wiring and construction quality.

The amplifier provides connections for various line-level sources as well as a phono input for moving-magnet cartridges.

Its electronic architecture also allows integration into the wider Revox system concept.

Operation and Revox System Integration

The H5 was developed as the central amplifier of the Revox H-Series.

Essential functions are accessible directly from the unit, while additional adjustments are integrated into the remote-control concept.

With a compatible Revox system controller, further settings such as tone adjustment and balance control can be accessed.

The H5 also supports the Revox system concept of distributing different audio sources to different listening areas.

It was therefore designed not only as a conventional stereo integrated amplifier but also as part of a more comprehensive remote-controlled audio system.

Important: Certain H5 functions require a compatible Revox system remote control or controller. A remote control is included only if expressly stated in the offer.

Excellent Results in a Contemporary Review

In its 1990 review, the German magazine STEREO praised the Revox H5 for its considerable power output and excellent measured performance.

Particularly noteworthy were:

• High output power across different loudspeaker impedances
• Carefully designed and constructed electronics
• Sophisticated input selection
• Exceptionally low background noise
• Excellent distortion and noise measurements

The magazine placed the H5 in its top performance category.

The amplifier achieved a 90% rating for sound quality.

These results confirmed that, despite its unconventional operating concept, the H5 was a serious high-end integrated amplifier.

Champagne Gold with Black Side Panels

Our example is particularly attractive thanks to its elegant colour combination.

The champagne-gold front panel, discreet lettering and contrasting black side panels give the H5 a refined and timeless appearance.

This finish was originally available at an additional cost.

Combined with other components from the Revox H-Series, it forms a visually harmonious system.

Even as a standalone integrated amplifier, the H5 is a striking example of classic European high-end audio design.

Technical Specifications

Manufacturer: Revox
Model: H5
Type: Integrated stereo amplifier
Series: Revox H-Series
Finish: Champagne gold with black side panels
Output power into 8 ohms: 2 × 150 watts
Output power into 4 ohms: 2 × 220 watts
Output power into 2 ohms: 2 × 280 watts
Volume control: Electronic, operated by an optical rotary encoder
Input selection: Electronically controlled
Phono input: MM
Additional inputs: Line-level inputs for various audio sources
Speaker connections: Two speaker groups
System integration: Revox H-Series / Two-Way R-Link
Remote operation: Via compatible Revox system controller
Cosmetic condition: Near Mint
Technical condition: Fully functional

The output power figures are measured values published in the 1990 STEREO review.

Condition of Our Example

Cosmetic condition: Near Mint

The amplifier is exceptionally well preserved. Its champagne-gold finish and black side panels remain in almost flawless condition.

Technical condition: Fully functional

The Revox H5 is in fully functional working condition.

Our Conclusion

The Revox H5 is an exceptional integrated stereo amplifier from an era when Revox combined its traditional expertise in high-quality audio engineering with a new generation of electronically controlled hi-fi components.

Its substantial output power, electronic volume control with optical rotary encoder and carefully designed input circuitry make it a technically fascinating amplifier even today.

The unmistakable styling of the Revox H-Series further distinguishes the H5 from conventional integrated amplifiers of its generation.

Our example stands out thanks to its elegant champagne-gold finish, near-mint cosmetic condition and fully functional operation.

An exceptionally well-preserved Revox H5 for enthusiasts of powerful classic stereo amplifiers and the exclusive Revox H-Series.