If you care about sound that’s powerful yet refined, the PA-5 brings both. Built using “Stasis” technology licensed from Threshold, it has the design pedigree and engineering to rival many contemporary power amps even today. When pushed, it doesn’t distort harshly—it just gives you more control, more dynamics, more bass without sounding brittle.
Collectors and vintage lovers also admire how solid it feels: thick heatsinks, quality components, and a layout made for longevity. It doesn’t have flashy “features” in the modern sense (no app control, DSP, etc.), but for pure, honest amplification, it feels close to “endgame” for many systems. Also, in many reports, people say it handles 4-ohm speakers well, giving around 200 W into 4 ohms in favorable conditions.
If you love natural mids, tight bass, and an amplifier that doesn’t call attention to itself (no coloration, just clarity), the PA-5 is very satisfying.
Technical Description
| Specification | Detail |
| Model / Type | Nakamichi PA-5 (Stasis power amplifier)Â |
| Power Output | 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms (stereo)Â |
| Power into 4 Ohms | Roughly 200 W into 4 ohms under good conditions (user reports)Â |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | ~ 0.1% at rated power into 8 ohms |
| Frequency Response | Approximately 7 Hz to 150 kHz |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N) | ~120 dBÂ |
| Damping Factor | ~60Â |
| Input Sensitivity | ~1.4 VÂ |
| Speaker Load Compatibility | 4 to 16 ohms typical; handles 4-ohm loads reasonably well but with increased demands |
| Physical / Build Features | Heavy-duty heatsinks, robust chassis; “Stasis†design (low negative feedback, good open-loop behavior) |
| Design / History | Licensed Stasis topology from Threshold (Nelson Pass era), giving it a powerful topology for its class. Â |
