Grzegorz 'gsmok' Makarewicz (January 8, 2018)


A solid and well-made tube amplifier. The output stage uses 300B triodes in a push-pull configuration. While the signal path itself is quite traditional, the circuits supporting its operation, such as the output tube bias current regulation circuits, are not easily found in other tube amplifiers. Please see detailed photos of its interior.

The first photo shows the inside of the amplifier's factory packaging. A wooden crate with metal handles (not pictured) houses a double cardboard box. Inside, the amplifier is placed in a specially shaped "bed." Bravo!!!

The amplifier is really nice. The only drawback is a 1 out of 10 point rating for serviceability. Measuring voltages is easy, but replacing any component is a real challenge. I'll try to add some details on this, but it will take some time. And now, the promised set of photos. Take a look and admire.

For those curious, these stickers on the transformer boxes are an additional safeguard against scratching them while photographing the amplifier upside down. I did, however, place the amplifier on a soft blanket after inverting it, but it's better not to risk it. After the photo session, I removed the stickers.

And now some very detailed photos. Here's one of the four 300B DC tube filament circuits. As you can see, the rectifier diodes are mounted on small heat sinks.

The area around the first gain stage tube (V1 tube)

Area on the printed circuit board near the second electron tube (V2).

And of course, a view of the printed circuit board with the soldered socket of one of the output tubes.

Two vertically soldered boards with elements for stabilizing the quiescent current of the output tubes.

Quiescent current stabilizer (control circuit) board of the 300B electron tube.

And once again (until we're bored) the printed circuit board with the stabilizer circuit - this time from the print side.

And here's one of the reasons for my subjectively low rating for serviceability. Accessing the amplifier's circuit boards from the side opposite the components requires removing a cover attached with over twenty screws. On the other hand, this is a definite plus, as both the cover and the boards attached to it are very solidly mounted. Unfortunately, once the cover is removed, the entire electrical section of the amplifier hangs, as it were, on the three-dimensional wire structure visible in the earlier photos. Be very careful when taking measurements or performing other tasks requiring cover removal. However, since the amplifier is intended for playing music, not for disassembly by a curious photographer, let's just say I'm nitpicking ;-).

Prepared by: Grzegorz "gsmok" Makarewicz