The budget amplifier is practically done. January the metal works will start and we will start a test run. It will be offered with options even if it is budget it can really look good. But it will be oferred in its basic form. Chassis is about 11"WX14"DX 2.5"H. Compact with 2 12ax7 or 5751, 4 El34 and 1 5u4GB. It will only have a power switch in front, a blue LED, , Gold plated RCA jacks, And gold plated binding post. Impedance selection shall be under chassis, 4, 6, 8 ohms. Standard IEC power inlet.
It sounds good, very good using standard high quality components. No boutique parts, bahala na kayo if you want to dart in exoensive caps and resistors, then hinmdi na budget.. But the amp sounds good because of the circuit simplicity more than anything.
In the mean time I am busy designing a budget preamp, I am listening to it now on its test chassis with the budget EL34 amp. It sings. The preamp has only one twin 6N1P. I section for each channel. I like the sound because it is silky smooth. It has a phono stage, 1 12ax7 per channel, so it is 3 tubes all in all.. Again only standard parts used except the ALPS volume control, but I plan to use a British made potentiometer, which is much cheaper and according to my fried in singapore it has the same sonic performance. Only it does not have the name. But what the heck we want low price and good performance, not names. I know some do not believe in this approach but I think it is possible and sensilble up to a certain level of quality. Merry christmas to you all and have a happy new year!
I believe 2005 will sound good!
