BLACK GAIL STEREO TUBE AMPLIFIER

Description: BLACK GAIL STEREO TUBE AMPLIFIER "a sylvania tribute amp" Building this amp was like a return trip back to my first tube amp - the Knight KM15. Unlike the KM15, this amp does not use the 12AX7 or 6BQ5 tubes. Instead, the input tube phase inverter is the round black plate 7AF7. They do not make tubes like the 7AF7 anymore. This tube blows Dyna's 7199 and 6GH8/6U8 types out of the water! Even the venerable 12AU7 is found wanting compared to the 7AF7. Sonically this tube leaves most miniature duo triode types in the dust! The black plate NOS sylvania 10GK6 is the 10 volt variant of the 6GK6 tube. Why the 10GK6 tube over imported 6BQ5s? Like other fire bottle pentodes these imports are getting up in $$!! Besides, there are NOS out there that have yet to be utilized to their true audio potential!!The Viking power transformer filament taps for this amp work out nicely for the 10 volt filaments. The output transformers are EDCOR 8K primaries to 4/8 ohm secondaries. Over twice the power of those 6BQ5 SE amps and no waiting a year or more on that flea watt SE project to be assembled!Soft surge power up along with UL / TRIODE switching enable flexibility in different operating modes.Auditioning this amp has been a pleasant surprise. This tube combo can dish out low-end freqs that resemble the low-end of two 6L6 finals! Listening to Lee Ritenours Rhythm Sessions leaves no doubt this amp can handle the low-end with aplomb! Yet, in triode mode, cellos and violas are correctly voiced while listening to the likes of Elgar etc. Orchestral timbres are spot on. A most versatile amplifier indeed! This amp has that classic tube sonic signature!Quality passives utilized: WIMA, REL-CAP, Phillips//Mullard/Mustard(60s), Roederstein, AB, Elna Silmic II, Clarostat, Resista, Holco, Toyo-films, Vishay, Bourns to name a few. Component selection yields a sonic clarity that renders the music without being harsh or aggressive.This amp was assembled earlier this year and has performed flawlessly. With that said there are no extended warranties expressed or implied. So, if you have questions, ASK them. Tubes will be pulled and packed separate for safe transit. Circuit diagram included.Shipping note: if you live west of the Rockies there is a $20 upcharge. Sorry, it cost more to ship out west. Payment in 3 days. Paypal or Ebay pay only. Ships to United States only. No refunds/returns.

Price: 1199 USD

Location: Pekin, Illinois

End Time: 2024-12-02T14:05:01.000Z

Shipping Cost: 51.75 USD