Okay guys, the SWL 9.0 linestage is about to depart from Beta status and into production, this October! In other words, just around the corner.
First of all, I want to thank the Beta customers, and especially those that have waited for the upgrades and revisions during the Beta process and who have given me much needed feedback. Those who have heard the recent Beta units can attest to the fact that it has come a LONG WAY. The first Beta's were good, the recent units are GREAT in my opinion.
Details of Production Units:
1) Single Box design - 17"W chassis. (Internal PS).
2) Silver face - powder-coat finish of enclosure.
3) Tubes NOT exposed.
4) 5687 Tube and variants (2 tubes total).
5) Choke current-regulated supply with discrete FET voltage regulation.
6) Six inputs, two sets of outputs, HT bypass.
7) Controls: Volume, Select, Mute, HT B/P switch.
8 ) R/C Volume in SE version.
9) Cardas RCA's, FRED/HEXFRED/SCHOTTKY rectification, 1% metal film resistors and top quality poly and film/foil caps throughout.
10) Noble/Alps volume pots.
Measured Performand!!!
Frequency Response: 17Hz - 200Khz (+/-1dB)
Noise Floor: -122dB
(I will attach *.pdf files of Audio Precision measurements if someone will tell me how to attach them
)
SWL 9.0:
Manual Volume control.
High-Quality Copper Signal wire.
Price: $1399 + shipping (Introductory Price)
SWL 9.0SE:
Remote Volume Control.
Silver signal wire.
Upgrade B+ rectifiers to HEXFREDs.
Upgrade key resistors to Caddocks.
Increased/improved power supply filtering.
Highest Quality output coupling cap upgrade.
Price: $1899 + shipping (Introductory Price)
Beta customers upgrading to Production units will be given preference in ordering and will receive 100% trade credit toward purchase of Production units. Earliest Beta customers were also guaranteed additional incentives.
I have consciously not said much about this design, as I have been working hard to perfect it, but I am satisfied now with the sound. We will be debuting the unit in October at the Rocky Mountain Audio Festival and units WILL be available there for sale at 'Show Pricing'. I may even do a few 'Special' units up for the show, with custom finish, etc.
Again, thank you to all Beta customers who have stuck with us and have helped us to perfect the design. Your loyalty will be repaid and you will be VERY pleased with the end result.
Thanks and take care,
Dan W.