AudioCircle
Industry Circles => ModWright Instruments (MWI) => Topic started by: Joe Frances on 9 Jul 2018, 12:53 am
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So, I have been holding out for a hybrid version of the KWI 200 with some sweet 6922s in the lineup to add that Dan Wright tube lovers element to make this the ultimate in integrateds. Is it a pipe dream? Hey i can wait, I am patient. :D
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Hi, not a pipe dream! I am planning our next integrated and yes, I do want it to have tubes! 6922 would be the tube of choice.
It may be closer to 100W, but I am considering styling it much like the KWI 200. I would like to reduce the depth of the enclosure to 15", as 17" deep is tough to fit on many racks. There will also be some changes to the enclosure to allow more exposed heat sink area.
I am also considering using the same circuit used in the KWA 150 and output devices. How about a KWH 150?
Is 200W necessary and preferred? This will influence the cost!
All input welcome!
Thanks,
Dan
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Personally, I'd like to see the KWI200 get an update and remain the flagship integrated model. Maybe KWI200 v2 with updated plug-in modules?
As such, I'd like to see this new integrated be the entry to Modwright in general. Don't make it too big (which will increase the cost of the chassis...and greatly increase the cost to the consumer). Give it an encoder / numeric display, at least for volume control. Most motorized pots are AWFUL. This is absolutely a deciding factor for me when considering integrated amps and preamps, yet not many integrateds have volume encoders with displays. Make it 100 watts, but give it a switchable 80hz high/low pass filter for easier subwoofer integration as well as more total system power / headroom when a subwoofer or two are added...as high passing the mains will put less strain on the internal amp. :thumb:
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Thank you for the feedback! It answers my question about the need for a digital display.
It is my intent to offer a lower cost SS integrated and also possibly a higher price Hybrid integrated.
Dan
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How about an SE upgrade for current KWI-200 owners.
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It would honestly be too time consuming and costly, given that the majority of the amp is built on one big PCB.
At this point, I am looking at a new hybrid integrated that will combine the sound of the 150SE (same output stage and devices) and marry it with a tube preamp stage. The face plate, overall ergonomics and styling will very much be the same as the KWI 200, but ideally 1"-2" shorter and with more exposed heat sink area.
This design will be very modular to allow upgrades of any portion of the amp easily, as well as phono and other source options.
Thanks,
Dan
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Hi, not a pipe dream! I am planning our next integrated and yes, I do want it to have tubes! 6922 would be the tube of choice.
It may be closer to 100W, but I am considering styling it much like the KWI 200. I would like to reduce the depth of the enclosure to 15", as 17" deep is tough to fit on many racks. There will also be some changes to the enclosure to allow more exposed heat sink area.
I am also considering using the same circuit used in the KWA 150 and output devices. How about a KWH 150?
Is 200W necessary and preferred? This will influence the cost!
All input welcome!
Thanks,
Dan
Dan:
FABULOUS NEWS!
Depending upon when you might get around to producing a new hybrid integrated, I would jump at the chance to purchase this unit (subject to when it actually comes out; the price and features) without need to demo, based upon your deep commitment and reputation. I would love to have more information when available. For me, 100-125 watts would be plenty.
Thanks,
Joe
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150 watts into 8 ohms and more into 4. Even more if you can make it happen within your size limits. Despite what speaker manufacturers claim, I frequently find performance improved when I use amplifiers more powerful than the speaker maximum rating. I have not smoked a speaker yet.
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The plan at this point is to base the amp section on the KWA 150SE circuit, built in an enclosure with very much the same styling as the KWI 200, but with more exposed heat sinks and a couple of inches shorter.
The preamp stage will be all tube. It will include a HP amp and phono stage.
Price is still TBD.
I would like to size it for 150W, with at least the first 10 watts in pure Class A.
Thanks,
Dan
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This is very exciting. Now, Dan, let me put you on the spot a little bit. When do you think you might be coming out with this unit? By the way, I like the name KWI 150 by the way.
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OK maybe KHI 150.....
(I know I am being inconsistent with my first post on this topic, but now that it might/could actually happen my patience as been overtaken by my excitement.)
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It will happen! Likely the KWH 150I or something like that.
Thanks,
Dan
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Uh oh
It better not be really good, or I’ll be tempted to sell my KWI-200 ;)
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Dan:
In making this new hybrid integrated, what audio/sonic qualities are you striving to achieve? Put another way, what will this new integrated amp bring to the table for integrated amp buyer, other than a smaller, more manageable size? I'd like to know your goals for this product, by way of musical experience.
Joe
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My goal is to bring the sonics of our 150SE SS power amp, combined with a good tube preamp design, in an integrated amp package of conservative size (standard width piece, but not nearly as much space as separate amp and preamp). It will also include phono and headphone features, making for a high performance system in one box. You only need add speakers, digital source and turntable for vinyl.
The sonic goal will be no compromise, whilst saving space and overall cost over separates. I like an amp with good control and neutral presentation, combined with the 3-dimensional imaging and presentation of tubes. A hybrid integrated, done well, should achieve all of these goals.
Thanks,
Dan
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Any digital input?
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No digital input. There is too much change in digital technology and it is difficult to offer a digital input option that will remain current. Because of this, I have decided that I will offer a phono input and HP output, but not a digital input.
Thanks,
Dan
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No digital input. There is too much change in digital technology and it is difficult to offer a digital input option that will remain current. Because of this, I have decided that I will offer a phono input and HP output, but not a digital input.
Thanks,
Dan
Thank you Dan for making this choice, I like the idea of pure, simple and elegant in design.
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Thank you Dan for making this choice, I like the idea of pure, simple and elegant in design.
Agree. Anyone buying a high level integrated will look for (if they don't already own) a matching high level DAC.
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That’s one of the reasons I bought the KWI 200 over a couple of other worthy candidates.
I wanted the simplest amp possible, where ALL the money and effort is spent on the amp.
No DAC, no tuner, no meters or a bunch of buttons I’d never use etc.
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I realize DAC technology may be moving fast, but wouldn't making a digital input modular make it so you can upgrade it?
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Yes, it would. However, I am not a digital engineer and I do not have staff on hand to keep up with the programming and other changes required to keep up with rapidly changing technology.
If we had a design that was largely software driven and I had a programmer/vendor who could update this for me, then it would be a possibility. If I do have this in the future, then I will consider it. Until then I will not offer DACs in our integrated amps.
Thanks,
Dan
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A couple of points and one question: I understand you are going to produce the tube hybrid integrated with the same facia as the KWI 200, is that correct? I love the look of the '200 which is a blend of clean modern and classic style. And knobs, yes, lets have real knobs... Additionally, the clear readout makes it easier to use in the near-darkness when changing sources.
So.....(ahem).......any thought on when?
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Yes, same face as the KWI 200, knobs, displays, etc. It works and is well received.
As for time? I am hoping to have a proof of concept piece for RMAF and then I would expect end of the year soonest, for production.
Thanks,
Dan
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Oh, gosh, I may have to go to Rocky Mountain.....
Thanks, Dan.
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I will be attending this years RMAF (my first time). Looking forward to meeting you Dan and seeing what you have to offer.
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I look forward to seeing you all there!
Dan
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Dan, any further information available on this; are you proceeding; available timeline , etc?
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I am working on it and late Q1 of 2019 is the soonest that I would expect to have it out.
I plan on the following:
- 200W into 8 ohms/ 400W into 4 ohms.
- Same look/feel (face) as the KWI 200.
- Totally re-designed internals, all modular and everything improved.
- SS preamp stage of KWI 200 replaced with all tube preamp stage.
- Mosfet output stage of KWI 200 replaced with BJT output stage of KWA 150SE.
- Chassis redesigned to allow much more exposed heat sink area to improve overall cooling and allow for higher operating temperature/bias.
- Phono stage integral or optional.
Price will be higher than that of the KWI 200, but final price TBD.
Thanks,
Dan
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Can the Modification Master mod his own equipment???
I could be interested in the following for my KWI200:
SS preamp stage of KWI 200 replaced with all tube preamp stage.
Mosfet output stage of KWI 200 replaced with BJT output stage of KWA 150SE.
if it was a step-change improvement.
I'm guessing it may not be since it is not modular but sounds like the new one will be a candidiate for future improvements with the modular construction.
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I am afraid that this will be a completely different amplifier. It will have the same styling (face) as the KWI 200, but everything else will be different I am afraid. The KWI 200 is built on one main PCB with a separate PCB for the preamp stage. The new Hybrid integrated will be built from at least eight separate PCBs.
You can however, add a tube preamp to the KWI 200, connecting the tube preamp to the HT/BP inputs of the KWI 200. Many of our customers have done this over time with great results.
Thank you,
Dan W.
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Dan:
Any idea if the final product on the new integrated will be out by mid-year? Not trying to rush you, just thinking about my purchasing and planning options.
Thanks,
Joe
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The new hybrid will debut in April at Axpona 2019 in Chicago.
It will be 200W+ power with a tube preamp section and the same output stage of the KWA 150SE.
It will have the same aesthetics of the KWI 200 in terms of the face plate and knobs, but will be a complete re-design inside.
IMPORTANTLY: This means that it will not be an upgraded KWI 200, but a completely different design. There will be no upgrade path to make the KWI 200 a hybrid.
Pricing is still TBD, but will be higher than for the KWI 200.
I would expect production by mid-year yes.
Thanks,
Dan
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The new hybrid will debut in April at Axpona 2019 in Chicago.
It will be 200W+ power with a tube preamp section and the same output stage of the KWA 150SE.
It will have the same aesthetics of the KWI 200 in terms of the face plate and knobs, but will be a complete re-design inside.
IMPORTANTLY: This means that it will not be an upgraded KWI 200, but a completely different design. There will be no upgrade path to make the KWI 200 a hybrid.
Pricing is still TBD, but will be higher than for the KWI 200.
Dan is a HP amp still in the mix for the new hybrid amp as indicated earlier?
I would expect production by mid-year yes.
Thanks,
Dan
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The design is coming together nicely and will debut at Axpona 2019. The prototype does not have a HP amp built in, but I am still planning on this for the final production units, as well as stock phono stage.
Price is still TBD, but will be more than the KWI 200 of course.
Dan
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The design is coming together nicely and will debut at Axpona 2019. The prototype does not have a HP amp built in, but I am still planning on this for the final production units, as well as stock phono stage.
Price is still TBD, but will be more than the KWI 200 of course.
Dan
OK, thanks.
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I've been talking to Dan directly through email about this project and just found this site so thought I would throw my 2 cents in here also.
I have had Modwright Instruments on my radar for a few years and am finally in the position to upgrade my 2 channel setup so I am truly excited that Dan's new Hybrid Integrated is soon to be ready. I have been a separates guy for decades - mostly because of the compromises made and the bloated feature set in most available integrateds- but I feel Dan has finally come up with a true contender. i was about to pull the trigger on the SS KWI 200 but decided to try and contact Dan first which I did- he said I may want to wait a bit for this - so wait I did.
200W into 8 ohms/ 400W into 4 ohms. - AWESOME!
Same look/feel (face) as the KWI 200. - Great LOVE it - clean sleek and simple.
Totally re-designed internals, all modular and everything improved. - Unexpected respect for his customers.
SS preamp stage of KWI 200 replaced with all tube preamp stage. - The Holy Grail
Mosfet output stage of KWI 200 replaced with BJT output stage of KWA 150SE. - Nice!
Chassis redesigned to allow much more exposed heat sink area to improve overall cooling and allow for higher operating temperature/bias. - AND looks really cool!
Phono stage integral or optional - Uh oh... whats this bloat??? BUT a TRULY proper Integrated right? Not sure i would choose to have these add ons and the associated cost. I'm sure the phono stage will be "Good" but better can easily be had externally and as for the headphone output - how many of us sit close enough for the cord to reach our amps anyway? Isnt that why we all have HP rigs next to our easy chair already?
NOW for the BIGGY( I'm hiding behind my chair. I'm sure this wont be popular here) Why do those two tiny little tubes have to poke out the top like that?
I know - because that's cool right? On a full compliment tube amp or a small chassis desk top with limited space I would say yes BUT on this it doesnt make sense to me and is just obligatory pandering to the tube "look". I would much rather respect the sleekness of the design by laying them down behind a nice glass window - I have drawings) OR if you really wanted to WOW 'em, mount them in a pop up glass enclosure for rolling/display purposes - I have drawings for this also (relatively simple design too). If anyone thinks this may be something to be considered I will post them here.
Anyway - Thanks Dan for you time, effort and passion....and, in my case, your impeccable timing!
FWS
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Dude...
ideas are great and all, but a pop-up glass enclosure with tubes in it? Simple? Have you designed electronics before? Sketches?
...and this pop up glass case makes more sense, in terms of added cost, than the headphone amp and/or the phono stage? :scratch:
Note that many of us haven't seen the new integrated, so other than imagination, we don't know what you're talking about. Based on Dan's comments, it seems like he was waiting to reveal details about his product here following Axpona...but you've decided that's your job? :duh:
You understand this is his, paid, site sponsored, space on AC, right?
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Wow - OK got it.
I'll shut up and go away then - all you had to say. You guys are apparently way too smart for a dummy like me to interact with.
I've not designed electronics, I'll leave that to Dan. I only have ideas for the case which I do have experience with. My ideas are quite simple and version 1 shouldnt add much more cost than a piece of glass. Version 2 is actually fairly simple and would add some cost but probably not much. The bigger problem is having enough space to implement it. It takes the same footprint as the current board but obviously would need space below. In either case there is of course the redesign cost.
Several times in the past I have approached other companies whose products I am interested in about potential design changes where the company found my idea worthwhile and did make those changes and/or incorporated them as a new model. Thats a fact - I have and use them daily..
I will say that I rethought posting this here because I had just emailed Dan about this and hadnt given him opportunity to respond first but only after I hit the post button. Sorry Dan. And sorry to upset the status quo.
As previously stated, I'll take my thoughts and ideas and go away. Cary on...
FWS
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Well...it's a bit abnormal and rather rude behavior to come in, without introduction, and spout news about someone else's business in their online space in your very first post. On top of that, you critiqued his work and added your own $.02. Keep in mind this is Dan's new baby. Many of us have never seen it nor read anything about it. Regardless of your qualifications, it's like coming over to a friend's house unannounced, staying for dinner, then telling him how he should've cooked the roast beef. That you thought twice about it before posting should've been a red flag to you. You'll find AC is a pretty welcoming community, but it pays dividends to always be mindful if not always respectful. My apologies for jumping down your throat. I can lack patience at times and my reaction to your post was not respectful. My suggestion is to introduce yourself, as you'll see others have done just within the past few days, and maybe include a short blurb about your audio history and preferences. :thumb:
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That’s one of the reasons I bought the KWI 200 over a couple of other worthy candidates.
I wanted the simplest amp possible, where ALL the money and effort is spent on the amp.
No DAC, no tuner, no meters or a bunch of buttons I’d never use etc.
Yea, but you gotta love those lovely dials....
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Wow - OK got it.
I'll shut up and go away then - all you had to say. You guys are apparently way too smart for a dummy like me to interact with.
I've not designed electronics, I'll leave that to Dan. I only have ideas for the case which I do have experience with. My ideas are quite simple and version 1 shouldnt add much more cost than a piece of glass. Version 2 is actually fairly simple and would add some cost but probably not much. The bigger problem is having enough space to implement it. It takes the same footprint as the current board but obviously would need space below. In either case there is of course the redesign cost.
Several times in the past I have approached other companies whose products I am interested in about potential design changes where the company found my idea worthwhile and did make those changes and/or incorporated them as a new model. Thats a fact - I have and use them daily..
I will say that I rethought posting this here because I had just emailed Dan about this and hadnt given him opportunity to respond first but only after I hit the post button. Sorry Dan. And sorry to upset the status quo.
As previously stated, I'll take my thoughts and ideas and go away. Cary on...
FWS
AC is not like other ‘public’ message boards. You may notice that there are ‘introduction’ suggestions for new members, soMe specific rules, as well that each manufacturer pays to have their own ‘Circle’ here. That and the rules of conduct do indeed create a place different from other forums.
You’re new, and besides maybe blowing Dans announcement of his new product, you didn’t really do anything wrong, so don’t best yourself up or just leave after two posts...
But I think there is still much more that goes into design changes than you may be realizing. Even redesigning a chassis lid for the cnc guys to accommodate your ambitious idea of some sort of mechanized convenience feature to reveal and conceal tubes for the rare couple people out there that don’t like to look at them, is work and money that will add to the cost of the unit. The mechanized feature certainly sound cool but knowing Dans products, look and price points, it seems like an idea better suited for maybe Mcintosh or the like...
But I’d love to hear about these pieces in your system that you assisted with chassis design on. Sound like some potentially interesting. Feel free to find the right circle and post some of your design work!
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I don't think he assisted on chassis design as much as offered ideas that the manufacturers decided to implement. I may be wrong. I come from a professional design, engineering, and manufacturing background. It takes more than sketches to do things. His suggestion rubbed me the wrong way. Like...I have a great idea. I made some sketches. I don't know your goals with the project or really what it'd take to do it, but my idea is great and theoretically simple, so it should be easy to just make it happen. I've run into this frequently...so it's a little bit of a sore spot for me. Sharing ideas is great. But there's a line where one should step away and leave it to the pros, especially if you don't have real stake in the matter. Know what I mean? I don't think Dan needs help in this area. He has built his own esthetic / functional "brand" already. A mechanized tube display is indeed more along the lines of McIntosh and others. But anyway...
I'm looking forward to Dan sharing his newest creation. I've considered the KWI200 many times.
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Yes, I do know what you mean..and I completely agree. You actually stated a couple things I left out of my response.
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Hi Guys, first of all, I welcome suggestions and feedback, even if I disagree. So, please don't be afraid to express opinions, suggestions, etc. At worst I will disagree or explain why it is not a good idea. At best, it is an appreciated suggestion that I had not thought of!
So the unit was a bit hit at Axpona!
Tubes are exposed to reject heat. I will add a tube guard/shield/cage to meet CE requirements for the EU. I am thinking of a clear acrylic block to house the tubes, cantilevered off the back of the enclosure that can be removed with two thumb screws for ease in tube swapping.
Pricing: $8495
Options: Phono optional ($350 add), user-installable.
DAC: None will be available because technology changes too fast!
HP out I have not decided about.
Home Theater Bypass.
XLR inputs (not likely fully balanced because the preamp section is single ended).
Specs:
225W into 8 ohms/ 350W+ into 8 ohms.
Output stage of the 150SE Reference Amp (BJT).
Tube preamp stage (6922/6dj8/7308 based).
17"Wx17"Dx5.5"H
Photos to follow tomorrow....sorry guys but I am still recovering!
Thanks,
Dan
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KWH 225i Photos as promised!
Yes, I know that the logo in the cover is reversed. My machinist didn't bend the metal in the right direction, so for the proto covers, the logo is mirrored :duh:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=193548)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=193549)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=193550)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=193551)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=193552)
Please let me know what you think!
Thanks,
Dan Wright
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Just curious why all wires seem to be twisted other than the transformer wires.
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Nice! Definitely carries the Modwright family DNA.
The only thing I'd maybe change, esthetically, are the heat sink windows on the sides. I think they look great on the top and I assume there are corresponding windows on the bottom for air flow-thru. I think they're unnecessary on the sides and make the cover seem less solid and rather flimsy and busy. Removing those would clean up the look and also make the unit more comfortable to carry as well as move in and out of a rack. :thumb:
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Ideas are great and all, but I would let Dan design HISproduct.
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I like the side cut outs but my first impression was the same as RDavidson. I'm good as is but IF I MAY suggest, having the side cut outs extend only half way down from the top or equal to width of top vents whichever looks best. This allows for a sturdier case/look keeping the original design aesthetic and still allows additional cooling.
FWS
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First of all, twisted pair wires. This is always done when power or signal wires are used, to prevent noise. Power/ground twisted pairs and signal/ground twisted pairs is an effective and ideal way of shielding and noise suppression.
As for the exposed heat sinks and side windows, it is ALL about maximizing ventilation and cooling of the output devices. to be honest, you will not see the sides of the unit anyhow, likely, but even so, there MUST be the greatest amount of exposed heatsink are possible! The best sound comes from running the output devices at a moderately high bias (not Pure Class A). The heatsinks will be warm to the touch, but if they are too enclosed, the transistors will not dissipate the necessary heat.
Thanks for your input.
Dan
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As far as flimsy or structural integrity, based on the exposed heatsink windows on the side, the base chassis will be heavy gauge steel and the monolithic heatsinks are firmly anchored to the base chassis and the cover, top and bottom. The cover will likely be AL for both aesthetics and further heat dissipation, but the steel chassis is where the structural integrity of the entire unit comes into play.
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First of all, twisted pair wires. This is always done when power or signal wires are used, to prevent noise. Power/ground twisted pairs and signal/ground twisted pairs is an effective and ideal way of shielding and noise suppression.
Dan
Why are the transformer wires not twisted then?
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They are not alternating ground and voltage. No advantage to twisting wires of the same or similar voltage. A power or signal/ground twisted pair is a shield. A twisted pair of two voltage conductors is not a shield.
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OK Guys, kicking this product up a notch!
First of all, the cover will be formed AL, not steel as in the proto.
Secondly, I believe the faceplate will be 1/2" and styled like the KWA 150SE.
The footers on our other integrated have been pretty simple. I am thinking of custom footers for this amp, from machined AL, basically large cylinders, in scale with the knobs. What do you guys think would look and perform best?
Specifically, dull spike interface withe shelf?
hemispherical 'bumps' (perhaps 3) to minimize surface contact?
Perhaps a rubber or elastomeric interface between the footer and the shelf?
I know there is much debate between hard and soft isolation, rigid spike or elastomeric absorption. I believe that the ideal would to minimize surface contact if rigid, or use a soft/rubber type interface between the foot and the shelf. Similar isolation will be done at the interface of the footer and the amp. Form will follow function in this case!
Interested in your feedback and input!
Thanks,
Dan
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As far as flimsy or structural integrity, based on the exposed heatsink windows on the side, the base chassis will be heavy gauge steel and the monolithic heatsinks are firmly anchored to the base chassis and the cover, top and bottom. The cover will likely be AL for both aesthetics and further heat dissipation, but the steel chassis is where the structural integrity of the entire unit comes into play.
Cool. Sorry, I know "flimsy" was probably a strong word. I think it's the size of the windows vs the rather thin "beams" between the windows that make it appear less solid. I'm sure that structurally it's totally fine. It's a perceptual thing. Please note I'm an industrial designer and design engineer (hybrid?) and am probably more analytical about these visual details than most. What if you made a geometric pattern of squarish M's and W's on the sides for ventilation. Make it appear to be just a pattern like wallpaper, but on closer inspection one can see it's actually M's and W's. Just an idea not necessarily a recommendation. I'd actually have to lay this out to see how it'd look. :D
I'd also maybe chamfer the edges of the top windows. It'll dress them up a bit and it'll reduce feeling the sharpness of those edges when handling or cleaning.
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I appreciate your input as a designer and design engineer. The goal is to maximize cooling for the heatsinks. That is why they are just short of fully exposed. Having them be blue is a BIG plus aesthetically and at Axpona, everyone said it was DEAD SEXY that way!
Now I am looking at improving the faceplate, engraving vs. silkscreen for the main lettering.
I am also looking at some custom AL footers.
The last issue is the exposed tubes. There are two schools of thought here and I just had a conversation with an old friend about it. He too felt that the tubes being not exposed would make the amp look cleaner. If I do this, there will of course be an access panel with one or two thumb screws, on the back, that will allow for easy access to the tubes. It become a matter of featuring the tubes or not.
Thanks,
Dan
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No prob, Dan. Not trying to assert expertise, just POV. I'm certain the pics don't truly do it justice. The blue heatsinks are very "cool." :D
Agree. I think not having the tubes stand above the case would be a good thing as long as they're still easy to access. Sounds like you have a simple solution to that. I'd still make them visible through the removable door or still visible through the top. Everyone likes seeing that their tubes are glowing, even if through some vent slots or a window. I'm sure you're thinking the same thing.
Maybe IsoAcoustics could make a semi-custom footer solution for you, like the series of speaker footers they make?
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Dan, since you asked , my vote would be for not having the tubes exposed on top I think it detracts from the look. Whether you create an access panel, or require the entire case to be removed al la the LS100 (yes more screws but unless someone is constantly rolling tubes no be deal in my mind) would be preferable to me .
Regarding the footers , I have no real preference as I sit all of my amps on either Daedalus DIDs, or Iso Pods
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Thank you both. I am leaning towards having the tubes not exposed but visible via the access panel. I am working on custom footers too.
I appreciate any and all feedback, even if I disagree! I am building this for our customers and we all like different things. Form does follow function and a great sounding and performing product should also LOOK great!
Thank you,
Dan
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A glass access panel...???
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Plexiglass possibly, yes!
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I'll take my Limited Edition first 25 pieces unit with the Dan Wright signature and 1 of 25 engraved on the special Blue Tinted Real Glass access panel. :wink:
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You got it!
Thanks,
Dan
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Updates on the KWH 225i Hybrid Integrated.
1) Tubes will be inside, enclosed in a blue anodized sub-enclosure, allowing tube heat to all vent to the outside rather than inside the amp enclosure. The blue sub-enclosure will be visible through a transparent acrylic tube guard, hovering .250" above the opening. The tube guard will easily be removed via two thumb screws on the rear. The exposed heatsinks and blue tube sub-enclosure will all be exposed and tie the whole new look together.
2) Work is proceeding nicely on this, with the first units scheduled to ship mid-late July.
3) Aesthetics have been upgraded on the KWH 225i to include a 1/2" thick faceplate engraved and machined to match that of the LS 36.5 and KWA 150SE series of products. The cover will be AL while the base enclosure will be 14GA steel to allow for adequate structural reinforcement for the 1.5KVA power transformer.
4) The entire internal design of the KWH 225i is different than the KWI 200. Every circuit has its own modular PCB and bias and adjustment points are all easily accessible for service and calibration.
5) Output power devices and circuit design are the same as the KWA 150SE amp!
6) The controls will be the same as the KWI 200, with two knobs and full function remote.
7) Custom metal footers are being manufactured now. Three footers in total will be used, installing via 1/4-20 threaded studs, to allow the use of other upgraded footers such as Stillpoints or similar, should the customer choose.
This will be our Flagship Integrated Amp and I am excited for its release!
Thanks,
Dan