[rklein]

After numerous conversations and emails to Blair, I took advantage of his pricing on a package deal.  I was using an ST-120 tube amp that I built from a kit offered by Bob Latino.  It produced 60 watts in pentode and 20 watts in triode.  I have been having alot of trouble with my tube amp blowing rectifiers and neither I or a respected local tube gear repair specialist could figure out the problem.  Blair will be building me a NS-60 amp at a substantial discount as he is using transformers from the ST-120.  In addition, he is building me a Beacon II pre as well!  

I like his philosophy about utilizing existing iron to cut down on the costs of purchasing a new amp.  He was very patient with me and answered all my questions concerning the options available and what were the most important options to get. 

To be honest, I almost pulled the trigger on a pair of used Quicksilver monos, but chose to go this route instead.

Blair can speak better in regards to the pieces I bought and the options that I chose.

Cheers,

rklein

[rklein]

I would also like to add that the preamp I was the Mapletree Audio Ultra 4A SE.  I truly enjoyed this pre in my system.  I was VERY hesitant to let it go.  However, the package deal Blair offered me was very compelling.

I believe I sent the Mapletree to a good home as the current owner is very happy with it.

rklein

[dangerbird]

Congrats on the aquisition.I would really like to hear your thoughts on this combination,,what type of output tubes will you be using?

[drphoto]

I happen to be the fortunate recipient of Randy's MAD 4A SE and I love it. Probably my first audio purchase that didn't cause any buyer's remorse.  (although people keep gushing over those battery powered Virtue amps....... 

Thanks again Randy.....and as they say over on AG..... he's a topnotch seller. Timely, great packing, cool personalized instructions and a fair price. 

Please keep us posted on your new purchase. I think Blair seems like a cool dude, who's a straight shooter. I'd like to see him do well.

Now that I've got the tube bug again, I might be interested in one of his power amps down the road.

[rklein]

Congrats on the aquisition.I would really like to hear your thoughts on this combination,,what type of output tubes will you be using?

Well, I will probably start with KT-88's as I have a matched quad set of Genelex Gold Lion's.  However, the amp will take KT-77's, 66's, 6550's, EL-34's and I think 6L6's(Blair...correct me if I am wrong on the 6L6's).

Thanks for the kind words Joe.  I knew you would dig the Mapletree pre 

As far as the Beacon II, I will have to buy a phono stage as the Mapletree came with one.  Maybe a Vista Audio Phono 1.  Maybe a Nighthawk F-117...

rklein

[roymail]

Randy, please follow up after receiving your new setup from Blair.  No doubt, it will sound awesome.  Congrats!

Maybe Blair will jump in here and tell us a little more about the synergy of this particular amp and preamp. 

[Niteshade]

Both the NS-60SE & Beacon Two are designed to be compatible with a wide range of equipment.

System features:

Beacon two:
HT bypass
Buffer mode
Solid state rectifier
Two inputs
Wood sides
IEC power socket
Link capacitor output coupling
DC filaments

NS-60SE:
Wood trim package
Variable local feedback loop. (Note: Global feedback not used.)
Additional gain stage (all 6SN7 front end)
Dynaco 60 watt iron provided by Randy
1940's mod w/ dual rectifiers AND switchable solid state diodes
Tunable biasing
SE Package audio circuit: very low noise, extremely fast
Stock commercial grade capacitors. We consider them better than audio grade.
IEC power socket
DC Filaments, external high current power supply

All options and upgrades were selected to provide the most sonic improvement. Each upgrade builds upon the strengths of the other.

[Ericus Rex]

We want some pics too Rklein     ...pleez?!

[Niteshade]

Oh! There will be photos- plenty of them!!

What's coming up in the world of Niteshade Photography:

1] The matching Beacon Two and NS-60SE mentioned in this thread
2] A new amp planted in our new resonant-free, super heavy chassis
3] A new NS-SEP20
4] Photos from start to finish of a NS-SEP30 being constructed
5] A new preamp! (A little later on, but not much later.)

We want some pics too Rklein     ...pleez?!

[roymail]

Blair, awesome!    New preamp you say...? 

[mgalusha]

Randy was telling me about his new goodies. Any progress or photos? 

[Niteshade]

There will be photos pretty soon. I am waiting for the wood trim. Internal work cannot be started until the trim is in place because it fastens from the inside.

This will be a VERY nice set of matching equipment and I can't wait to use the Dynaco iron.

Randy was telling me about his new goodies. Any progress or photos? 

[mgalusha]

I know he's very excited. Can't wait to see how it all turns out. 

[Niteshade]

If the Dynaco iron works as well as I believe it will, then a new product(s) will be derived from it.

[rklein]

Hi Mike:

Right now I am not playing ANY MUSIC at all!!   While I am waiting for my new gear from Blair, I was using a Khartago amp along with my Mapletree 4A Ultra tubed pre.  However, I sold my Mapletree and also my Khartago, so I have been reduced to using a Yamaha receiver that I bought back in 1991.  The sound is so crappy that I can't bear to listen to it.

I am excited because my whole system is going through a huge transformation.  New amp and pre from Blair, new speakers from Seleh Audio (TRT Towers) that I am finally veneering, and a new DAC(yet to be determined-either a W4S Dac II or the EE).

I still think that the coolest thing about all of this is the fact that Blair can save someone a boatload of money by utilizing your existing iron and incorporating it into one of his amps.

Randy

[mgalusha]

I still think that the coolest thing about all of this is the fact that Blair can save someone a boatload of money by utilizing your existing iron and incorporating it into one of his amps.

Just have to love that. Good iron is the heart of a tube amp, not that other things are not important but if the iron sucks then why bother. It's great to see Blair reusing it into a new product. 

[Niteshade]

We'll have some photos soon!

The amp's design stage is over and wiring begins. When the amp is finished, the preamp begins.

[FredT300B]

I am excited because my whole system is going through a huge transformation.  New amp and pre from Blair, new speakers from Seleh Audio (TRT Towers) that I am finally veneering...
Randy

You're going to like the sound of the TRT's with tubes. I've driven mine mostly with a Krell SS amp, but recently I pulled out my old Assemblage tube pre and 40 watt/ch EL34 amp, and this combination sounds really good with the TRT's. Plenty of power with just a touch of tube warmth, tight well-controlled bass, and no loss of treble resolution from those Air Circ tweeters. 

[rklein]

Hey Fred:

Actually, I was running the TRT's in their raw unfinished MDF for over 2 months with a Bob Latino ST-120 with Genelex Gold Lion KT-88's along with a Mapletree Audio Ultra 4A SE Preamp with 1950's Sylvania 12SN7's and really liked the presentation.  Unfortunately, my ST-120 was eating rectifier (5AR4) tubes like they were candy.  Blair is using the iron from the ST-120 and incorporating it into the NS-60 SE amp.   Anyhow...I am a couple of days away from finishing the TRT's and have them back up and running.  The fronts, tops, backs and bottoms are in a Pau Ferro Rosewood and I made side panels in a black piano finish.  I'll probably post pics in the Lab and in Selah Audio Circles.

Randy 

[rklein]

After some lenthy talks with Blair I have decided to change my order from a Beacon II to the III .  I like the idea of the split gain phase and Blair's explanation on how it works and how it improves the sonic performance.  My NS-60 SE amp is done and I made the decision to upgrade just as Blair was starting my Beacon pre.  I am really looking forward to mating these two pieces with my Selah Audio TRT speakers(will FINALLY be done this weekend - pics will be in both Selah and Lab Circles)

Randy