More herd thinning required!
I got this as a backup when I thought my main amp would be absent for some repairs.
That was awhile ago.....I kept it longer than I should have, just because I liked it so much.
But now it must go.
This amp replaced the venerable and acclaimed BC2 in the Blue Circle lineup. It combines the best of both worlds: tubed input (6922/6DJ8/7308 family) and SS output. It uses one 6922 tube per channel running in single-ended high bias Class A mode in conjunction with a solid-state high bias Class AB output stage to accommodate difficult speaker loads. This amp is all about tone and harmonics. The presentation is natural and unforced and there is an ease to the sound in which both tube and SS characteristics are weaved into one organic whole. While not a "ruthlessly revealing" amp, it is not so sweet that dodgy recordings are sugar-coated.
Deep accurate bass, harmonically rich midrange, and a clear open top end are all there with this amp.
I am a finicky and hardcore tube guy who typically bristles at the mere thought of listening to SS. But this amp is a different story in that it has a musical sound that does not spotlight the treble, and is devoid of the grit, glare, grain, hardness and other nasties often associated with SS. I have no trouble listening to its wonderfully rich and fluid musical presentation for hours on end....one of the very few SS designs I can say that about!
Complete amplifier measurements including tube input stage (measured with matched tubes).
* Residue noise reference to full power output: >- 96dB or <400uV non weighted
* Residue noise reference to full power output: >-100dB or <200uV within audio band
* Tracking error: < +/-0.5dB
* Frequency response (10W into 8 ohms): 10Hz to 55K +0.00db, - 0.1dB; -0.3db at >100kHz
* Distortion at 10W into 8 ohms: <0.4 %
* Voltage gain: 25.5dB
* Input sensitivity: 1.34V
* input impedance: 47k5
* Dimensions: 17.5"wide x 4"height x 14.4"deep (15.5" with binding post)
* Weight: 30 Lbs
* 80 wpc into 8 ohms (conservative rating)
* 100 wpc into 4 ohms (conservative rating)
* ground lift switch on rear: handy feature to eradicate any hum or noise
* single ended RCA inputs
The brushed silver front panel bespeaks simple elegance. There are no expensive cosmetic treatments or gimmicks that siphon money from where it belongs...the sound! The compact design makes it an easy fit into virtually all racks. The amp is basically flawless cosmetically and operationally, and has been 100% trouble-free over my ownership period.
There is only one very minor issue that I am aware of:
*** The little blue "power on" indicator light on the front panel is out. Not really a big deal since a spare is included, and it is very accessible and easy to change. Also, the bulb can be obtained online for about $1. Obviously, this has absolutely no effect on amp performance.
Fire up Google, do the research and see why actual owners love this amp.
Nice professional BC24 review here:
http://www.ultraaudio.com/equipment/bluecircle_bc24.htmThe BC24 uses the same hybrid circuit as the acclaimed BC28, just less output and a smaller chasis. The BC28 received a Soundstage "Reviewers Choice" award in Dec 2003:
http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/bluecircle_bc28.htmSee more pics in my Photo Gallery:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=gallery;area=browse;album=1682Comes complete with all papers and original packaging.
Even a hex wrench for lid removal and tube rollin' is included.
$1100 obo
original list: $2450
Buyer pays actual shipping charges, and PayPal fees.
As always, local pickups are welcome: Long Beach, NY 11561
I have many transactions and perfect feedback on A'Gon under "spelly".
Thanks for looking and
MERRY CHRISTMAS! 
