[Niteshade]

Single tube, dual triode amplification might just become the envy of our audio industry. Music comes alive with this preamp. Speed, dynamic range, resolution and tactile sensation as a result of unmatched accuracy promote a highly emotional listening experience. Beacon One comes standard with all capacitor upgrades for no additional cost. Custom colors are available and will not cost extra.

AC Member Sale: $540.00 delivered within the Lower 48

[Niteshade]

The preamp shown is for sale and already made. Different colors can be chosen with special orders and there is no additional charge.

Tube rectification is available too!

[Ericus Rex]

I like the name Blair!

If it had a physically  larger tube you could name it "The Lighthouse"

[Niteshade]

I do have Lighthouse Cables now. The first of them being our LH-1 RCA interconnects. More models will follow.

NOTE: The Beacon One listed is finished exactly the same as our 6l6 dual mono stereo amplifier listed here. It's a splendid match! There will be a package deal for the Beacon One, dual mono power amp and cables coming soon.

I like the name Blair!

If it had a physically  larger tube you could name it "The Lighthouse"

[Niteshade]

I know of a great preamp if you're looking to get into tubes: Beacon One.

There is only a single dual triode 12AU7 operating things as well as a capacitor upgrade to insure high efficiency transfer between preamp and amp. The circuit being used is extremely quiet, dynamic, fast and transparent. I do not like preamps or amps that color sound in any way. HiFi isn't about coloration. If an amp takes the edge off a digital source, warms something up, can be identified as 'tuby', etc...then there is something wrong. I have an enormous music collection. Some of it is good and ALLOT of it isn't top-shelf grade recordings. I know it and accept it. The fact that it remains what it is, for better or worse after it goes through my system is important to me. You won't find any rose colored glasses over here. 

I like Beacon One for its honesty. I can't imagine a better preamp to start delving into tubes with. Think how much fun tube rolling will be. You'll get to try the most expensive tubes on the market because only one has to be purchased. I made this preamp to operate its tube gently. A healthy tube will last for years and years. This preamp is about fun. Tubes are fun and everything designed here is made to demonstrate just how good tubes are. I really can't say enough good about tube sound.

Just to ass more icing on the cake: Beacon one is 100% hand made and point to point wired. Input wattage is around 5 watts total. That's nothing. That's efficient.

[Niteshade]

It looks like it's built like a tank because it is. 

Compact, sturdy, extremely non-resonant chassis (weight vs, size). Add to that an extremely fast, responsive circuit AND a capacitor upgrade seen in units costing twice as much. I wanted to go all out on this model so people could enjoy a high performance preamp on a budget. It took allot of planning to develop a preamp on a budget while not sacrificing component quality. The results are unquestionably solid and on target.

[Niteshade]

I designed this for the audio purist. This is one incredibly fast, dynamic preamp. The signal path is essentially straight through. There is no better way to convey realism than to use components designed to leave the incoming signal as untouched as possible. Beacon One will easily stand up to preamps 3x's her price. All internal components are top notch- there will never be a reason to upgrade this preamp. It's like buying your dream computer- upgraded from the get go so you never have wonder if it's working at peak potential...because it always is.

A preamp is you system's centerpiece. Without a good preamp, nothing else can perform. I know for a fact that after Beacon One catches on, it will be difficult to keep them in stock. That's how good this model is. One tube equals one direct signal path. It doesn't get much better than that.

[guest1632]

I designed this for the audio purist. This is one incredibly fast, dynamic preamp. The signal path is essentially straight through. There is no better way to convey realism than to use components designed to leave the incoming signal as untouched as possible. Beacon One will easily stand up to preamps 3x's her price. All internal components are top notch- there will never be a reason to upgrade this preamp. It's like buying your dream computer- upgraded from the get go so you never have wonder if it's working at peak potential...because it always is.

A preamp is you system's centerpiece. Without a good preamp, nothing else can perform. I know for a fact that after Beacon One catches on, it will be difficult to keep them in stock. That's how good this model is. One tube equals one direct signal path. It doesn't get much better than that.

Hi Blair,

Do you have any specs on this Beacon One? What about input switching? Gain and output impedance ETC.

So why did you choose this tube versus the say, 6SN7 or 6N1P or 6J8/6922, 6830 ETC. Just was naming some popular tubes.  I am not criticizing but it's nice to get in to the head of the Master Sheff, and see why he used this or that.

I noticed on your site, you also have a Beacon Two?

Ray Bronk

[guest1632]

It looks like it's built like a tank because it is. 

Compact, sturdy, extremely non-resonant chassis (weight vs, size). Add to that an extremely fast, responsive circuit AND a capacitor upgrade seen in units costing twice as much. I wanted to go all out on this model so people could enjoy a high performance preamp on a budget. It took allot of planning to develop a preamp on a budget while not sacrificing component quality. The results are unquestionably solid and on target.

Hi Blair, In your search for a single tube, did you also consider the use of a 12B4 as a worthy candidate?

Ray Bronk

[Niteshade]

Hello Ray,

Output impedance is 10K and frequency response is 20 to 20,000hz. Gain is 25db, but variable upon request. The volume control is completely linear- there are no spots where it jumps up suddenly. Input switching is through a high current toggle switch with a ON-OFF-ON configuration so inputs can be changed while the preamp is on. I use toggles because they last a long time and are much quieter than rotary switches. They are easy to replace as well.

I chose the 12AU7 because it's so popular. There are several vintage models available and many good new ones too. A dual triode is a stable, economic, high quality, high reliability package. A 6SN7 could have been used and can be if someone wants it- but the 12AU7 is more popular.

Tubes with 12V filaments: I like them, but the availability of power transformers with a 12v and HV windings are scarce.  Beacon One uses 6.3 volts on the filament as does Beacon Two.

Beacon Two: Much like Beacon one, except that it has a 5K output impedance. The circuit was designed to be as straight as possible, like the Beacon One's. Both are designed to be top performers within and well above their price class. Beacon Two can be made with 12AU7's.

I like using tubes that provide a multitude of tube rolling choices. Beacon One is a roller's dream since only a single tube has to be purchased. This preamp was designed with nothing but pure fun and high performance in mind.