Another small batch of this little amp is built and ready to enter the market. I just love the way this little inexpensive amp sounds and can't resist building few units when time and resources allow.
As I keep one unit from each batch for myself, they are always little different then previously built ones.
Original specs are similar to the model P9 and chassis is borrowed from the model P6:
http://www.vista-audio.com/Custom/custom.htmModifications are made in order to increase a typical SE amplifier signature at expense of some convenience items:
- No headphone ouput: simpler wiring at the ouptut, lower hum aa
- One set of speaker terminals: 6 ohms only, works well with 4 and 8 ohm speakers, some power is sacrificed. Output transformer with single secondary winding has lower leakage which reduces distortion at high frequencies
- MAIN and DIRECT inputs: MAIN input goes through the volume control; DIRECT is intended for use with a preamp and is fed straight to the grid of the input triode
- Improved thermal management: this amp runs cooler than the P6
AND
Single stereo volume control potentiometer: well, this is actually added convenience 
HOW DOES IT SOUND?Unbeliveable for the price, if you really want to ask ME
The little one is holding its own against heavyweights, such as Trafomatic's Experience One (using mighty 2A3 and hugely oversized Double-C transformers). Yes, there is a difference, but again, at this price point, i82 defficiencies are minor and more than acceptable IMHO.
AND WHAT IS THE PRICE?Here's the thing - since the last batch just about every material used here has gone up (partly due to dollar decline, partly due to supply shortage) transformer iron, copper, steel.....
However, this project is more about fun than pure business, almost like a business card for Vista-Audio and I decided to keep the price unchanged: $380.00
Next batch is likely to cost more....
What would really help is paying for the amp by a check or money order, I'd like to avoid PayPal fees if possible, but I'm not going to lose sleep over the 3% charge either.
Boris
