[Niteshade]

Niteshade Audio NS-8 Single Ended 6L6 Tube Stereo Amplifier, Integrated.

New Years Day Sale!

This NS-8 comes with the following upgrades:

1.Tube Rectification
2.Extra Heavy Power Transformer
3.Low Profile wide bandwidth output transformers
4.Full Size 100% steel enclosure
5.Carbon composition resistors


Clarity, detail, superb centering and a remarkable presence are what can be expected from our NS-8 amplifier. All single ended amplifiers operate in Class A, a fact that helps bring warmth to the listening experience. We installed a power supply easily capable of running a 30 watt push-pull amplifier to insure an extraordinarily solid 8 watts per channel is delivered. The 6L6 was chosen because of it's linearity, plate dissipation and a seemingly endless number of tube variations that are all within grasp without breaking the bank. A remarkable quality of the 6L6 centers around it being a pentode, believe it or not! A 6L6 requires very few support components to make the ideal single ended amplifier. The best signal path is a clear, straight one and this tube makes it possible. Best of all- we know the secret of doing it right.

Efficiency is the cornerstone of all our designs. Heat is destructive and most importantly can't be heard. With a single ended design, it's imperative to transfer as much energy to the speakers as possible. Properly matched components within the NS-8 and ideal tube loading make efficient operation a reality that can be heard. One of the benefits of a heavy duty power supply includes fluid, accurate bass due to excellent woofer control. Think of it as the foundation on which everything from your speakers back rests on. Mids and highs are clear and honest with that silky smooth tonality everyone wants from a single ended design. Speakers that are at least 92db efficient should be utilized to bring out the best in this amp.

We strive for idealism with all our designs. The NS-8 is no exception. Everybody has their own slant on good sound and we're happy to oblige with a wide array of designs, all expertly implemented through a conservative design approach.

Our offering is presented to you with well over $275.00 worth of upgrades, including two switchless inputs, making her an integrated amplifier with a passive attenuator. Our list price is $575.00 for the basic model. To mark a successful start to the New Year, you can have this amplifier for $789.00. Shipping is on me to the Lower 48.

[jrebman]

Blair,

A few questions:

1) What's the hum and noise level like?

2) Feedback, and if so, how much?

3) size and weight?

4) Color, and are custom colors available?

5) Can you describe the front and rear panel layouts? (I'm blind and can't see any of the pics here or on your site.)

And last but not least, Are there other output tubes that can be substituted?

Thanks,

Jim

[jrebman]

Ah, one more...

Can 5ar4 be substutited, or can the amp be modified for this?

Thanks,

Jim

[pardales]

Nice looking amp. Love to hear it.......

[Niteshade]

Hello Jim- Here are your answers:

1. Hum and noise are very low. This amp works great with high efficiency speakers.
2. There is no loop feedback used. There is some local feedback due to cathode resistors without capacitor shunts on the 6SN7
3. Size is 17x10x7 inches and roughly 20lbs
4. Color is a hammertone jade green. Custom colors are available for no additional cost.

5. Front and rear panel layouts: (included is the top panel layout)

Front Panel from left to right: Power switch is on the left-most side and the volume control in on the right-most side

Rear Panel from left to right: The left side starts out with an IEC power socket and then a fuse holder. In the middle there are two stereo sets of RCA inputs, chrome plated. These inputs are switch-less, making them automatic. After the inputs, there are two sets of gold plated, insulated 5-Way speaker posts.

The Top: From Left to right: The left-most side has the power transformer with a 5U4 tube rectifier mounted three inches in front of it. Going further right there is a 6L6, then a 6SN7 and another 6L6. These are the only tubes. All the tubes are in a straight line row. The output transformers are mounted inside the enclosure.

Any 6L6 variation can be used. This amplifier will work great with early 6L6's, 5881's and modern 6L6 & 5881 tubes. The tubes are not pushed hard.

Blair,

A few questions:

1) What's the hum and noise level like?

2) Feedback, and if so, how much?

3) size and weight?

4) Color, and are custom colors available?

5) Can you describe the front and rear panel layouts? (I'm blind and can't see any of the pics here or on your site.)

And last but not least, Are there other output tubes that can be substituted?

Thanks,

Jim

[Niteshade]

I could make it use a 5AR4. Note: The amp works very well with a 5U4 installed.

Ah, one more...

Can 5ar4 be substutited, or can the amp be modified for this?

Thanks,

Jim

[Niteshade]

I'm glad you're tempted! 

Maybe we can set up a review sometime.

Nice looking amp. Love to hear it.......

[jrebman]

Hi Blair,

Thanks for the answers.  Tempting here as well.

My concern with the 5u4 is that my past experience is that with the tall bottle of the 50s ST types the filament bounces all over the place when energized and this translates directly to noise at the speaker.  How about a GZ37 -- sometimes these will sub for a 5u4, sometimes not, and they generally seem quieter.

Thanks again,

Jim

[Niteshade]

Hello Jim,

The reason why I like the 5U4 is because it works so well. I find them to be a very reliable, quiet tube. Filament noise, such as you're referring to can happen with any kind of tube. Sometimes the filaments are not mounted properly or the mounts get old and wobbly.  If you want a different rectifier that has another pin-out, it's not a problem for me to change the wiring.

Blair

Hi Blair,

Thanks for the answers.  Tempting here as well.

My concern with the 5u4 is that my past experience is that with the tall bottle of the 50s ST types the filament bounces all over the place when energized and this translates directly to noise at the speaker.  How about a GZ37 -- sometimes these will sub for a 5u4, sometimes not, and they generally seem quieter.

Thanks again,

Jim

[Niteshade]

NEWS FLASH!

We have an 'HD' version of this amp with 30lbs worth of output iron. (That's 30lbs JUST for the output transformers!!!) Other upgrades Include an enormous filter choke and KT-88 power tubes. There are other circuit enhancements as well.  Wattage is increased to 12 watts/channel.

Price: $1550.00

30 Watt SEP Version: $1889.00 (Includes power supply upgrade)

Both HD versions come with tube rectification.

[Niteshade]

Any questions?

[Freo-1]

Yes:

Can you achieve wide bandwidth a la a "Citation II" with one of your designs?  If so, what type of output transformers would you employ?

[Niteshade]

Hello,

Yes, I can achieve a wide bandwidth with the following transformers:
1. Edcor 25 watts & up iron for push-pull amplifiers
2. Edcor 25 watt single ended transformers
3. Hammond 30 watt single ended transformers
4. One Electron 15 Watt single ended transformers

All of these transformers are superior quality and I design my upper end amplifiers around them. I could absolutely recreate the Citation II's specifications and do better. My NS-100 uses Edcor 60 watt output transformers.

Yes:

Can you achieve wide bandwidth a la a "Citation II" with one of your designs?  If so, what type of output transformers would you employ?

[Niteshade]

This particular NS-8 amplifier has been sold. Would you like one? We offer a variety of colors and upgraded to suit any single ended requirements.

SIngle ended amplifier we can make based on the following tubes:

El84
6V6
6L6
6550
KT88
KT66
807
F2A (Not a typo!)
7X5

For more power, we offer Single Ended Parallel configurations too.
Are you into single-ended amplifiers? .....