Niteshade Audio Elite Series Classic Limited Edition Tube Stereo Power Amplifier
The long title doesn't even come close to the long list of abilities encased in the Autumn Red enclosure. As you know, we spend a considerable amount of time developing ways to improve our products. For 2009, we decided to provide a very limited edition amplifier. Running this immense sonic wonder is a 20lb Baldwin commercial duty power transformer. Even though our power meter read a maximum of 45 watts per channel into 8 ohms, the power supply hardly noticed it. AC regulation was within 5 volts of idle. To us that means well controlled bass- bass with a power source of its own that's strong, detailed, not wobbly and articulate. When I say 'power source of its own', that means it gives a feeling of biamping. Mids and highs have enough power to command a wide airy sound stage regardless of demands emanating from the lower registers.
Across the front are two controls and two switches. Starting from left to right: Power switch, standby switch, bias control and variable negative feedback. We're providing unparalleled flexibility for the ultimate in system compatibility, translating into superior performance. Everybody knows what a power switch does, so let's begin with the standby switch. In standby, the filaments remain on, but the high voltage to the tubes and filtering system is off. Instead of cycling the filaments, this is a great way to provide an 'instant on' capability as well as prolonging tube life. Bias control: D.C. Biasing is wonderful because it allows the tubes to conduct large amounts of current efficiently. What most people do not like is the act of biasing the tubes. We've developed a tunable bias system. Volt meters are unnecessary with our system. Your amplifier comes pre-calibrated from the lab to eliminate biasing issues. From the initial bias setting, it is possible to change the bias to your liking. Less bias provides a warmer tone, while more provides a sharper tone and less heat output. Adjustment is available from 10 O'Clock to 3 O'Clock on the dial, relative to the central position, that being 12 O'Clock. No worries, no mess- just set it where you like it! Last, we installed variable negative feedback. Unlike fixed loop feedback circuits, you have the ability to adjust the feedback to your liking. Adjustment range varies from zero feedback to high feedback. As the feedback ratio is decreased, high frequencies begin to taper off. This is not a tone control because the circuit takes into consideration the impedance curve of your speaker system. In basic terms, it provides a means of tuning the amplifier to your speakers, room and tastes.
If these functions were not enough to entice you, how about the use of a high current circuit capable of driving 4 to 16 ohm speakers without the use of multiple taps? We rated her at 45 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 50 watts per channel into 4 ohms and 25 watts per channel into 16 ohms. Wide band, single tap output transformers help make this possible. Single tap transformers are higher quality than multi-tap transformers since the windings are more uniform.
To put the icing on the cake, we made this amplifier capable of accepting the following tubes: 6550, KT88, 6l6GC, 5881, 6L6GA, KT77, KT66 and El34 tubes. Varying power and tone qualities will exist with each different tube. Vintage 6L6's (The 6L6GA) will operate perfectly and without damage to the tubes.
Despite all the capabilities of this amplifier, we kept a conservative circuit design in place to insure unprecedented reliability and to maintain the highest sonic standards.
Please ask any questions you may have! We're providing free shipping to the Lower 48 as a celebration for our latest achievement.
Warranty: Two Years parts and labor on manufacturer's defects. Tubes carry a 30 day warranty.
Price: $1789.00 delivered.
