Niteshade Audio NS-8 Super Delux Edition Single Ended 6550 Amp SALE

Niteshade · « **on:** 17 Apr 2009, 06:02 pm »

NS-8 Super Deluxe HD Edition

* 5U4 Rectification
* Complete with 6550 output tubes
* 6SN7 Driver Tube, can use 12AU7 if desired
* 10 watts RMS, 20 watts PEP into 8 ohms (Can choose 4 or 16 ohm)
* Point to Point wired
* IEC Power Socket
* Two Switched inputs
* Smooth, noiseless volume control
* 17x10 Steel Enclosure
* Textured Ceramic Based Semigloss Finish (Color choice is yours!)
* Tunable Biasing
* Variable Negative Feedback
* Extra Heavy Power Supply

Extraordinary robust single ended sound. Very fast, beautiful highs & mids plus deep bass. The additional 10 watts of headroom is created through an efficient driver stage and super-size power supply. Very cool running!

AudioCircle Sale Price: $999.99 DELIVERED within the Lower 48.

SEVEN DAY TRIAL PERIOD for AudioCircle members!

Niteshade · « **Reply #1 on:** 17 Apr 2009, 07:03 pm »

Looks & Performance together!

Niteshade · « **Reply #2 on:** 18 Apr 2009, 02:09 am »

WOW! Isn't she a beauuuuty!

Niteshade · « **Reply #3 on:** 19 Apr 2009, 11:34 pm »

Meet the maxed out NS-8 integrated single ended 6550 tube stereo amplifier.

Questions are always welcome.

pardales · « **Reply #4 on:** 20 Apr 2009, 01:20 am »

NICE! So what to each of the two knobs and switches do?

Audioclyde · « **Reply #5 on:** 20 Apr 2009, 01:37 am »

Darn it, Blair, you're making things just too tempting. I've often toyed with the idea of trying some sort of SET amp, but have always put it off, not wanting to get into purchasing expensive 300B's, etc. And here I set with a fabulous quad of NOS Tung Sol smooth blackplate 6550's that I can just imagine would really sing in your amp

!

I'm a lazy audiophile though, and I'm constantly tinkering with volume, so the lack of remote volume control really holds me back....

Looks like a beauty, though, and I'd love to hear it.

Randy

Niteshade · « **Reply #6 on:** 20 Apr 2009, 02:34 pm »

Hello Michael and Randy!

All together there are three controls.

The front two are volume and Variable Negative Feedback. I installed the Tunable Biasing on the rear panel. The other switch is for input selection.

It does indeed sound really good. It's very fast, shows excellent mid and upper character and has punchy bass.

Even though several upgrades have been installed, more can be added! For example: Larger output transformers and specialty coupling caps.

Notes: Variable Negative Feedback (VNFB) is used to adapt the amplifier to your speaker system and tastes. It's a powerful tool that's easy to use. Tunable Biasing allows one to find the percise 'sweet spot' of the power tube set being used. It comes pre-calibrated, yet there is an adjustment allowance for either more or less feedback voltage. This control is easy to use too.

It's ravishing as it stands, but can be made MORE RAVISHING!

There are no other amps like it. Remember, it's integrated too.

Niteshade · « **Reply #7 on:** 23 Apr 2009, 10:17 pm »

Have you ever heard a single ended 6550 amplifier? This heavily upgraded NS-8 is fast, incredibly clear & crisp, produces an excellent wide sound stage and does not produce much heat.

Added Features:

Tube Rectification
Integrated, two inputs
Linear, smooth tracking volume control
Tunable Bias
Variable Negative Feedback

Ideal for sensitive speakers, horn loaded models, etc...

Questions? It's a good day to upgrade if you ask me!

maxwalrath · « **Reply #8 on:** 23 Apr 2009, 10:29 pm »

Quote from: Niteshade on 23 Apr 2009, 10:17 pm

Have you ever heard a single ended 6550 amplifier?

Questions?

Why haven't I heard of a single ended 6550 amplifier? What does the non-Super Delux Edition entail?

Niteshade · « **Reply #9 on:** 24 Apr 2009, 12:30 am »

Actually, there have been some permanent upgrades made: The NS-8 comes standard with tube rectification AND Variable Negative Feedback.

In addition to that, the model up for sale includes:

1] Tunable Biasing
2] The integrated option with two inputs
3] 6550 output tubes instead of 6L6's

That's over $200.00 in savings, closer to $300.00.

This one is up on Audiogon.

Niteshade · « **Reply #10 on:** 25 Apr 2009, 12:15 am »

The benefits of our single ended design:

1] Liquid, organic tonality.
2] The NS-8 only uses four tubes! (Have fun tube rolling without spending a fortune!)
3] Compatible with a wider array of speakers and equipment than most amps via our Variable Negative Feedback circuit.
4] Tunable Bias allows for efficient operation and an easy way to fine tune to your tube's operational sweet spot.
5] Tube rectification for a natural demeanor- the ideal companion to a single ended circuit.

We're always open for questions!

The list can go on- but I want some material for another ad. aa

Niteshade · « **Reply #11 on:** 30 Apr 2009, 11:48 pm »

If you look on Audiogon, you'll see this beautiful hunk of iron on auction.

I don't like giving things away- but a promotion is a promotion.

This is a finely tuned sweet,sweet sounding amp with a couple of functions typically not seen on ANY tube amplifiers.

Niteshade · « **Reply #12 on:** 1 May 2009, 12:33 pm »

Want a deal? Look for this on Audiogon under Tube Amplifiers.

Niteshade · « **Reply #13 on:** 2 May 2009, 09:11 am »

NS-8 Super Deluxe HD Edition

* 5U4 Rectification
* Complete with 6550 output tubes
* 6SN7 Driver Tube, can use 12AU7 if desired
* 10 watts RMS, 20 watts PEP into 8 ohms
* Point to Point wired
* IEC Power Socket
* Two Switched inputs
* Smooth, noiseless volume control
* 17x10 Steel Enclosure
* Textured Ceramic Based Semigloss Finish
* Tunable Biasing
* Variable Negative Feedback
* Extra Heavy Power Supply

Extraordinary robust single ended sound. Very fast, beautiful highs & mids plus deep bass. The additional 10 watts of headroom is created through an efficient driver stage and super-size power supply. Very cool running!

AudioCircle Sale Price: $999.99 DELIVERED within the Lower 48.

SEVEN DAY TRIAL PERIOD for AudioCircle members!

(This one is available for immediate delivery. Special orders will get their choice of color and speaker impedance)

Niteshade · « **Reply #14 on:** 2 May 2009, 07:52 pm »

Remember: All AudioCircle members get a 7 day trial period on this amp.

Niteshade · « **Reply #15 on:** 3 May 2009, 09:59 am »

Our super-spruced up NS-8 is without a doubt worth trying. Give her a try for a week!

Niteshade · « **Reply #16 on:** 4 May 2009, 10:20 am »

Sound Qualities:

Alive, fast, great sound stage, punchy bass, ideal mids, clear and extended highs.

The variable negative feedback allows perfect assimilation into any sound system.

maxwalrath · « **Reply #17 on:** 5 May 2009, 01:18 am »

Quote from: maxwalrath on 23 Apr 2009, 10:29 pm

Quote from: Niteshade on 23 Apr 2009, 10:17 pm
Have you ever heard a single ended 6550 amplifier?

Questions?

Why haven't I heard of a single ended 6550 amplifier? What does the non-Super Delux Edition entail?

Quote from: Niteshade on 25 Apr 2009, 12:15 am

The benefits of our single ended design:

1] Liquid, organic tonality.
2] The NS-8 only uses four tubes! (Have fun tube rolling without spending a fortune!)
3] Compatible with a wider array of speakers and equipment than most amps via our Variable Negative Feedback circuit.
4] Tunable Bias allows for efficient operation and an easy way to fine tune to your tube's operational sweet spot.
5] Tube rectification for a natural demeanor- the ideal companion to a single ended circuit.

We're always open for questions!

The list can go on- but I want some material for another ad. aa

My question was meant to be more about the design philosophy. There are lots of tube amp manufacturers around. I would imagine other amplifier designers have had the thought to use such a popular tube in the way you are using it, or use other higher powered tubes in a single ended amp. (Pardon my ignorance, but I would guess this list includes EL-34's, KT-88's, KT-90's, etc...)

I have not heard of a single ended 6550 design, and I was wondering what it was about the 6550 tube that makes it so rarely used in a single ended amp. Why did you choose the 6550 over another tube type, and why does it make sense to use a high powered tube in a single ended design? Basically, my question is not about the sonic attributes of the amp...rather why the design was chosen. Why do other amp designers tend to choose other tubes in SE designs, and what about the design of this amp overcomes some concerns (if there are any) that another single-ended amp designer might have about the tube type.

Niteshade · « **Reply #18 on:** 5 May 2009, 11:08 am »

There is nothing about any tubes within the 6L6 family that would make them unappealing to use in single ended applications. 300b, 2A3, 45 and 845 amplifiers demand high prices on the market due to their esoteric allure and that is why they are pushed.

Niteshade Audio's products must have the following qualities: Performance, Value and Flexibility.

Pentodes provide all three of those qualities and as a result I have integrated them into my entire amplifier product line. It makes sense to practice what you preach.

The NS-8 is incredibly flexible- especially the one that's up for sale. This amp can use 6L6, 5881, El34, KT88, 6550 and KT90 tubes.

Pentodes provide the best performance per watt and dollar. I don't believe anybody can refute that.

Niteshade · « **Reply #19 on:** 6 May 2009, 05:50 pm »

The NS-8 represents an incredible performance per dollar ratio in the Single Ended market. The Deluxe Edition NS-8 we have up for sale is the definition of flexibility. She's integrated, has variable negative feedback AND tunable biasing! The 6550's are a nice touch as well.

How about a super upgrade? We can install 25 watt single ended outputs for $500.00!