Yep, I have done it again! I have a prototype all tube power amplifier running on a battery!!!
I have already had several emails asking for further details. I do have and am currently using the prototype amp all layed out on a piece of cardboard. I have not yet figured out what to do for packaging.
I do know that the first generation of this new amp will be as simple as possible and will not have any features except on/off and autocharge and small as possible. This is a first of it's kind to be offered, and not a good time to introduce a product to market, this being the main reason to keep it under $1200 if at all possible. Later models could have features like continuous play, integrateds, and monoblocks all come at higher costs. I know from emails that you guys want it to be like the preamp, at the intro price of <$1200 I cannot do it that way, I am still undicided for now, but thinking hard on it. :scratch:I can say a few things about the amp and it's sonics.
It is a 6BQ5/EL84 based amp using 6DJ8's on the front end. It is a stereo version and it is what will be sold for the actual product once packaged and finalized. The prototype is using 2 DJ8's on the frontend, but I believe I can get away with just 1 and not hurt the sonics, if so then I can free up some more battery curent, meaning a little longer play time. It is a very simple design and it is using cathode bias for simplicity. As in all of my products the coupling caps will be Sonicaps standard. As I said the first gen of these will only have a power on/off switch and will auto charge on turn off. They will use cardas posts and inputs. The first run will probaby be using only 1 battery pack, it is a NIMH type, very compact and lightwieght. NIMH batteries do NOT have a memory effect and can be charged up to 1000 times without loss of life, the only drawback is the cost, very expensive! They will be able to be very easily changed by anyone using them. The magic is in the power supply I have designed for this amp! It is very special and I am very excited about it! I had 1 email and he was thinking I may be using EL86 tubes due to their low voltage capability and hi current. No I am using EL84's and don't go poking around in there cause they are running at 300vdc! YES, the power supply is delivering 300 vdc and it can supply in excess of 1 amp of current! aa The magic is the way I did it, the effeciency of this supply is 98% at load!!!
The rest is black box stuff you'll never know! The entire stereo amp draws 4.7 amps from the battery continuously.
I may include a connector on the back to be able to connect external batteries for those who wish more usable time. Sonics
Start with your ear up against the speaker, NO difference between amp on and amp off!
If you have bad CD's or a bad componet in your system be prepared to have it made clearly known while listening. The resolution of this thing is beyond anything I have ever heard! The dynamics for a 15 watt/chan amp are absolutely incredible! It is very balanced from top to bottom, oh the bottom, very defined and solid no colorations here, no colorations in the entire spectrum and it is wide! For the guys who have very effiecient speakers (104+ DB) who have megabuck amps and still have noise and line grunge, I promise this amp to solve all those problems at an affordable price.
I also have a new HP amp using tubes and batteries, but we'l talk about it later in another post maybe. Any questions please feel free to call or email (972-276-6865) gldodd@verizon.net
Gary
