Niteshade Audio amplifiers

Niteshade · « **Reply #60 on:** 13 Jul 2009, 12:45 pm »

Filaments are actually like tube input grids. They make triodes tetrodes, tetrodes pentodes and pentodes sextodes.

Any component within a tube that can modulate it can be considered another input path. I'm not making this up! Shields are placed around high sensitivity areas to stop external influences. Well, internal influences cannot be shielded. Filaments are supposed to be shielded from cathodes, but due to the fact that they often electrically rest below the cathode's potential relative to ground, means a tube's cathode will draw noise from the filament. Electron flow is from negative to positive, making cathodes receptors for filament noise.

Running filaments on filtered DC eliminates the above mentioned electron flow. That means all noise that can be created by filaments is permanently eliminated. I cannot think of a better amp or preamp upgrade.

We can use switching supplies, analog supplies and batteries to supply filament voltage. The choice is yours. All three work incredibly well and are noise free.

Niteshade · « **Reply #61 on:** 26 Jul 2009, 11:38 am »

A great time to upgrade your tube amp is when:

1. You like it, but would like to hear it sound a little differently
2. You don't want to but a new amp
3. It's broken! Get the old gal repaired and upgraded at the same time!
4. The iron is great but sound it not right
5. It's time to dump the printed circuits (aka glued wire) and go with quality point to point wiring

The best reason in conjunction with the above mentioned ones is to save money. Maybe you don't need a new amplifier. Most of the time an amp's iron is in great condition and very high quality. That is a very,very (as in saving you hundreds) valuable fact.

My last few posts have been about DC operated filaments. That's only one kind of upgrade. There are several more- chances are some of them are right for you. Chances are that amp can be made to sound better than ever imagined for a reasonable price.

Please call or email to see what can be done with your old or new amp. By all means, you're welcome to ask right here! Others would like to know what you have in mind.

Niteshade · « **Reply #62 on:** 10 Aug 2009, 12:16 am »

I made a slight mistake- My work restoration work involves Scott, Stromberg Carlson and a host of others, including Fisher. There will be a page on my web site with some very nice examples coming soon.

Did I mention several of the upgrades I do are very reasonably priced?

One of my favorites: Replace 7591's with 5881's. Setup includes all amp upgrades, rebiasing, etc... Not only is the sound phenomenal, but the tubes operate at least 50% cooler. I go well beyond the standard 'old receiver' upgrades.

My own 800C tops out at a clean 50 watts/channel AND the tubes run cooler.

If you have a pair of old tube PA amps, we can transform them into HiFi amps. Some of the larger ones can be made to operate two channels. I have a fine example of an RCA PA amp redesigned into a stereo unit using 6AR6's.

Such sweet sound....

Niteshade · « **Reply #63 on:** 22 Aug 2009, 07:20 pm »

It is time to tour something, maybe more than one thing?

I was thinking about an integrated 6SN7GTB or 6N7 based 100% triode integrated amplifier. The amp will produce around 10 watts/channel and have two inputs and variable feedback. I like this project because it's something you do not see every day. My 6N7 prototype monoblocks sound amazing!

There's also products from the NS line (NS-30, NS-50), Classic Series gear {when available} and preamplifiers. As for preamps, I was considering something new in the $400.00 range. I was also considering a point to point wired solid-state preamp! aa My career started out in solid state and It would be nice to pay tribute to that.

I'm writing this in response to several recent requests as well as prior requests and good suggestions. This sounds like it could be a considerable amount of fun!

Best to everybody!

Blair,
Niteshade Audio

Mariusz · « **Reply #64 on:** 22 Aug 2009, 10:31 pm »

Quote from: Niteshade on 22 Aug 2009, 07:20 pm

It is time to tour something, maybe more than one thing?

I was thinking about an integrated 6SN7GTB or 6N7 based 100% triode integrated amplifier. The amp will produce around 10 watts/channel and have two inputs and variable feedback. I like this project because it's something you do not see every day. My 6N7 prototype monoblocks sound amazing!

There's also products from the NS line (NS-30, NS-50), Classic Series gear {when available} and preamplifiers. As for preamps, I was considering something new in the $400.00 range. I was also considering a point to point wired solid-state preamp! aa My career started out in solid state and It would be nice to pay tribute to that.

I'm writing this in response to several recent requests as well as prior requests and good suggestions. This sounds like it could be a considerable amount of fun!

Best to everybody!

Blair,
Niteshade Audio

Few point regarding the tour:

- separate thread might be in order to keep thought and tour list organized
- integrated amps are easy plug and play
- we do not know your work so sending gear which will reflect your approach in design and house signature sound will make most sense. Something from the mid-line.

I for one would like to hear something from your stable - if not in my home, maybe in one of the NY Rave member's system.

Good luck with the tour

Mariusz

earplay · « **Reply #65 on:** 14 Sep 2009, 04:49 am »

Blair, anything developing on the tour idea?

I'm very interested in your products. I would like to get an idea of their sound because I need an aging Cary Sweet 807 amp brought up to date. It was their first power amp. I see on your site that you do reconstructive surgery.

Niteshade · « **Reply #66 on:** 15 Sep 2009, 12:45 am »

Thank you for your interest! There will be professional reviews coming along soon and then possibly tours. All my design work is in-house and made specially to bring out the sweetness in tubes. Re-working vintage gear is a great way to save hundreds of dollars and to find out what all that high-end iron can really do. As stated on my preamp sale thread, it has been an exceptionally busy summer. The soldering iron has been busy and the computer business has been booming. Steps are being taken to increase work capacity.

Quote from: earplay on 14 Sep 2009, 04:49 am

Blair, anything developing on the tour idea?

I'm very interested in your products. I would like to get an idea of their sound because I need an aging Cary Sweet 807 amp brought up to date. It was their first power amp. I see on your site that you do reconstructive surgery.

Niteshade · « **Reply #67 on:** 15 Sep 2009, 12:56 am »

1940's Style Theater Monoblock Tube Amplifiers.

Featuring:

*Extra heavy duty power supply
*Dual 5AR4 tube rectification
*Solid Capacitor first-stage filtration (4 stages total!)
*105 Deg C. rated electrolytics
*Variable feedback for precise system tuning
*30 watts into 4 ohms RMS
*Heavy cloth-covered tube amplifier wire
*High gloss triple-layer finish
*Automatic, high efficiency biasing

LostInPA · « **Reply #68 on:** 15 Sep 2009, 01:19 am »

To Mariusz and others:

I am the person with the 50 WPC Niteshade amp that uses a Baldwin power transformer and Conn output transformers. I live in Pennsylvania, near Interstate 80, 35 miles west of the Delaware Water Gap. This is a direct drive at mostly interstate highway speeds from NYC; I do the travel from here to North Bergen, NJ in almost exactly 2 hours. Individuals or a car full of interested listeners are welcome to contact me about a roadtrip here for some listening. Most but not all days, weekday or weekend, could be suitable.

Steve

Niteshade · « **Reply #69 on:** 15 Sep 2009, 03:42 pm »

Steve- That's a wonderful invitation!

The monoblocks listed above were custom made and not for sale. This is just an example of some of the fun going on over here this summer.

Custom gear is not more expensive than our standard lineup- it is proportionally the same. Price is based on features, parts, labor and performance. It is customary to pay a considerable amount for one-of equipment, but we specialize in making unique gear and do what we can to keep prices reasonable. Upgrades and revisions are provided FREE with orders that are being made at the time something new comes out of R&D.

Niteshade · « **Reply #70 on:** 20 Sep 2009, 12:00 pm »

Here is some feedback that I recently received. If you recall, I had a dark red 5-tube El84 Classic Sereis amplifier for sale about 2 months ago on here and Audiogon:

"I have been on a quest for a two channel stereo tube amplifier that would make my Altec Lansing Model Nineteen speakers sing. I first went the route with a new version of the Mcintosh MC275. My speakers felt over whelmed. I felt I should give a low wattage amp a try. When I saw this beautiful Classic EL84 that was designed and built at Niteshade Audio by Blair Lamphear, I was sold. After comparing the two, it was like David verse Goliath. This little gem fills the room with giant three definitional sound. When it is idle, it is dead quite. Fired up it delivers Warm Deep Base, Crystal Clear Highs, and all together across the board, one word describes the experience?????.Liquidity. Don?t get me wrong the mac is a great amp. Although for me it was too much in your face, but Blair?s creation is like as waterfall of sound.

An audio friend of mine, said ?can I open it up?? Dumb founded he said ?it?s so simple?????how does it work??

Simplistic, yet sophisticated. Quality build without breaking the bank. Blair is quite simply, an audio wizard. Long live the wizard.

Thanks you so much Blair, no more searching for me, your creation is music to my ears."

Here is the amp that belongs to this review:

Niteshade · « **Reply #71 on:** 5 Oct 2009, 02:17 pm »

Our web site has been updated with specifications including some background information regarding the custom made mono block amplifiers posted here a while back.

Link: http://sites.google.com/site/niteshadeaudio/Home/niteshade-amplifiers

These are truly exceptional amplifiers for a great price. We have 30 and 60 watt versions.

Niteshade · « **Reply #72 on:** 13 Oct 2009, 07:49 pm »

High power + single ended topology is a reality.

Some more good news: Our 6550 SEP and 807 SEP amps are $2100.00 and you get to choose the finish for free. We have a new finishing process that provides stunning results with almost limitless color variations. High gloss (aka: glass-like), standard gloss and matt finishes are available. We also have a 'black gold' finish which changes hue with the viewing angle for no additional cost!

Either of the above models produces 30 watts per channel of pure class A power and nothing can rival their sound quality in the single ended world.

NOTICE:We have a three channel version of all our amplifiers as well as mono block versions for those who would like to integrate tube sound into your theaters. Three channel amps come with a HT Bypass that turns off the center channel for stereo mode.

Our high power SEP amps have been an enormous hit. If more than 30 watts per channel is necessary, that can be arranged. We can go up to 60 watts! The 60 watt model uses four 6550's per side or 807's and weighs in at 80lbs total. The price is right will surprise you. Please inquire!

We're always happy to answer questions about our products. Please visit our web site if you haven't!

rollo · « **Reply #73 on:** 17 Oct 2009, 05:05 pm »

You know I never think about changing or modding my amp until I read your comments. You make a lot of sense. Running Pipedreams with Consonance Cyber 211s. Although 18 is OK for the 94db pipes but I feel a bit more juice would do the trick. 845s ? BTW have a Fisher 101 intergrated that I would consider restoring. An guess as to the approx cost for a complete redo.

charles

Niteshade · « **Reply #74 on:** 18 Oct 2009, 12:12 pm »

Typically it's the driver circuit with RF amplifier tubes that's responsible for a low output. They require a considerable amount of power to drive to their potential. Their gain is very low.

Other factors can include:
1. Power supply voltage
2. How well the output transformer matches the tube
3. Type of biasing circuit

It's expensive to make high voltage power supplies (above 500V) and that's one of the primary reasons why the big tubes have wimpy outputs. Second reason: Output transformers for them are expensive due to the high impedance primary necessary. Therefore, low wattage models are more prominent. It may or may not be feasible to get more power out of your 211 amps. I would advise leaving them alone until a repair is necessary. 845's & 572's are in the same design 'boat' as 211's, so changing tube types wouldn't help.

I have a good program for early American integrated/power amplifiers:

1. Replace coupling caps
2. Replace filter capacitors
3. Check/replace out of tolerance parts
4. Check/repair damaged, dry-rotted wiring
5. See if any circuits can be upgraded
6. Biasing: adjust or replace circuit with a better one. Fishers's sometimes have a unique biasing system that can't be modded. It's a positive biasing technique. There are often parts that need to be replaced though.

Typical cost is around $375.00 and includes all components, inducing as many OEM-like parts as possible. I like to maintain the OEM appearance inside & underneath. It takes extra time and some expensive parts, but it's well worth it.

Note: A new integrated amplifier can be made from your 101's iron. It can be integrated as well. This option is $700.00. All internal parts are new and you get to choose the amp's color.

Niteshade · « **Reply #75 on:** 25 Oct 2009, 09:14 pm »

I have a couple of great new products to share with you:

Beacon 1 Preamplifier:

Lighthouse Cables Model LH-1

Beacon 1 web page: http://sites.google.com/site/niteshadeaudio/Home/preamplifiers

Lighthouse Cables LH-1 web page: http://sites.google.com/site/niteshadeaudio/Home/lighthouse-cables-1

Niteshade · « **Reply #76 on:** 6 Nov 2009, 10:32 am »

Everybody's system is different. Even if two people had the exact same hardware, chances are their listening rooms would have different acoustic qualities. A little while ago I wrote some important information regarding our amplifiers in Niteshade News: http://sites.google.com/site/niteshadeaudio/about-us/niteshade-news

Here it is:

Amplifiers are swapped in and out of systems because their qualities are set in stone. What you hear is what you get- end of story. Either you like it or you don't. We know how to design tube amplifiers that allow you to effortlessly match the amplifier to your system.

Some tools available are:

Variable feedback: Exactly match the amp to your speaker system, room and tastes. This is our most powerful control and it is now standard on ALL amplifiers!

Tunable Biasing: Find the operational sweet spot of your output tubes quickly and easily. No meters necessary! As easy to use as a volume control. This option is standard on all amplifiers over 30 watts and optional on amplifiers under 30 watts.

Switchable tube or diode rectification: What sound quality would you like today? Tube rectification can produce a more mellow tone while diodes provide more articulation and force. Others believe tube rectification provide better articulation/resolution. It's up to you with this unique option. It's a great feature to have!

Flexibility is very important. There is no other way to get exactly what you want out of your audio system. Niteshade Audio offers the best solutions to insure you get exactly what's required for your listening pleasure.

Niteshade · « **Reply #77 on:** 20 Nov 2009, 03:46 pm »

If you own a tube amp that has been poked and prodded by to many fingers, it can be more cost effective to make a new amplifier from it instead of spending extended hours with a detailed cleanup followed by a rewire of the effected areas. Bringing an amp back to OEM quality can be a substantial amount of work. If the amp hasn't had numerous technicians in it, then I would say it would be a good candidate for a restoration. I can still get many OEM style components good for 60's amps and earlier units, including capacitors!

Many of you have seen our Classic Series line of amplifiers. These amps use vintage iron, but have all new insides and a circuit that is considerably better than the original. They are as reliable as our standard lineup because transformers seldom go bad. Your iron can be converted into a high performance Classic Series amplifier! Here are some good examples:

http://sites.google.com/site/niteshadeaudio/Home/niteshade-amplifiers/classic-series-amplifiers

We have hardwood trim available too. Walnut, Maple, Oak, Butternut, Cherry- whatever you want. We will have some examples coming soon. It is beautiful!

NOTE: Every case is different, so please explain what is going on with it, what's wrong, how many people have worked on it, etc...

Niteshade · « **Reply #78 on:** 28 Nov 2009, 12:31 pm »

Our NS-50 line of high power stereo tube amplifiers has been upgraded!

From now on, the NS-60 will supersede the NS-50. They look nearly identical except for the use of larger transformers. All NS-60's have a maximum output of 60 watts per channel with 6550 & KT88 tubes. They have been designed to be friendly with 6L6's and EL34's as well and will not overload them.

I have driven 85db speakers with this amp without issue. They're powerful, linear and very efficient. Tube life is at least doubled due to low heat output.

Price begins at a low $1600.00. A great deal for 60 watts/channel of signature-less sound. All our equipment is point to point wired and comes with a 2 year warranty. Solid hardwood trim is available too!

I'm always happy to answer questions.

Niteshade · « **Reply #79 on:** 30 Nov 2009, 03:10 pm »

Here is a new review:

Amp being reviewed:

EL84 Integrated Tube Amplifier Review:

My system is as follows:

Altec Valencia 846B Speakers.
Adcom ACE-515 Power Conditioner.
EL84 integrated tube amplifier.

Okay, so I must say that this review is long overdue ? my apologies for that. With that said, that bears no inference that I am not 100% satisfied with my recent acquisition ? Blair Lamphear?s Custom Integrated Tube Amplifier. This tube amplifier has been in continuous service everyday for the last 2 months and it has yet to disappoint! Before I ?upgraded? to Blair?s incredible amplifier, I had a ROGUE MAGNUM TEMPEST II Integrated amplifier. Yes, as we all know ? that amplifier is a must for anyone looking for an integrated with tubes ? and doing so, setting you back nearly $3K. During my time with the ROGUE, I was quite impressed. However, after my crossovers in my Altec Valencia?s were re-done, the ROGUE made my system ?hum? something horrible. I tried everything under the sun ? removing cables, changing cables, changing my setup, replacing my power conditioner ? but, nothing seemed to work!?! I then did something that I wish I would have done before I purchased the ROGUE. Through the help of my father (who already owns a Blair creation), I contacted Blair via email. I simply gave him my speaker specs and he worked his magic, creating the most incredible INTEGRATED TUBE AMPLIFIER that I have ever heard! Now, I will not proclaim that I am the knower of all things audio ? but I dare to say (after spending hours in high end audio shops around town), that Blair?s creation is just not a homemade tube, it is on PAR with many high end tube amplifiers on the market. The only thing standing in his way is a clever name. I swear, if I was to purchase this same caliber tube amplifier elsewhere, it would have set me back at least $2K to $4K, easy. I was incredibly impressed with Blair?s professionalism ? total turnaround time from start of email to completion and delivery to my door ? 5 weeks. That is pretty incredible when you think of all the hours spent on fine tuning this masterpiece.

NOTE: I would have to believe the hum that emerged after the crossovers were repaired was due the speakers becoming more efficient.

Note #2: I have no idea why the "???" are in there. I just copied and pasted this in from an email.

This and other reviews can be found here: http://sites.google.com/site/niteshadeaudio/Home/reviews