The Clarinet 1/2-kit linestage is almost here. Final prototype up and running just fine. Need to order production boards now. Unfortunately, that takes about a month, so availability will be about April 1st (no fooling). Meanwhile, it will give me time to write up an assembly manual.
The Clarinet is the first of my new "Constructor" series of tube components. All will be available as either a 1/2-kit or fully assembled. They are optimized for both easy assembly and a high level of sonics. Of course, it will be easy to substitute your favorite components or other upgrades.
The Constructor series will all share a common chassis. It's a little expensive ($85), but is made of very good quality aluminum plates and extrusions. Available in both clear (shown) and black anodize. The metal is easy to work and has a very nice finish. You an also build into a standard Hammond-style 12x8x2 chassis.
One neat feature is the ability to stack chassis to make a rack. In the above photo you'll notice a Cornet phono stage under the Clarinet. Yes, I am remaking the Cornet to fit into the new chassis style. Same great circuit, a little easier to build. I will also continue to sell the Cornet "classic". Eventually, there will be a DAC and monoblocks so you can make a full system rack out of Constructor components. All tubed. All DIY.
Both the Clarinet and Cornet2 should be available around April 1st. Beyond that I am introducing a new series of low-cost solid-state components. First up will be the Bugle Pro and FryKleaner Pro.
These are essentially just the existing 1/2-kits built into a chassis. I will offer instructions for DIY. They will also be available fully assembled. The Bugle Pro features variable EQ so it is also compatible with all pre-RIAA curves. It has a mono switch on rear. It uses both the standard Bugle and Power Supply circuit boards.
The FryKleaner Pro adds an assortment of output connectors to make it easier to burn in speaker cables, power cords, digital cables, etc., in addition to regular RCA interconnects. It also includes an internal iRIAA Filter board to generate outputs for both MM and MC phono stages. This versatile machine will then burn cables, or amps, or stages.
Another project is a spin-off from the Bugle Pro. It's the "Monogram", a Cornet-based monophonic phono stage with variable EQ for 78s. I will publish plans for it shortly. You can DIY this using a standard Cornet circuit board. The design uses one channel as phono, the other to make a preamp with volume control. The input tube sections are paralleled for lower noise. It takes a bit of wiring, but you get a really nice phono stage with volume control for a nice stand-alone solution. Gain is 50dB, so it works best with MM. The above shown prototype will be featured in an article I hope to publish in audioXpress.
More to unmask later.
jh
