This is our top model of 1xx series, which comprises a totall of 11 tubes (REG version 14 tubes) to make this a superior performance pre-amplifier. The total tube rolling combination has more than 120,000 possibilities. The first row of tubes use very high grade Mullard EL32(CV-1052) as the front end amplification stage, it can also be replaced with: 6G6G/6L6G/6V6G/6K6G/6F6G/6Y6G/EL34/6550/KT66 and their equivalents. This section contributes about 40% of the tonal quality of the whole pre-amp.
Then the 2nd stage uses NOS 6G6G as the intermediate amplification section, which also can be replaced with 6L6G/6V6G.......etc. This section contributes around 20% of the overall tonal quality.
Then the 3rd stage is the high current output stage, which uses all the 6G6G/6Y6G.....KT88/KT100...etc, and the special part is they can use mixed tubes, which means for example you can use two 6L6G to work with two KT88 in this section. Then you can easily get both tube type's tonal character to fine-tune your system.
The tube rectifier uses a standard 5U4G, and a diode/tube selection switch is featured to let you choose between (pure tube)/(diode+tube)/(diode only) rectification. There is another switch which can set the music regeneration pace to faster /standard response. With these capabilities and special switches you can adapt to any music type. ie, classical music, instrumental, opera, vocal, country, jazz, blues, pop, rock, new age...etc.
This superlative unit can easily surpass any competitor’s pre-amp by using the right tube combinations. For the greater the flexibility in fine-tuning, the higher the chance to approach perfection. You will find that those other pre's in the market with their overinflated prices can't begin to give you the flexibility we offer in this stellar component.
This pre-amp uses the purest ORGANIC design, no negative feedback, no circuit board(PCB), no transistors, all component-to-component hand wiring, built with very high grade selected components. It also features fully balanced input and output capabilities.
The uppermost photo set is the standard version in a black metallic MDF chassis.
The lower photo sets shows the ultimate version with a NOS super heavy duty Tx, all tube regulator with NOS filter capacitor, 0/180deg phase selector, beautiful solid-oak chassis with copper foil shields inside. Cabinet size 19.5"W x 16"D. (additional C$2,000, model : QA-118-Reg)
Now available is a super rectifier tube up-grade for the 5U4G, which can greatly enhance the dynamics, high and low frequency extension, and bass punch. A stand-by switch for pre-heating of the rectifier tubes ensures the longest lifetime operation. Rectifier tubes are replaceable with high quality ceramic sockets installed.
The 5U4G tube rectifier can further upgrade by our super rectifier STR-104 or higher models , direct plug and play without any mod required.
With this super rectifier adaptor, you can use 300B, 2A3 , 45 , 50 , 80, 83, 1616 , 3B28 or 866A as rectifier tubes option.