Pundit
Post by Gryffles on Jan 9, 2019 9:20:12 GMT 12
Recently I had the opportunity to get a used pair of these amps. There has been a fair amount of talk about the company www.am-hiend.com/index.html and the man behind it, Mr AM Fang, formerly of StereoKnight. These amps use an ECC88, KT66 or 6V6G and an 805 output tube for approx 45 watts single ended output power. No capacitors in the signal path as they are direct coupled and inter-stage driven. Power, Interstage and output transformer are Double C Core HiB. The transformers must be top notch as these don't sound like any valve amp I've heard before and are very good with build quality second to none. 
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Post by jon on Jan 9, 2019 11:19:27 GMT 12
No valves in the power supply...
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Post by Owen Y on Jan 9, 2019 11:30:35 GMT 12
Interstage coupling eliminates a big coupling cap. And also smaller, much more efficient HT PSU because IT loading wastes much less voltage/power. It's how all (tube) amps used to be done - before smaller/cheaper caps became available (post WWII). I am reminded of the famous Shishido 'inverted interstage' tube amp designs (eg WAVAC). Direct-coupling (presumably between input-driver tubes) sounds v good too IME. Look forward to listening impressions, comparisons.
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Pundit
Post by Gryffles on Jan 9, 2019 11:48:58 GMT 12
No valves in the power supply... Yep, SS rectification
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Post by jon on Jan 9, 2019 12:26:42 GMT 12
GBP8,500, not cheap...
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Pundit
Post by Gryffles on Jan 9, 2019 12:34:59 GMT 12
No, not cheap but Greg Osborne (Osborne Speakers) in Australia has excellent pricing on all his products and I think new they are $7000 AUD.
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Pundit
Post by Gryffles on Jan 9, 2019 12:41:36 GMT 12
Interstage coupling eliminates a big coupling cap. And also smaller, much more efficient HT PSU because IT loading wastes much less voltage/power. It's how all (tube) amps used to be done - before smaller/cheaper caps became available (post WWII). I am reminded of the famous Shishido 'inverted interstage' tube amp designs (eg WAVAC). Direct-coupling (presumably between input-driver tubes) sounds v good too IME. Look forward to listening impressions, comparisons. Interesting, thanks Owen. I'll do my best to post some impressions soon. My experience mirrors yours though, direct coupling and in this case interstage tx sounds superb. I have seen a photo of Mr Fang with Kondo and Wavac amps in pieces 
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