This Aikido pre-amplifier is about 9 months old. Sound is very transparent and dynamic. The pre-amp is dead quiet, no buzz, hum or any noise to distract you from the music.I built this Aikido using 12SN7 octal tubes (they sound like the popular 6SN7's but are much easier to find and much more affordable). There are 2 very quiet, regulated independent power supplies, one for the B+ and one for the heaters. The power switch turns the heaters first and in a second click the B+ so tubes have time to warm-up properly. There are 3 RCA pairs at the input and 2 at the output. The volume is a very clever affair only using resistors, totally transparent. It has 3 knobs to control the volume, the center one for coarse adjustments, and 2 for fine adjustments (one for the left channel and one for the right, providing balance control as a bonus).
This is a a low-impedance design, output impedance is 500 ohms. In the current configuration using 12SN7 tubes, gain is about 20dB.
There's a rotary switch in the back with 3 positions, so you can choose between 2 different coupling caps, or use them both together:
- Position 1: 0.47uF russian military paper in oil capacitors (detailed and musical).
- Position 2: 4.0uF matched Auricaps (neutral, detailed and transparent)
- Position 3: both caps in parallel together (my favorite position, the best of both)
With this switch you can experience different flavors of capacitors depending on your taste, mood and source.
All RCA connectors are top grade gold plated solid copper from Vampire, signal wiring is all long crystal high purity copper, Kaddock resistor in critical signal path positions.
Included is a set of NOS RCA clear top tubes. I have more tubes if interested. Also included is a second PCB to use with 9 pin tubes. This circuit is very flexible and can be used with many different tube types Everything is housed in a a very sturdy all aluminum non magnetic chassis. PS: I'm an experienced audio builder with an Industrial Design background. I have built and modified many audio components in the past 12 years. This pre-amp is built like a tank just like all my other projects. It should last you a lifetime. I'm also an audiophile and music lover. My priority is always the quality of the sound.
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| Payment and Shipping |
| Pay By: |
Personal Check after it clears, Paypal, Money Order/Certified Check |
| Ship Weight: |
30 lbs. |
| Ships From: |
07003 (Bloomfield, NJ) |
| Ships To: |
WorldWide |
| Shippers/Payer: |
FedEx / Paid by: Buyer |
| Shipping Notes: |
(none)
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