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Watt's New?

11/25/2011:

Seems like yesterday, but as I type this I note that it's been a year. Oh well, I'll try to make for it with lots of new announcements.

The explorations into SITs (Static Induction Transistors) that began with a custom fabrication for me by SemiSouth in 2010 have begun to bear fruit. Two designs have emerged which will be made available shortly. I have written an article on these devices which will appear in the next issue of Linear Audio magazine ( www.linearaudio.net ) and also a shorter introduction on the subject that you can read: SIT intro. This can also be downloaded as a pdf file: SIT intro.pdf

The SIT-2 put in an appearance earlier this month at two audio shows in Japan. The result of over a year's work with the SIT transistors, this stereo amplifier delivers exquisite audio with single-stage single-ended Class A operation without feedback or degeneration. They are in production now, and will be available for purchase in January.

Also displayed in Japan, the SIT-1 is a mono-block version of the same amplifier with an even more severe aesthetic – the SIT is the only semiconductor in the circuit, surrounded only by resistors and capacitors. It features a user adjustable operating point which helps to optimize the performance for individual loudspeaker characteristics. This amplifier is beginning production and will appear late January.

At long last, the B4 will be available for sale in January. This is the adjustable electronic crossover which delivers 6,12,18 and 24 dB/octave slopes and is adjustable from 20 to 1260 Hz in 20 Hz increments and 200 to 12600 Hz in 200 Hz increments. DC coupled Jfet buffers with no feedback give 0.001% distortion and bandwidth from DC to 500 Khz.

The B2 is finally in also production. This little box is a must-have for people who are serious about using dual amplifiers (bi-amping) to drive loudspeakers through their passive crossover networks. It has a very high input impedance and a low output impedance and allows wide adjustment of the relative levels of the low frequency amplifiers versus the mid/high frequency amplifiers.

Coming Attractions

F5 Turbo – The F5 already has a reputation for delivering current into lower impedances. Can you imagine an F5 with a supercharger on the output stage? This DIY mega-update to the crowd-pleasing F5 will appear here and on-line in time for Christmas.

F6 – A new and unusual Jfet amplifier design using a unique feedback mechanism. Ten units will be produced and the design will be posted for DIYers. Expect this at the beginning of 2012.

Do I look tired? Happy holidays.

Copyright 2011 General Amplifier