Amplifier Audion Sterling Stereo MK1 EL34 PCB
Price tag at Sterling Stereo MK1 EL34 PCB, like a used car, and that's at Audion - integrated is the most affordable. Made in a minimalist way, with all the canons Valve Sound. No remote control. No entrance for the turntable. Housing narrowed half while not massive. The chassis is made from a thin (and apparently aluminum) rolling, and some parts are not bonded even screws and rivets. No decor or intricate machining for beautiful textures - only the front panel is anodized surface, and all other body panels just painted gray.
Hidden under the top cover small output transformers "not Chinese", according to the instruction of origin. This statement applies to the other parts - used only American and European element base. They are mounted, as is clear from the model name on the board. Loudness at Sterling Stereo MK1 EL34 PCB meets the usual potentiometer. Originally implemented switch - any of the five inputs like switches from Mute separate tumbler. They lined up on the front panel in single file and give the amp a special unique look. There is also access to the recorder and Lift for "earth."
And a few words about the tract. At the outlet used Electro Harmonix EL34 pentode in the scheme without negative feedback. Driver stages implemented on tubes NOS Jan Phillips 5687. Entire chain stages operates in class A. The output power of this design is small (only 12 watts a channel), so is welcome high sensitivity speakers.
Sounds very delicately. I am stating this definition is not so small "quantity" volume as intelligibility playback. Turning up the gain in the position to 13 hours is not audible distortion ever. For 14 - 15 hours drive is added, but it may be noted tint glass HF-soft and soft clipping in the middle register. Boost volume above reason is not. The device tries to yell, but it's not a victory, "cheers", but rather a muffled cry for help.
On comfort levels gain from Sterling Stereo MK1 EL34 PCB can be formally noted tonal shift in the bass region. The disadvantage is not think so because it turns sort of loudness. Dynamics modest but quick and lively. In the lower register is a blow, on average - a clear expressive attack in the upper band - nice hearing transparency. In the "voice" of this integrated is not some special tube warmth. But he does not impose their interpretations, captivating musical balance, not zamylivaet details. Sopranos, for example, in an exemplary neutral. Noise components are absolutely clean, and sharp metal top, on the contrary, slightly accented - hence cancel intelligibility and naturalness.
