Amplifier Audion Sterling Plus Mk II
Model Sterling Plus Mk II refers to the initial level. It is quite compact but weighty single end the classic U-shaped chassis. For output stages developers have chosen 42-watt beam tetrodes production KT88 JJ Electronic (Slovakia). Claimed power output - 2 x 16 watts into 8 ohms, and, most interestingly, in the secondary winding of the transformer no taps for 4-ohm load, which are usually made in order to optimize coordination. In addition, the description says that the amplifier is no overall feedback and tetrodes, if they are not in triode mode, without environmental protection are almost never used because of the inability to get an acceptable acoustic damping.
Driver serves a dual triode 5687, one half for each channel, and just involved the input tube 6N1P Russian production. In the original, there should be 6922 (6N23P), but many do not like it for the high third harmonic, so such a change can be considered quite meaningful upgrade. As you can see, all stereotrakt built on four lamps and a minimalism with competent catering seems to me quite reasonable.
Under the rectangular cover at the rear of the chassis hidden transformers - toroidal power and steam vyhodnikov wound on a quality EI-core.
Remote control in our version is not provided, and the switches are switched inputs, not the usual rotary switch. There is a mode Ground Lift - in some cases, it helps to get rid of the background in the formation of ground loops in the system.
I confess that at first I had my doubts whether loading Audion 4 ohm and not hypersensitive (89 dB on the passport) acoustic Monitor Audio Gold Reference 20. But as the selection of components, this topic does not mean (what we are doing in the "systems approach") decided not to make any concessions. Contrary to fears, any problems with the buildup of the amplifier is not felt, only the lower bass seemed to me not very intelligible, and at the peak of the volume lost intelligibility, indicating the beginning of the clipping. In general, the sound pressure was more than enough for the 20-meter room. All other traits typical of tube single end: detailed, warm and so very comfortable middle, slightly softened, without a hint of aggressiveness top and slightly "pushed" forward wind instruments. Coltrane saxophone on the reissue of the album in 1959 as a completely live, with all the richness and harmonic vibrations. In general, the authentic soundtrack made with minimal intervention in digitization and the amplifier circuitry with approximately the same age were given an amazing synergistic effect. Not surprisingly, the surge of interest in re-tube single end already transistor era occurred just in Japan, where it is especially prized old jazz and good vocals. Get at least Sinatra - his voice in the interpretation of "Audion" you get a real pleasure. And accompanying the composition accurately placed over the entire area of the soundstage, and scale tools passed with very minor flaws. Also pleased with the correct gear attacks and unexpected single end power in the lower range.
The latter circumstance led me to believe complicate the test, suggesting amp some serious symphonic works. In general, he coped very well, only tutti felt shortage of output current - the overall dynamics slightly sags. But with microdynamics turned everything in order, and with tonal intelligibility too. The sound was a contrast, detailed and extremely musical. There was no slowness and desire to lull the listener, for which I dislike for a directly heated triode single end.
If this amplifier to pick speakers with a sensitivity of at least 90 - 91 dB, which is quite possible, get a bunch of very spectacular for almost all genres. And do not forget that the lamp technique opens up real prospects for tuning. If eventually change cylinders at JJ Genalex or General Electric, will power higher class. And that is especially warm, for this you need only two output tubes instead of four ...
