Biased
At Lyrita Audio, I have been completely won over by the vintage technology of valves. Proven over decades
of use in audio, valves continue to win over music lovers who crave for a more natural and truer to life musical
presentation. The music experience is magical!
Needless to say, I will be concentrating most of my design efforts in this
area.
September 2005
- The Reference Monoblock valve amplifiers are ready!
A unique design. A simpler design. A more stable design.
Just 3 valves per amp. One 6SN7 valve in the input stage, and two EL34
valves in the push-pull output stage. Linking them together is the unique
component - an interstage audio transformer. Almost perfect as a phase
splitter, and a powerful driver to the output stage. Excellent recovery
from overdrive.
A smoother, more transparent sound, and more power to boot!
Just have to be heard!
October / November 2005
Have been refining the circuits of both the line and phono preamps. For
the sole objective of a more transparent sound.
A different circuit topology in the line preamp brings an improvement
in the tonal quality of the sound, and a truer depiction of the harmonic
structure of acoustic instruments. More air, more life, more there!
Playing around with input and output audio transformers. Definitely
some advantages - but, the quality of the transformers handling low-level
signals becomes more critical. A lot more work to be done here .....
Success at last in an all valve phono stage for a low output moving
coil cartridge. My old and trusty Linn Asaka MC puts out a meagre 0.1mV
signal. Imagine amplifying that 10,000 fold to a line level 1V output! Hum
and noise is a major problem. Screening the power supply from the audio
circuitry is absolutely essential.
The rewards are immense. Music from LPs never sounded better! Awesome
air, and dynamics!
And you still want to compare analog LP sound to digital CD sound?
- Full range single driver loudspeakers
The Fostex FE167E drivers have been a revelation! Such transparency,
and clarity of sound. A layer of grunge has been taken away from music.
Yes, these drivers hold so much promise. But require work in correcting
the tonal balance somewhat. And a more involved cabinet design.
Am looking into a mass loaded tapered pipe cabinet, to eke out the most
bass from these drivers. Maybe, that will correct the tonal balance too.
More work to be done ....
Do come around and join in the fun!
