* Q & A *
Why is the sound so detailed and full? The use of simple, elegant and
efficient circuitry design with no global negative feedback: we have eliminated
unnecessary components to minimize the amount of circuitry impacting the
signal. The result is a pure, realistic sound in a pristine soundscape©, with
detail, resolution and dynamics for which good tube amplifiers are famous.
Why doesn't the Model “55” have equalizers or tone controls? High end
integrated amplifiers only have circuitry to amplify the signal equally along the
entire frequency range necessary for clear, unadulterated acoustics. The sound
quality of the recording is reproduced with fidelity without equalizers or tone
controls. These controls can be found in pre-amps if necessary.
How about surround sound? It is our belief that stereophonic sound is still the
best way to create a natural sounding center stage effect for recreating a musical
performance, simply because it does not need complex sound decoding circuitry
that more often than not only might muddle the sound.
How can a low power amplifier like the Model “55” sound as loud as
transistor amplifiers that have 100 or more Watts per channel? Amplifier
power ratings are NOT a reliable way to determine how an amplifier will perform.
The tests are conducted with a stable, non-musical signal, usually from a white
noise generator with a constant 8 Ωload. So they can boast high power, many
companies design their amplifiers to perform well on the bench tests. Unlike a
constant white noise signal, music provides a much more complex signal for an
amplifier to recreate. In short, the wattage ratings of the typical amplifier tell
you little about how the amplifier really sounds when it plays music.
Does the Model “55” have enough power for my needs? Single ended tube
amplifiers are famous for providing breathtaking detail and a full, rich sound
even at moderate volume levels, so that many users find it unnecessary to play
music at high sound levels. The Model “55” is not designed for, nor will it
produce, extremely high sound levels. However, when matched with efficient
speakers, this amplifier’s sound will fill a small to medium sized listening
environment with surprisingly full, extremely detailed and realistic high-fidelity
sound. We recommend using speakers with a sensitivity rating of at least
89dB/w/m SPL ("sound pressure level") or higher. This means the amplifier
works best with efficient speakers. With speakers of 89dB/W/m, a reproduction
level in the 90dB or more SPL is easily achieved in monitor listening position.
How long can I expect a tube amplifier to last? The Model “55”, while
compact in size, is built to last. It is engineered to provide a long life, and is
simple to set up and to operate.
How often will I need to replace the tubes, and where do I get them? The
tubes provided with the Model “55” are quite rugged and will typically last
many years. The tubes can be ordered from tec•on audio (see our website),or
from any of a number of web based tube suppliers. You can even find these
tubes in music stores that sell guitar amplifiers.
10
