Dennis Had Inspire Amps

[Bombadil]

I would rather have new Genalex Gold Lion KT77 tubes in that amp than JJ KT77s. The new Genalex are very good. It would add about $100 to the total cost, but I think that is worth it.

[Simonatsea]

Originally Posted by guitardave

I have a new PSE coming next week and Dennis told me the output transformers are optimized for an 8 ohm load, but yes, they are fine with anything from 3 to 20 ohms. Since I am getting the PSE, I will likely be selling my SET 17 watt Special Edition Fire Botttle amp built in May. Probably no need to keep both. Beautiful amp!

Do you have any pictures of you amp? I am interested how larger power and output transformers would handle my Kef ls-50's

[FloridaBoy]

Originally Posted by guitardave

I have a PSE coming this week. I have seen pictures, and it is tube rectified. It was born, I mean signed, on Saturday... Should have it this week!

Great! Post a pic. The pic of the one here appears to have a quad of power tubes and a 6SN7...no tube rectifier.

[guitardave]

I can post a pic when I receive it. I think it is shipping today. I have seen multiple pics as build progressed. It looks great!!

[Analog Addict]

Dennis wanted me to come over to listen to his new amp yesterday, so I headed over after work.


He didn't give me a lot of notice, so I only had a few minutes to grab a couple of 6SN7s before leaving the house in the morning. I thought this was a mono block setup, so I brought pairs. Silly me...




We tried 1955 CBS balckplates, 1953 JAN CHS Sylvi WGTs, 1940's vintage metal base Sylvi Navy marked 6SN7Ws, and some RCA red base 5692s.





We also did 4 KT-88s and mixed 6V6/KT-88s....





Dennis also had a new Chinese CV181 we tried.



The verdict. The 40's vintage 6SN7W sounded the best with a huge soundstage and deep articulate bass. . Next was either the CBS 6SN7 or the CV 181.
Neither Dennis or I have been big fans of 5692 in the past,
but we both thought that this was the best we've heard this tube sound. We also liked the 5U4GB rectifier over the 5AR4.

I liked this amp so much that I made Dennis a deal and pinched it out from underneath Guitar Dave.....






Here's Dennis fiddling with a LP-27 variant that he just finished today. Said it sounded a bit sterile since the caps hadn't burned it yet.






BTW, just kiddin Guitar Dave. Dennis said I should give you a hard time. He plans on shipping this amp out today.

[Analog Addict]

Dennis is very proud of this build, saying it's a true work of art...

[guitardave]

Hey Analog, you had me going there! I am looking forward to seeing this amp in MY listening room!
Thanks for the update info. I appreciate the recommendations!
What was the best sounding power output tube combination?

[Analog Addict]

Originally Posted by guitardave

Hey Analog, you had me going there! I am looking forward to seeing this amp in MY listening room!
Thanks for the update info. I appreciate the recommendations!
What was the best sounding power output tube combination?

Personally, if you can live with 9-10 watts, I would definitely try a quad of 6V6s. You'll have to run a 5U4 type rectifier or maybe even a 5Y3. I might even round up a quad of 6V6G ST shaped tubes with a 5Y3G ST shaped rectifier. The beauty of this amp is it's complete flexibility. You could run 4 different power tubes if that's all you had and as long as you had the proper rectifier in it, not worry in the least...

[Analog Addict]

Originally Posted by x3workshop

I think perhaps you need to be a subscriber to send a PM.

Hmmm....OK. So be it. I suppose if anyone wants more info on the Inspire OB speakers at this point, contact Dennis via his e-bay seller ID or look me up/send me a PM on Audiokarma. Hopefully that's OK to say w.r.t. forum rules...

[Simonatsea]

Originally Posted by guitardave

I can post a pic when I receive it. I think it is shipping today. I have seen multiple pics as build progressed. It looks great!!

I was wondering if you could post a pick of your 17 watt SE amp that might be up for sale..... Cheers