801A

801A – Outstanding SE Class A Mono Tube Amplifier

The 801A is a Single Ended (SE) Class A mono tube amplifier designed and crafted in Latvia to deliver exceptional analog sound quality and authentic, nuanced sonic character. The amplifier is built following the renowned circuit by Japanese engineer Shishido, using point-to-point wiring technology. This approach significantly reduces electrical noise and ensures especially clean and precise signal transmission.

Construction

Chassis: The amplifier chassis is made from solid oak and high-quality plywood, complemented with stainless steel elements, giving it an elegant appearance as well as structural durability.

Tubes:

• Power stage: 1 x 801A (RCA) with black matte anode. The 801A is a directly heated triode, celebrated for its excellent linearity, transparency, and high resolution. When properly implemented, it provides colorful, full-bodied, well-controlled, and deep bass. The tube is known for its wide soundstage, detailed, open, and “microscopic” sound that reveals every nuance of a recording. The 801A is considered one of the most transparent and analytical triodes, especially suited for those seeking maximum detail and spatial precision.

• Preamplification: 1 x 6Ф6С and 1 x 6Н8С. As a pentode, the 6Ф6С offers more power and dynamics compared to triodes. Pentodes are known for their clear, precise, and powerful sound with good signal control. They can reproduce complex audio signals with high accuracy while maintaining a balanced sound. The 6Н8С (dual triode) is favored by audio tube enthusiasts for its warm, rich, and musical sound. Compared to the Western 6SN7, the 6Н8С offers a slightly warmer and “thicker” tone, which appeals especially to those who want more “body” and harmonic richness in their music. The sound is soft, musical, with a pronounced harmonic content and a pleasing vintage character.

• Rectifier (kenotron): 1 x 1805 (Philips Miniwatt). The Miniwatt series tubes, including the 1805, are known for their fast, clear, articulate, and dynamic sound. They are characterized by transparency, brilliance, and detail, as well as excellent bass performance. The sound is “alive,” with high speed and precision. These tubes are particularly favored by those seeking a clear, dynamic, and musically “colorful” sound.

• Voltage stabilization: 1 x СГ3С. The СГ3С is a gas-filled voltage regulator tube used for stabilizing the power supply voltage. Its sonic contribution is indirect — by ensuring power supply stability and reducing noise, it enhances overall sound quality.

Technical specifications

• Output power: 1 x 7 W

• Dimensions: 39 cm (width) × 18 cm (height) × 42 cm (depth)

• Weight: 17 kg

Sound quality

The 801A amplifier delivers a warm, musical, and highly detailed sound characteristic of the best SE Class A designs. The sound is rich in harmonic nuances, with excellent midrange openness and natural timbre reproduction. The bass is precise and controlled, while the high frequencies are airy and refined.

Overall impression

The 801A SE Class A mono tube amplifier is designed for audio enthusiasts and connoisseurs who appreciate authentic tube sound and outstanding build quality. It is not only a technological masterpiece but also a design element that provides an unforgettable musical experience.

Key Specifications:

• Technology: SE Class A mono amplifier
• Assembly Method: Point-to-point wiring
• Materials: Solid oak, plywood, stainless steel
• Tubes: 1 x 801A, 1 x 6Ф6С, 1 x 6Н8С, 1 x 1805, 1 x СГ3С
• Output Power: 1 x 7 W
• Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth): 39 x 18 x 42 cm
• Weight: 17 kg