Kamene

Kamene is a Single Ended (SE) Class A mono tube active acoustic system, handcrafted in Latvia, uniting high-level craftsmanship with the expertise of audio enthusiasts. It features a built-in tube amplifier constructed using point-to-point wiring technology, ensuring not only exceptional sound quality but also reliability and a unique sonic character.

• Box: The enclosure is made from solid wood and plywood, enriched with brass decorative element. The amplifier is housed in a sealed metal chassis, which can be removed from the system for servicing.

• Capacitors: Both paper and MKP capacitors are used.  MKP capacitors (metallized polypropylene) are highly regarded in audio and high-frequency applications for their neutral, precise, and detailed sound reproduction.  Paper capacitors are built from layers of paper impregnated with insulating oil, wax, or resin and sandwiched with metal foil. This design ensures relatively high capacitance and stable operation under high voltages.  Advantages of paper capacitors:

  1. Warm and musical sound
     Paper capacitors are considered very musical, adding a soft, natural timbre and harmonic warmth, particularly well-suited for vocals and acoustic instruments.

  2. Smooth treble response
     Unlike many modern plastic or ceramic capacitors, paper capacitors do not emphasize sharpness but soften and naturalize the high frequencies, a quality especially valued in vintage and hi-end tube amplifiers.

• Tubes:

  • Power stage: One 2A3H (Raytheon) tube. The 2A3H is Raytheon’s version of the classic 2A3 power triode, notable for its half-indirect heated cathode. This rare variant was designed to reduce noise while retaining the linearity of the 2A3. First used in radios and cinema amplifiers of the 1930s, it is now prized in SE and PP amplifiers, especially paired with high-sensitivity speakers (horn, wideband, etc.). Historically, the 2A3 has been called “the mother of high fidelity” due to its extremely linear response dominated by low-level 2nd harmonic distortion.

  • Preamplifier: One AC100 (Telefunken) tube. The AC100 is a triode developed in the 1930s–40s, widely used in RF/AF stages of radios and communication devices, often serving as a preamp or oscillator tube.

  • Rectifier: One AZ1 (Philips Miniwatt) tube. Introduced in 1934 by Philips (also under Miniwatt, Valvo, etc.), the AZ1 became one of Europe’s most popular rectifier tubes of the 1930s–50s. Known for reliability and wide application, it was used in radios as well as hi-fi amplifiers. Today, audiophiles value it for imparting a warm, organic, and unmistakably vintage character unobtainable from modern solid-state rectifiers.

• Loudspeakers:
• Full-range driver: One Philips AD 1265/M8 loudspeaker – a high-quality 12-inch (32 cm) wideband driver from the 1970s. It is one of the favorites among vintage audio enthusiasts, thanks to its natural and well-balanced sound as well as its wide frequency range. The Philips AD 1265/M8 delivers remarkably smooth and open sound with a spacious soundstage. The Philips AD 1265/M8 is not only technically excellent but also an audio classic that continues to be highly valued in audiophile circles.
• Specification:
• Type: Full-range
• Impedance: 8 Ω
• Frequency response: ~30 – 18,000 Hz
• Diameter: 12″ (314 mm)
• Sensitivity: 98 dB
• Power handling: up to 30 W nominal
• Tweeter: One 1ГД-3 high-frequency loudspeaker . The 1ГД-3 is a classic Soviet-era high-frequency loudspeaker (tweeter) that was widely used in radio equipment, acoustic systems, and consumer audio devices from the 1960s to the 1980s. This model was one of the most common tweeters in the USSR, thanks to its simple design and reliable performance. The 1ГД-3 is characterized by a clear, yet relatively narrow reproduction of high frequencies. It was designed as a complement to mid- and low-range speakers, providing a more complete frequency balance in acoustic systems.
• Specification:
• Type: High-frequency tweeter
• Impedance: 12.5 Ω
• Frequency response: ~5,000 – 18,000 Hz
• Diameter: 2″ (50 mm) diaphragm
• Sensitivity: 93.5 dB
• Power handling: up to 2 W nominal

• Output power: 1 × 3.5 W

• Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth): 73 cm x 81 cm x 30 cm

• Weight: 43 kg

Active acoustic system Kamene combines three key elements: a tube amplifier with legendary triodes and rectifier (2A3H Raytheon, AC100 Telefunken, AZ1 Philips Miniwatt), the wideband Philips AD 1265/M8 loudspeaker, and the 1ГД-3 tweeter. Together, they create a uniquely warm, musically rich, and emotionally engaging sound – the hallmark of true tube audio.

Sound character:

• Warmth and vitality – the 2A3H imbues the music with a natural, organic timbre, creating presence and emotional depth.

• Spacious and airy soundstage – the Philips AD 1265/M8 excels at reproducing detailed midrange and wide sound imaging, especially with acoustic and vocal music.

• Crisp highs – the 1ГД-3 tweeter adds sparkle, highlighting instrument nuances and enriching the overall tonal balance.

• Dynamics and musicality – the synergy of AC100 and AZ1 tubes delivers dynamic yet smooth sound, avoiding the harsh sterility often associated with digital amplification.

Kamene is not merely a sound system – it is both a musical experience and a piece of art. Designed for those who value analog sound, retro aesthetics, and individuality, it serves as a centerpiece for both classical and rustic interiors. Crafted from solid wood with hand-finished textures, adding warmth and elegance to the space. Front panel adorned with a brass lyre motif, symbolizing music and harmony, giving the system a distinctive visual identity. Inspired by mid-20th century vintage loudspeakers, yet retaining modern functionality and reliability.

• Technology: SE Class A mono active acoustic system
• Assembly Method: Point-to-point wiring
• Materials: Solid wood, plywood, brass, metal
• Tubes: 1 x 2A3H (Raytheon), 1 x AC100 (Telefunken), 1 x AZ1 (Philips Miniwatt)
• Loudspeakers: 1 x  Philips AD 1265/M8, 1 x  1ГД-3
• Output power: 1 x 3.5 W
• Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth): 73 x 81 x 30 cm
• Weight: 43 kg