Latvija

Latvija – SE Class A Mono Tube Amplifier

Latvija is a Single Ended (SE) Class A mono tube amplifier, crafted in Latvia by combining high-end craftsmanship with the expertise of audio enthusiasts. The amplifier is designed using point-to-point (spatial) wiring technology, which significantly reduces electrical interference and ensures an extremely clean and precise signal transmission.

• Chassis: The amplifier chassis is made from solid wood, complemented with stainless steel details, creating an elegant and durable design.

• Capacitors: Paper and MKP capacitors are used. MKP capacitors are metallized polypropylene capacitors, highly valued in audio and high-frequency applications for their neutral, precise, and detailed sound. Paper capacitors consist of paper layers immersed in a special insulating oil, wax, or resin, and placed between metal foil layers. This construction provides relatively high capacitance and stable performance at high voltages.  Advantages of paper capacitors:

  1. Warm and musical sound: Paper capacitors are considered very musical – they give the sound a gentle, natural timbre and harmonic warmth, especially suitable for vocals and acoustic instruments.

  2. Smooth high-frequency reproduction: Unlike many modern plastic or ceramic capacitors, paper capacitors do not emphasize harshness but soften the treble, producing a more natural sound. This is highly appreciated in vintage and high-end tube amplifiers.

• Tubes:

  • Power stage: One Ca (Valvo) tube. The Ca tube is one of the rare early German (Valvo) power triodes, produced around the late 1920s – early 1930s. It was intended for both radio receivers and amplifiers at a time when tube technology was still in its developmental stage, and manufacturers were experimenting with different designs. It is considered a transitional stage between low-power triodes and later popular tubes such as AD1, RE604, and similar European triodes. Its sound character is often compared to early Telefunken RE tubes – offering a truly vintage tone with a historical atmosphere. One could say the Ca is a beautiful precursor, while the AD1 is a fully matured masterpiece in audio history. More about Ca tube you can read here.

  • Preamplifier: One RE144 (Telefunken) tube. The RE144 was manufactured in Germany around 1928–1932 as part of the Telefunken RE tube series. It was designed as a more powerful directly-heated triode for use in the final stages of radio receivers and early audio amplifiers. At that time, this tube represented a transitional stage between small low-power triodes (e.g., RE134) and the later, more powerful AD-series tubes.

  • Rectifier (kenotron): One AZ1 (Philips Miniwatt) tube. The AZ1 is a rectifier double-triode developed in 1934 (Philips, Miniwatt, Valvo, and other brands). It became one of the most popular rectifier tubes in Europe during the 1930s–1950s due to its reliability and suitability for various radios and audio devices. It was used across a wide spectrum – from household radios to higher-quality amplifiers. Among audiophiles, the AZ1 is valued for its ability to make the sound warm, organically musical, and vintage in character – an effect that modern solid-state components cannot replicate.

• Output power: 1 x 2 W

• Dimensions: 28 cm (width) × 23 cm (height) × 21 cm (depth)

• Weight: 7 kg

Among audio enthusiasts, the Valvo Ca is described as having a very warm and natural tone, with soft high-frequency reproduction suitable for classical, jazz, vocals, and acoustic music, gentle bass (not as strong as later power triodes), and a romantic, musical character that emphasizes musical enjoyment over technical precision. The Telefunken RE144 provides a warm, musical, and gentle sound, highly appreciated by collectors and audiophiles for its romantic vintage character.

The AZ1 indirectly influences the sound – it is not an active audio tube but affects the sound through its power supply stability and current flow characteristics. The AZ1 has a relatively high voltage drop and lower current reserve compared to modern silicon diodes, which audiophiles value for imparting warmth, organic musicality, and a vintage character that modern components cannot reproduce.

Aesthetics and Functionality

The amplifier’s visual appearance is as important as its sound – the combination of wood and metal with retro-style details creates a charming and exclusive design that fits both antique and modern interiors. It is not only a high-end audio instrument but also an interior design element.

Latvija – SE Class A mono tube amplifier is created for audio connoisseurs who wish to experience the authentic early tube sound. It combines historical technology, exceptional craftsmanship, and musical character, delivering an unforgettable listening experience with a distinct vintage charm.

• Technology: SE Class A mono amplifier
• Assembly method: Point-to-point wiring
• Materials: Solid wood, stainless steel
• Tubes: 1 x Ca (Valvo), 1 x RE144 (Telefunken), 1 x AZ1 (Philips Miniwatt)
• Output power: 1 x 2 W
• Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth) : 28 x 23 x 21 cm
• Weight: 7 kg