Description
Some Signals Cannot Be Measured. They Can Only Be Heard. A specification sheet will tell you that this amplifier produces ten watts per channel into a four or eight ohm load, that total harmonic distortion measures one percent at one kilohertz, and that signal to noise sits at 88 decibels. None of that explains why a single-ended Class A circuit with two EL34 power tubes makes a human voice sound like it is standing in the room, and the people who buy this kind of amplifier stopped needing it explained some time ago.
The topology is deliberately old fashioned where it matters. Class A single-ended operation keeps the output device conducting through the entire waveform, which removes the crossover distortion that push-pull designs introduce and is the reason the midrange sounds unbroken. Five tubes do the work: a 5Z3P or 5U4G rectifier, two 6SN7GT preamp valves, and two EL34C power valves, all self-biased so the owner is not adjusting bias with a meter. The output transformers are wound on Japanese Z11 0.35mm laminations, the coupling capacitors are German electrodeless and Philips cathode types, the resistors are ring precision metal film, and the wiring is hand soldered point to point rather than run across a printed board.
The physical build follows the same logic. A steel chassis with a backplane carries pure copper RCA inputs and pure copper speaker terminals, so the owner can use banana plugs, spade connectors or bare wire without an adapter. Frequency response runs from 20Hz to 25kHz, input sensitivity from 500mV to 2000mV, input impedance is 100Kohm, and the unit draws 105 watts from a 110 to 120 volt or 220 to 240 volt supply at 50 or 60Hz. It weighs 10 kilograms across 380 by 160 by 230 millimetres, which is heavy enough to stay put on a shelf and compact enough to live there. Speakers between 10 and 100 watts with an impedance of 4 or 8 ohms are the correct match.
Ten honest watts, in a room that is listening.
Circuit Notes
- ✦Single-ended Class A topology with two EL34C power tubes
- ✦Five valve complement: 5Z3P or 5U4G rectifier, two 6SN7GT preamps, two EL34C outputs
- ✦Self-biasing design, no manual bias adjustment required
- ✦Output transformers on Japanese Z11 0.35mm laminations
- ✦Hand wired point to point on a steel chassis with pure copper RCA inputs and speaker terminals
- ✦12 watt per channel rated output in ultra-linear connection
- ✦Sized for 4 or 8 ohm speakers rated between 10 and 100 watts
Audio Specification
- CircuitClass A, single-ended
- Rated output10W x 2 in ultra-linear connection
- Rectifier tube5Z3P or 5U4G, one supplied at random
- Preamp tubes6SN7GT x 2
- Power tubesEL34C x 2
- Output transformersJapan Z11 0.35mm lamination, 22 x 45 / 50
- Frequency response20Hz to 25kHz
- Total harmonic distortion1 percent at 1kHz
- Signal to noise ratio88dB
- Input sensitivity500mV to 2000mV
- Input impedance100 kOhm
- Output impedance4 ohm and 8 ohm taps
- Power consumption105W
- Mains supply110 to 120V or 220 to 240V, 50/60Hz
- Dimensions380 x 160 x 230 mm
- Weight10 kg
Where Ten Watts Is Enough
The buyer for a single-ended EL34 amplifier is usually building a second system around a pair of speakers rather than replacing a home theatre receiver. Vocal and acoustic listening is the stated strength, which suits a small room, a near-field desk setup, or a listening chair that is occupied for an hour at a time rather than all evening. A turntable and a phono stage, or a network streamer with a clean analogue output, feed the RCA inputs directly. Headphone listeners use the speaker taps with an adapter. Because the amplifier runs at ten watts per channel, the speakers matter more than the source: high efficiency bookshelf or small floorstanding models between 10 and 100 watts at 4 or 8 ohms will be driven comfortably, while low sensitivity speakers in a large room will run out of headroom. Buyers keeping a second system in a study or a bedroom are the most satisfied group.
Listening Questions
Q: Do I need to set the bias myself?
A: No. The amplifier is self-biasing, so the valves settle without a meter or a trim procedure. That also makes valve replacement a straightforward job for the owner.
Q: Which speakers should I pair with it?
A: Speakers rated between 10 and 100 watts at 4 or 8 ohms with reasonable sensitivity. The amplifier sounds best with high efficiency designs; very low sensitivity speakers in a large room will not reach satisfying levels.
Q: Is it loud enough for a living room?
A: Ten watts per channel into an efficient speaker fills a domestic room comfortably. It is not intended to drive a home theatre system or a large open-plan space at party levels.
Q: How long do the valves last?
A: The power valves are the consumable items and typically last a few thousand hours of use. The 5Z3P or 5U4G rectifier is supplied at random from the two interchangeable types.
Q: Does it have a phono input?
A: No. The two RCA inputs are line level, so a turntable requires a separate phono stage. A streamer or CD player with analogue output connects directly.
Q: What mains voltage does it need?
A: It is built for 110 to 120 volts or 220 to 240 volts at 50 or 60Hz. Confirm the correct version for your region when ordering, as the transformer is not switchable in the field.
Q: What is in the box?
A: The amplifier and the power cord. Valves are fitted and the unit is supplied ready to connect.
The EastSupplier Promise
Every unit in this listing is inspected and packed by our own cross-border team in China before it leaves the warehouse. We hold the stock, we handle the export paperwork, and we answer technical questions directly rather than routing you through a marketplace resolution desk.
Orders ship with tracking, and quantities above ten units are quoted individually so that shipping and duties are confirmed before you pay. If you are buying for a workshop, a studio, a fleet, or a service bay, tell us what you need and we will confirm availability, lead time, and landed cost.
Wholesale, OEM, and multi-unit inquiries: service@eastsupplier.com
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