Check back regularly or subscribe for updates. Email us at jandkaudiodesign@gmail.com, or fill in the form on the left.

Sunday, September 7, 2014

PCL85 Tube Amplifier

J&K Audio Design - Nightlight (with PCL85 Triode-Pentode Vacuum Tube)

Months ago, a fellow audiophile approached us and gave us some Philips PCL85 tube. He initially asked for only a very entry level PCL85, using a pair of very raw guitar amp like OPT for the job, to be mounted on an aluminum plate.

Upon listening to our entry level 6B4G DHSET (on the right) driving Zu Audio Soul Superfly and Usher Dancer Mini-X, he was hooked and wanted his PCL85 to be upgraded to a full fledged PCL85. As usual, our favorite is the Z11 cores and therefore we recommended a full Z11 vacuum tube amplifier.

Enjoy the pictures! Highlights below:
  • ALIS-5SE MK2 - output transformer used
  • Z11 power transformers
  • Z11 choke (good for choke-input rectification)
  • Teflon tube sockets
  • Mode select - Triode/Pentode/Super-Linear
  • Stepped attenuator
  • Oil capacitors for driver-stage
  • Panasonic electrolytic for power-stage
  • Choke-input tube rectified (5X4G and 5U4G compatible)
  • Extra suspension and heat sink for PCL85 tube 
  • Rigid full aluminum chassis with low center-of-gravity wide body

Z11 Transformers (power, choke and output transformer)

Light's off view of PCL85 & 5X4G

Nightlight in action - driving a pair of Zu Audio Soul Superfly

Nightlight PCL85 Tube Amplifier

Nightlight VS 6B4G SET

Deep low solid bass, extended highs, warm midrange, what more can I ask for?
For those with sharp eyesight, they might notice a solid state like amplifier on the bottom of the rack. Well, yes, it was made for comparison use. It is a VERY famous class A kit, built with dual-mono-power supplies and with all the goodies inside. A lot of builders have very high regards for the sound.

How does it fair? I'm sorry. It has no place in this setup. It was too veiled, lifeless and harmonic-less when compared, pale...

J&K Audio Design
7th SEP 2014

Product Lists  

Level 0

Level 3: depends on type, size and complexity. Email us for details.
Iso-trans: link 1, link 2
* Finished amplifiers, DACs, audio gadgets, upgrades and repairs - this is not our core business and we do it out of passion. We do not have fixed models, fixed price and we customize for each individuals. The sky is limit of creativity.  
* Our product lines are always improving and increasing. If you do not see what you want, contact us!  
* Please email for volume discounts, distributor and OEM pricing.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Search This Blog

Product Lists

Product Lists

Level 0: link 1

Level 1: link 1, link 2, link 3, link 4

Level 2: link 1, link 2, link 3, link 4, link 5, link 6, link 7, Link 8, link 9

Level 3: depends on type, size and complexity. Email us for details.

Iso-trans: link 1, link 2

Power-trans: link 1

* Finished amplifiers, DACs, audio gadgets, upgrades and repairs - this is not our core business and we do it out of passion. We do not have fixed models, fixed price and we customize for each individuals. The sky is limit of creativity.

* Our product lines are always improving and increasing. If you do not see what you want, contact us!

* Please email for volume discounts, distributor and OEM pricing.