Cymbal Vacuum Tube Push/Pull Power Amplifier 6H30 6W

Description: The Cymbal monoblock power amplifier features a modern push-pull design utilizing ultra-linear 6H30 triodes in a zero-feedback circuit. This unique configuration is optimized for sound quality rather than sheer power, making it ideal for efficient drivers and horn speakers. With an output power of eight watts and an impressively low output impedance of 1.6 ohms (on the 8-ohm tap), the amplifier maintains excellent control. Overdrive into clipping is gentle, followed by a clean recovery. The input stage is fully differential and includes a ground-lift switch to eliminate ground loops. The monoblocks are constructed in mirror image pairs, and a secondary input provides capacitive coupling, which can be designed to a specific high-pass frequency to accommodate systems requiring a subwoofer. The design incorporates high-quality components, including a fully choke-regulated B+ supply. The Cymbal amplifier is a premium product, not a budget option, with a half-kit DIY version costing approximately $550 in raw parts. This amplifier is suitable for efficient speakers with a reasonable impedance curve. If a single-ended triode (SET) amplifier works well, the Cymbal will also be a good fit. Examples of compatible speakers include the BK-16 from Madisound and the remarkable horns from The Horn Shoppe. The Cymbal is described as quick and agile, with good bass extension and control when paired with JBL speakers. The highs are extended and smooth, while midrange coloration is minimal. It is characterized as a resolution-oriented amplifier, yet it maintains a smooth and pleasing sound, reminiscent of a good single-ended amplifier within the same power range. The Cymbal delivers a neutral, balanced sound that allows for deep listening experiences with appropriate loudspeakers. Despite its low power rating, the amplifier exhibits low overall distortion and minimal compression, enabling it to produce convincing loudness with any reasonably efficient speaker. The amplifier achieves low distortion without feedback, attributed to the superior linearity of true triodes and exceptional circuit design, with third-order distortion measured at just 0.18% at 1W. Users report that the Cymbal, when paired with a solid-state balanced FET preamp like the Coda 02b and vintage Klipsch LaScala speakers, produces a quiet, crystal-clear sound with a deep, black noise floor. Comparisons with other preamps, such as the Morrison ELAD, highlight the Cymbal's ability to match low noise levels while maintaining low distortion, showcasing its engineering excellence. User testimonials emphasize the lifelike sound quality, with one noting a pet's reaction to a sound effect in a film, illustrating the amplifier's realistic audio reproduction.

The Cymbal monoblock power amplifier represents a sophisticated approach to audio amplification, focusing on sonic fidelity and the nuances of musical reproduction. The push-pull configuration of the ultra-linear 6H30 triodes ensures that the amplifier can deliver a rich and detailed soundscape while maintaining low distortion levels, even without the use of negative feedback. This design philosophy allows for a more natural representation of audio signals, making it particularly suitable for high-efficiency loudspeakers that can take full advantage of its eight watts of output power.

The fully differential input stage contributes to the amplifier's ability to reject noise and interference, further enhancing its performance in real-world listening environments. The inclusion of a ground-lift switch is a thoughtful addition, addressing common issues related to ground loops, which can introduce unwanted hum and noise into the audio signal. The use of mirror image pairs in the construction of the monoblocks not only contributes to aesthetic symmetry but also ensures balanced performance characteristics.

The amplifier's choke-regulated B+ supply is a critical element in its design, providing stable voltage to the triodes and improving overall performance. This power supply design helps to mitigate fluctuations that could adversely affect sound quality, ensuring that the amplifier can deliver consistent and reliable audio output.

The availability of a secondary input with capacitive coupling allows for flexibility in system integration, enabling users to tailor the amplifier's performance to their specific audio setup, particularly for those requiring a high-pass filter for subwoofer integration. This feature adds to the versatility of the Cymbal, making it a suitable choice for a wide range of audio applications.

Overall, the Cymbal monoblock power amplifier is a meticulously engineered product that prioritizes sound quality and performance, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles seeking a high-fidelity amplification solution. Its unique design and thoughtful features position it as a standout option in the competitive landscape of audio amplifiers.The Cymbal monoblock power amplifier is a unique and modern push-pull design using ultra-linear 6H30 triodes in a zero-feedback circuit. The uncommon circuit is optimized for sonics rather than raw power. Perfect for efficient drivers and horns, its eight watts of output power are extremely well-controlled by virtue of an astoundingly low 1.

6 ohm output impedance (8 ohm tap). Overdrive into clipping is soft with a clean recovery. The input stage is fully differential and has a ground-lift switch to eliminate pesky ground loops. The monoblocks are built in mirror image pairs. A second input offers capacitive coupling and can be designed to a set high-pass frequency to match systems requiring a subwoofer. Plenty of high quality iron is used in this design, including a fully choke-regulated B+ supply. The Cymbal is not an "el-cheapo" amplifier, rather a fully tricked out and substantial product. The half-kit DIY version will cost you approximately $550 in raw parts each. Is the Cymbal right for you Yes, if you have efficient speakers with a reasonable impedance curve. If an SET works for you, then a Cymbal will be perfect. An example of an easy speaker to drive is the BK-16 from Madisound. Or the remarkable Horns at The Horn Shoppe. "The Cymbal sounded quick and agile. It had good bass extension and control with the JBLs. The highs were extended and fairly smooth. Midrange coloration was minimal. I would place this amplifier in the resolution-over-romanticism category, although it sounded quite smooth and pleasing - somewhat reminiscent of a good SE amplifier in the same power range.

It is a neutral, truthful, balanced sounding amplifier that will allow the user to listen relatively deeply into the music with appropriate loudspeakers. The Cymbal`s low overall distortion and lack of compression (until it ran out of steam) belied its power rating, and will play convincingly loud with any speaker of reasonable efficiency.

" - Kevin Kennedy The Cymbal amplifier has low distortion despite using no feedback. This is due to the superior linearity of true triodes and remarkable circuit design. Distortion is mainly 3rd order, just 0. 18% at 1W. I`m running the cymbals with a solid state balanced FET preamp the Coda 02b and Klipsch LaScala`s 1994 vintage. They are dead quiet, not buzz, no hum, and the music is crystal clear, lifelike and with a black bottomless noise floor.

I also own a Morrison ELAD preamp which is well known for its extremely low noise floor, beyond human hearing. When run with my Bryston 3BST, speakers are dead quiet too. The cymbals noise floor is every bit a match in depth, and with low distortion, yet you use triodes and no negative feedback (of course there`s some in the tubes), quite an engineering feat.

Perhaps the best testamonial of the cymbal comes from my mom, who said, its sounds like "you`re there" and from my dog. While playing the DVD "Assasins" with Sly Stallone and Antonio Bandaras, a cat "meows" in a warehouse.

My dog freaked out and started barking like crazy and stormed around the house looking for the "cat". You fooled the keen ear of a dog with lifelike low distortion. In the phony audiophile world of pseudo EE science, super duper silver solder and magic cables, your products are a fresh perspective.