45 EVO
Reference Integrated Amplifier (2020+)
Finished in Ferrari RED (Rosso Fiorano)
Years ago, our reference 45 integrated amps weren’t very popular - but things have changed since then ! The return of ultra high-efficientcy speakers - those with efficiencies of 99db and up — has led to our 45 amps quickly becoming one of our big sellers.
SO ... we have been asked to make a design that can use either 45 and 2A3 tubes in the same unit.
.... And this is our answer - the 45 EVO!
The 45 EVO uses our latest integrated amplifier chassis, which shares with all others such as 2A3 EVO and the new upcoming EL84TT EVO. And this exact 45 EVO is finished in a Mercedes Benz - AMG’s paint , which is called Crystal Laurit Silver Met , that were used on the McLaren-SLR.
It starts off with a 45 design, but has the ability to use a 2A3 as well. Our advanced / non patent-pending Auto-Bias system =) , allows you to safely interchange two of the most famous direct-heated triode tubes, while getting a good sound out of both of these different animals. With the 45 tube in action, the 45 Evo puts out a flea-est but most adorable Class A 2W of triode bliss. This amp is a must have for speakers with a sensitivity over 100 db - it will turn your forward / thin sounding speakers back into proper HIFI units.
To get this result, we have paid special attention to the output transformers. The 45 EVO uses bigger HASHIMOTO output transformers from Japan than the 2A3-EVO, they also run at a higher primary impedance than those we use in the 2A3 EVO, which is now optimal for the 45 tube. As a result, they have a lot more bass and weight, as well as better inductance / damping character for ultra high efficient speakers. The more balanced top to bottom curve of the output transformer design has measured smoothly on our scope, and that will also mean a smoother sounding speaker.
Sophia Electric 45 Mesh / Driven by the Shuguang CV181Z / Mullard 12AX7
The happy owner of the very first 45 EVO reported that the this integrated amplifier (running 45 tubes in it) was far superior to any 2A3/300B SET amp he had in the past, on his 104 db speakers. He also chose a $250 choke upgrade.
Tubes in use are all NOS-USA tubes. Which turns the 45 EVO into one of the best triode amps we make and heard.
This design will also allow you to swap in your 2A3 tubes, if you wish to change the sound up. Although not optimized for them, like the 2A3 EVO is, they will still sound great and provide you a chance to extract a different sound spectrum from your source!
DO YOU KNOW : Most people think that the choke is just another operating part and does not contribute much to an amp’s sound, but that is just wrong. A better choke DOES make an amp quieter, provides more power when needed, and provides better bass reproduction. So a bit of money invested into a better choke transformer can be beneficial a lot overall because the better the choke is, the quieter it is, and the sooner it releases the energy back into the system.
Now you know why experienced tube-o-philes always hunt for the best transformers they can find first, before they start thinking about building the amp, because without good transformers - an amp is just another piece of electronics, regardless of how beautiful it may look.
QUICK SPEC :
45 SET Integrated Amplifier
Class A Autobias 2W / 3W when using the 2A3.
2 Set of Inputs ( Quieter with the middle position of selector switch empty out for sound separation ) , It’s also free to by pass the selector and go straight to the volume control (a lot experienced tube user requests this).
Recommended Rectifier Tubes : 274B / GZ32 / 5V4 / 5T4 for best sound. It can also use 5U4 / 5Y3 / 5R4.
Input / Preamp Tubes 12AX7 (if fewer gain desired , 12AU7/5751 can be used as well) , 6SN7 / CV181.
0-8-16 Ohms Output via CMC USA Gold Binding Posts or CARDAS USA (Whichever available)
Overall gain @ approximately 21.7 db @ 8 ohms - For those who think they know. Input Sens. 350 mV @ Max Power
Coupling caps by Mundorf Germany’s Silver in Oil Caps
MSRP - $8,999 USD
*UPDATE : Starting from 2023, all our amps will be using black anodized knobs.
45 and 274B Tubes Comparison :
by Jeff Day @ Positive Feedback
Please visit Jeff’s Place too , there are some more good reads about both our amps, and the 45/274B tubes impression and comparison. (There have been updated with more articles on more tubes comparison - go to the main page of Jeffs Place)
I tried a couple of other highly regarded NOS rectifiers in the 45 EVO, and they made the 45 EVO sound positively dreadful, making it sound harsh, forward, and just unpleasant to listen to most music with.
I put a Sophia Electric Aqua 274B rectifier in the 45 EVO that I pulled out of one of my MC30 mono amplifiers (below), and that beautiful SET magic was there in spades, with the 45 EVO sounding very impressive indeed.
And of course, feel free to ask our rating on these tubes too =)
Our amps are so revealing, anything you used on it will be reflected.
Be it a cable or tube, or down to a fuse or the surface of material where the amp sits.
The PSVANE ACME 274B rectifier in the 45 EVO was very smooth and rich sounding, although the Sophia Electric Aqua 274B provided more of that SET-style magic from the 45 EVO.
The Triode Lab 45 EVO SET integrated amplifier is super-sensitive to rectifier choice, so if you have or buy a Triode Lab 45 EVO SET integrated amplifier, I recommend you don't skimp on rectifiers. Good rectifiers are money well spent with the 45 EVO if you want to hear it at its considerable best!
Another professional testimonial by Dr Xiaoran Fan (Senior Research Scientist @ Samsung, Headphone and HiFi Expert):
Hello Frank,
Hope you are doing well. I have been enjoying the 45 EVO in the past two weekends. I really like them. I compared the 45 EVO side by side with an Audio Note Meishu Tonmeister Silver 300B driving my AN E SEC Signature speakers.
I can confidently tell you, the 45 EVO sounds much better than the Meishu Tonmeister silver despite the 45 EVO being half-priced as the Meishu Tonmeister. First off, the Meishu Tonmeister silver is a good amplifier driving my AN E SEC Signature. Actually, it is very good, much better than the old Meishu. It has solid control in the bass and a very organic midrange presentation. It reminds me of the Ongaku instead of the old Meishu. Note this is the new generation of Meishu called Meishu Tonmeister. AN adopted the inter-stage transformer coupling from Ongaku for the new Meishu. I guess this is where the new Meishu gets its speed and bass control. However, the moment you switch the new Meishu to the 45 EVO, it's just like the world has been lit up. No joke, compared with the 45 EVO, the Meishu Tonmeister Silver sounds almost dull and strident at the same time. The 45 EVO on the other hand sounds much more open, liquid, airy, and connecting my emotion just much more direct. The Meishu Tonmeister Silver sound very 'Hi-Fi' and showy (Flamboyant?) but the 45 EVO sounds just like when I sit in the Carnegie Hall and am embraced by the live music.
My friend Vinh visited my house today and listened to this setup. We compared the Meishu Tonmeister Silver directly with the 45 EVO. We basically share the same opinion and he keeps asking me who's making this such nice-sounding amplifier, who's triode labs, etc...
Please enjoy the rest of your weekend. Thanks for your nice amp. I am sure we will talk again in the future.
Best,Dr Xiaoran Fan
Other than 99db+ speakers, that had the volume turn up too soon with normal amps.
What speakers will it work with?
The 45 amps can also drive lower efficient crossover-less single driver loudspeakers (full range speakers), or speakers that has a very linear/flat/high efficient response.
Here, we were able drive the 92db/16 ohms Finale Audio Vivace Mini loud and clear in our medium-large showroom.
As well speakers like the Arteluthe Cadenza TAD Horn, which is just 94-96 db. The 15” bass was immense with the 45 EVO!
And if you have big speakers like the Tannoy Westminster?
Jeff drove it with the 45 EVO with live-like volume too!
So rest assure your 100 db+ speakers will be loud and clear.
This is what the good 2 watts can do - thanks to the Hashimoto Transformers too.
Its the pinnacle design between Triode Lab and Hashimoto.
MORE READS /
Triode Lab 45 EVO Vacuum Tube Comparisons: Sophia Electric 45 Mesh Plate, Emission Labs 45 Mesh Plate, Sophia Electric Aqua 274B, and Psvane Acme 274B.
Post Thoughts and Further Comparison on the 45 EVO :
Canadian Rhapsody: Ode to Frankie & Live at the Senator!
https://jeffsplace.positive-feedback.com/canadian-rhapsody-ode-to-frankie-live-at-the-senator/
The Long-Term Report: Twelve Years with the Tannoy Westminster Royal Special Edition Loudspeakers!