TRIODE LAB

45M-II ffx

Parellel Single Ended Mono Blocks

45M-II RSR

Debut 2021

Parallel Single Ended Triode Mono Amplifiers

Here is the new variant RSR Mono-Blocks, one of our flagship model for the 45 Triode. Which is sold along side with our original 45 RSR (V1), with a totally different sounding character / style. Max power : 5.1 Watt Class A (Measured with the limited edition EML Mesh Globe Bottle, NOS 5T4 Rectifier)

What’s the difference to the original 45 RSR?

Maybe not an improvement over spec and measurements. This newer 45M-II RSR is more in making a different kind of “taste”, and at a lower price-point without the use of the expensive pure-copper chassis.

1. Using some of my favourite preamp tubes , instead of the popular benchmark kind of tubes that everyone uses such as 12AX7/12BH7 (It’s good or the best on paper, but just I want something more unique and special). This time, I”m using the 6h30, which some call it the “Super-Triode”. While its an amazing sounding tube I personally like it alot - we’ve been using it to make SET amps for close to 20 years with splendid outcomes. The 6h30 is a very powerful tube , but is there are down side to it? Most other manufactures and tube sellers probably won’t tell you this, but since its very powerful (too powerful), its subject (easily) to pick up noise from the air , a lesser quality construction of circuit design for sure will induce problems/noises and resulting a bad measurement and performance. Here, on this 45M-II RSR Mono Blocks, an further enhanced ground circuit (compared to all 6h30 SET amps in the past) has been added to ensure its working as quiet as possible, as well with its own big capacitor to feed it right beside it for shortest distance connection. In short, it was quiet and brilliant with our previous 6h30 driver design for SET amps, but now it’s the new best!

2. The CV181/6SN7. Like many experienced tubephiles, this easily becoming their favourite. With its sweet airy sound of tube from the past. Its hard not to like it. It’s an older design and not quieter to the new 9-pin preamp tubes (12AU7/12AT7/12X7,6922/6DJ8…etc), but that might be what makes the CV181/6SN7 attractive (some say when it’s too flawless, the imperfection makes it perfect) , the age and mature beauty. We like the new production of the CV181 alot too, and seem to be the better choices over most of the other new production of the 6SN7. Sound aside, many new 6SN7 are measured micro-phonic or noisy, and few or probably none is better to the CV181. When we brought one of the premium brand of new 6SN7 tube, 6 out of 10 were tested micro-phonic - then we have to bring it up. On the other side, the new production of CV181 are purely engineered in the mind for “high end / hifi tube amps” and passes strict aural tests with the best ears in the world. Where as the new 6SN7s are mere for instrumental amplifiers and industrial uses.

3. So now, the entire preamp section is point to point hand wired, in our usual 3D high quality craftsmanship standard. The entire power supply is also P2P. So if you are looking for that addictive, transparent/airy type of tube sound, this is the version for you. The V1 is more of modern high end sound, absolute performance and specs, exceptional treble / bass and sound-stage, but might have less of that euphonic triode sound in peoples head. It’s two kind of beau, and to the newer tube-philes, SET do not come in just one kind of sound (they sounded similar - because they are same average quality). SET has many kind of different sound presentation too ;-) From different combinations of tubes, different circuits, and different modes and transformers, and down to parts/caps selection - just one item on the same amp changed out with something else could sound totally different. So each model of our amps are literally fine-tune / voiced in exactly the way how we wanted it - and as soon you request us to use another brand of coupling caps - you literally changed the course.

4. An extra Mundorf large power supply ECAP has been added (compared to the V1), to feed the front end individually for optimum power supply and shortest distance, since the front end we want to be the most quiet possible (imagine the darkest place to see stars is always better). The entire power supply remain the same as the V1, with our dual choke, and dual “big caps” arrangement - the standard power supply arrangement for all the RS/RSR series amp. Also all passive parts uses highest 1% grade resistors and premium grade E-caps, or brand names that we have been using for a few decades that proves their durability and dependability (so again, don’t tell us to use another brand of hifi brand of passive parts - then it’s not the way how we wanted it to sound and perform). Some newer folks to the hobby often ask us all the time why not using that new brand of HIFI resistors and caps? Well, I’m sure they don’t know the importance about the of reliability / also the needs of consistency good sound on most speakers. Accuracy is another important element for passive parts outside the reliability. We will only use the best and authentic parts that stood thru the time. Because our amps are made to last for decades too and problems free! (and in fact many newer hifi parts are made in small volume - with higher reliability risk).

5. New “EVO-Chassis” platform. Its made by high quality space-grade aluminum sheets. So its not as heavy as the pure copper chassis like the V1 used. Like all the finest sports car and super car- its all made with the same lightweight aluminum material. Light and strong is the equation. And we just save you big chunck of money right there, jumping from pure copper to high grade aluminum.

MSRP - $28,000 USD / Pair

45 RSR

Est 2016

Parallel Single Ended Triode Mono Amplifiers (V1/Original)

• Parallel 45 Tubes per Channel - 4W minimum

• Full suit of Hashimoto transformers

• Hashimoto 30W Sized Output Transformers - We opt for a higher impedance transformer for better highs and definitions , less output power - but that’s what everyone wants when going with 45. It’s also more consistent and more forgiving when the tubes are getting aged. But it’s the absolute sound we crave.

• Dual Hashimoto Choke transformers - One supply the operation and one supply the tubes), following its dedicated dual high quality Mundorf M-Lytic Ecaps

• Hashimoto 45/2A3 power transformer (The best kind power transformer for the 2A3 application currently, and it makes a substantial improvements on the AC heated 45/2A3 applications, it's not just quieter, but it sounds better!)

• Chassis size : 18" W x 12" D x 2" H PER BLOCK

• The 45 RSR is only constructed on pure copper chassis.

• Rectified/Voiced by Mullard GZ32/ Sophia Electric Aqua 274B (5AR4/5V4/5U4/5T4 ...etc all can be used)

• Goodies - Cardas RCA / Binding Post 0-4-8-16 , Mundorf Silver in Oil Caps, Furutech AC Inlet IEC, QQQ Japan’s Tube Sockets...etc. Whichever high end parts work to your ears!

• MSRP - $38,000 USD Pair with full suit of Hashimoto 8 Pcs Transformers

• Pricing INCLUDING 2" Foam Vault/Triple Layer Carton Box/ Shipping only strapped on pallet.

• Shipping world-wide included by Air Canada Cargo.

$44,000 USD with EVO Power Supply Package :

1. Input caps upgraded to Mundorf’s EVO SILVER GOLD OIL Coupling Caps.

2. Furutech Carbon Fiber Binding Posts 0-4-8-16

3. HASHIMOTO (Sansui) Large Chokes

4. HASHIMOTO (Sansui) Large Power Transformers

5. New RSR EVO Power Supply Enhancement (Not available on previous RS/RSRs) , which have the additional Double-Pi DC Link Circuit along with Dual Choke Transformers arrangement on other RS/RSR models, for further quieter operations , smoother start up and more efficient / stable operations. Two Rubycon USA 500V+ Ecaps and one Wima Germany DC Link 10 uf / 600V Cap is used on top of each (dual) choke transformers.

6. Additional Enhanced Super-Rectifier Circuit for the 45 RSR for fewest power drop and consistency