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Audio Discussion => Equipment Reviews => Topic started by: rgpit on March 04, 2020, 04:21:08 PM

Title: Thackray hybrid tube/solid state Class A amplifier
Post by: rgpit on March 04, 2020, 04:21:08 PM
Just sitting here listening to my friend John Thackray's new class A tube/ss hybrid amplifier that he designed and built. I can't believe how good this thing sounds through my KEF LS50s. Being a class A design it runs pretty hot but that's just the nature of the beast. Trying to get him to sell them as finished boards for using "as is" or for mounting in the end user's choice of enclosure. Two thumbs up John!
Title: Re: Thackray hybrid tube/solid state Class A amplifier
Post by: Vpgh on March 04, 2020, 06:00:22 PM
Quote from: rgpit on March 04, 2020, 04:21:08 PM
Just sitting here listening to my friend John Thackray's new class A tube/ss hybrid amplifier that he designed and built. I can't believe how good this thing sounds through my KEF LS50s.
Let's have some pictures, the post worth nothing without pictures !!! :)

BTW, please compare the sound/ presentation of this amplifier .vs. your Benchmark amp.
Thanks
Title: Re: Thackray hybrid tube/solid state Class A amplifier
Post by: rgpit on March 04, 2020, 08:13:49 PM
Here is the prototype I've been listening to. It's sitting on a small wooden board. You can judge the overall size by the12AU7 tube. I believe John is going to re-lay it out with I/O terminal blocks and make it a little more easy to fit into an enclosure. It's powered by an external 24VDC 5A power brick. It's 6W of Class A which even though low, sounds impressive. Surprisingly clean and a very solid bottom end.
Title: Re: Thackray hybrid tube/solid state Class A amplifier
Post by: RnR on March 05, 2020, 09:23:33 AM
super cool!
Title: Re: Thackray hybrid tube/solid state Class A amplifier
Post by: scorpio333 on March 05, 2020, 12:48:42 PM
Nice!
Title: Re: Thackray hybrid tube/solid state Class A amplifier
Post by: Vpgh on March 05, 2020, 04:03:31 PM
Quote from: rgpit on March 04, 2020, 08:13:49 PM
Here is the prototype I've been listening to. It's sitting on a small wooden board. You can judge the overall size by the12AU7 tube. I believe John is going to re-lay it out with I/O terminal blocks and make it a little more easy to fit into an enclosure. It's powered by an external 24VDC 5A power brick. It's 6W of Class A which even though low, sounds impressive. Surprisingly clean and a very solid bottom end.
Looks cute.
Would you describe the bass like "fat" or "dry" side?
Did you listen on this amp  some electronics like Yellow or Depeche Mode, or something similar genres?
Title: Re: Thackray hybrid tube/solid state Class A amplifier
Post by: rgpit on March 05, 2020, 05:00:49 PM
"Would you describe the bass like "fat" or "dry" side?
Did you listen on this amp  some electronics like Yellow or Depeche Mode, or something similar genres?"

1. Bass is neither Fat nor dry. Very natural.
2. I have no idea what either of those are. I listened to jazz, classical, vocal, and well recorded classic rock.
3. My LS50s are fairly low efficiency with just a 5.25" woofer. I bet this amp would sound really nice on some efficient speakers.