A Single Ended Triode Hifi Amp, Using "45" Output Tubes

The Tubelab SE

George Anderson of Tubelab is an engineer who in his spare time designs and builds high-quality valve amplifiers. His website contains detailed instructions for, and he designs and sells the printed circuit boards. These amps have a good reputation in the hifi community. George has set up the Tubelab forum, and is active there.

After much humming and hawing I decided to build one of these amps. I am pretty happy with my Decware Zen, but aware that it is the only SET I have ever heard. I have heard only good things about 45 tube SETs and it is time to see what the fuss is all about. Also, I enjoy all this soldering and case-building.

So I ordered a pcb from George, a pack of parts from Digikey, and hunted for the remaining awkward items: some ICs that Digikey cannot supply, tubes. Transformers from Electra-print and Bluebell Audio. And hardware from Hifi Collective. I will list my suppliers: all were good to deal with, and packaged items well for postage to the UK. By now - August 2011 - I have everything I need.