V A C T R O N    K T 8 8 S E


Twin Mono Music Amplifier

The Single Ended Triode or S.E.T amplifier has developed a cult-like status over the last couple of decades. This most primordial genre of amplifier continues to be the choice of those audiophiles and music lovers that favour higher efficiency loudspeakers. S.E.T amplifiers are typically low-powered, inefficient and expensive... yet they have an allure which is all their own as well as a capacity for subtlety and nuance which many other types of amplifier can fail to capture.

One major drawback however (which even the most fervid S.E.T devotee would have to concede), is that many S.E.Ts are based on obsolete and obscure valves -- which makes re-tubing a stressful issue. By using pairs of the popular KT88 valves, operating as a single large triode, we have avoided the need for exotic power valves and achieved superior results.

These KT88SE monoblocks don't need to be modified to squeeze out the last little bit of sonic refinement because they are built 'fully upgraded' from the start. From the cryogenic rhodium RCAs, the Van Den Hul wiring, the machined gold/teflon valve sockets, the silver Audio Note capacitors, custom transformers through to the heavy gold speaker terminals, the critical path is fully optimised.

Developed by Vactron, in consultation with Clarke Audio, these amplifiers combine the latest in component technology with Clarke's unique grounding topology and computer optimised design - whilst still observing the traditional zero feedback S.E.T philosophy. The result is an amplifier which is rock-solid stable and even quieter than most conventional designs, an attribute that allows it to illuminate the most microscopic details against its black velvet background of silence and preserve the space around each instrument with holographic realism.

The seasoned tube-ophile will immediately recognise a massively over-kill driver stage... we find it provides superior control to the output valves and aligns nicely with the general philosophy of over-abundance which has driven this project since its inception.

Features:

Uses multiple-sourced, current production valves.

True Class A, Single-Ended Triode operation

'Fully Upgraded' critical path


Specifications:
Configuration: Single-Ended Parallel Triode-connected Pentode
Output Power: 15 Watts RMS Continuous per channel @ 8 Ohms
Output Impedance: 4 Ohms and 8 Ohms (16 available on request)
Inputs: Unbalanced, Furutech Rhodium RCA
Valve line up (each): 6922EHG (E88CC), EL84 (6BQ5), 2 x Gold Lion KT88
Construction: High rigidity, aluminium billet box-frame with 3mm anodised panelling and timber-dressed side panels.
Dimensions: 240mm (W) x 300mm (H) x 440mm (D)
Weight: 25Kg ea.
Warranty: 5 years, full parts and labour
Input Voltage:

240Vac (120Vac available on special order)

Compliance:

ACA C-Tick Level 2

Colour Options:

Silver, Black, Champagne Gold

Availability:

90 days A.R.O

Price:

AUD$16,000.00 (Piano Black sides - special timbers P.O.A)

Example shown: "Guitar Finish" Mirror-polished Tasmanian Flame Myrtle


V A C T R O N    K T 8 8 S E B


Stereo S.E.T Power Amplifier

The baby brother of the KT88SE Mono Music Amplifier (above), the KT88SEB (B for 'Basic) embodys all of the design philosophy of the SE but without the 'no expense spared' extravagance. Everything we have learned from the monoblock's development is here but in a more conservative package using selected high-grade parts and the same level of workmanship.

Features:

Uses multiple-sourced, current production valves.

True Class A, Single-Ended Triode operation

Compact, economical design


Specifications:
Configuration: Single-Ended Parallel Triode-connected Pentode
Output Power: 15 Watts RMS Continuous per channel @ 8 Ohms
Output Impedance: 4 Ohms and 8 Ohms (16 available on request)
Inputs: Unbalanced, gold plated RCA
Valve line up: 2 x 6DJ8 2 x EL84, 4 x KT88
Construction: Traditional open chassis
Warranty: 5 years, full parts and labour
Input Voltage:

240Vac

Compliance:

ACA C-Tick Level 2

Availability:

90 days A.R.O

Price:

AUD$4,000.00

Specification subject to change with ongoing development


E  U  R  O  P  A


Thermionic Field Effect Amplifier

A compact, light-weight integrated amplifier designed with the budget-conscious audiophile in mind. A hybrid of Valve and F.E.T technology, this little amp punches way above its weight and will put many high-end contenders to shame. With a little quiet chamber music, Europa will seduce you with valve-like musicality and emotional depth... but grab a fistful of volume and she'll kick like an angry emu - a real Jekyll and Hyde personality!

Expect deep, authoritative bass, spine-tingling dynamics, sparkling clarity and a surprising amount of power... above and beyond its price and weight category. Whether you want to lay back with soothing sound - or you want to get up and dance, Europa's got the goods!

Features:

Hybrid Valve and MOSFET topology

Compact, light-weight design

A/V Bypass mode for TV / Cinema integration

Full protection circuitry

Ultra long valve life

Specifications:
Configuration: Stereo integrated Class A/B Valve/FET Hybrid
Output Power: 100 Watts RMS Continuous per channel @ 8 Ohms
Output Impedance: 4 to 8 Ohms, gold plated 3-way binding posts
Inputs: 5 x Unbalanced, I x A/V Bypass, gold plated RCA
Valves: 2 x Sovtek 6922
Construction: Folded 1.6mm anodised aluminium chassis with 3mm front panel
Dimensions: 440mm (W) x 95mm (H) x 240mm (D)
Weight: 7Kg.
Warranty: 5 years, full parts and labour
Input Voltage:

240Vac

Compliance:

ACA C-Tick Level 2

Colour Options:

Silver, Black

Availability:

30 days A.R.O

Price:

AUD$1850.00

Specification subject to change with ongoing development

J  U  P  I  T  E  R
high-end amplification


Introduction:
After thirty years of repairing, modifying and rebuilding amplifiers, I have seen literally thousands of circuits and topologies that I simply didn’t like. The reason I didn’t like them is that they introduced unnecessary compromises in reliability, serviceability or in sound quality… sometimes all three!  When I began the Jupiter Project, I decided this amplifier would contain no such compromises and it would therefore be the amp I love!

Applications:
High-End Audio Systems, Extreme Home Cinema, Studio Control-Room Monitoring, Professional Cinema.

Configuration:
Jupiter is built as two monoblock modules which share only the chassis, control system and mains connection.  Each monoblock module is constructed on a massive heatsink and may be completely removed / replaced using a hex key and a flat-blade screwdriver.  This allows Jupiter to be repaired on a next-day-turnaround basis by any authorised dealer.

Jupiter stands on 4 stainless steel, self-levelling and adjustable feet with replaceable rubber pads.  The feet are fixed into four solid internal pillars which run from top to bottom with M8 stainless steel bolts.  This means that Jupiter amps can be stacked on top of each other (up to 6 high) to create high powered arrays. The feet may also be removed (using a 13mm open-end spanner) and substituted, if desired, with any accessory spikes which use the common M8 thread (such as Soundcare Superspikes). A spare M8 threaded hole is also provided mid-chassis to allow tri-point footing, if preferred.

Inputs:
Line-level inputs: Gold-plated RCA (unbalanced) and XLR (balanced) connectors.

Outputs:
8 x high-current, gold-plated, insulated binding posts with banana sockets.  These binding posts are interchangeable with any M9-size third-party type which allows high grade terminals (such as WBT) to be easily fitted as an option.  Speaker switching is handled by 4 high-power relays (2 per channel) which immediately isolate the speakers in the event of a fault condition.  Although the output configuration is bi-wire by default, the speaker relays may also be controlled independently to provide A / B system selection if required.

Protection:
Jupiter incorporates several levels of protection to prevent any internal or external fault condition from causing damage to either the amp or other connected equipment.  These protection circuits are unique as they have been specifically designed to ensure the safety of Jupiter without sonic compromise.  Jupiter’s protection is summarised as follows:-

Soft Start…
Prevents large in-rush currents tripping circuit breakers when switched on from cold.


De-thump…

Prevents any noises resulting from power up/down being heard through the speakers.

Thermal Overload…

Detects when the output devices have reached their upper thermal limit.

Signal Overload…

Detects distortion resulting from the amp being pushed beyond its upper power limit.

Direct Current…

Immediately isolates the speakers if any destructive DC voltage is detected.

SOAR Protection…

Separately monitors the dissipation in each output device without throttling transients.


Specifications:
Configuration: Single Chassis, Twin Mono, Solid State, Bipolar
Output Power: 400 Watts RMS Continuous per channel @ 4 Ohms
Inputs: Balanced XLR and Unbalanced RCA, switchable
Construction: High rigidity, stackable, load-bearing 'H-form' chassis with
stainless steel, self-levelling, adjustable glides.
Dimensions: 482mm (W) x 178mm (H) x 360mm (D)
Weight: 45Kg
Protection: Soft-start, de-thump, thermal overload, signal overload, direct current, over dissipation (SOAR) Protection, speaker protection.
Warranty: 5 years, full parts and labour
Input Voltage:

240Vac

Compliance:

ACA C-Tick Level 2

Colour Options:

Arctic Silver, Black, Champagne Gold, Signature Blue

Availability:

60 days A.R.O

Price:

AUD$7500.00