New for 2020+

F-1812

EL84 Integrated Amplifier

Debut 2020+ Our latest EL84 PP Integrated Design

So far the year of 2020 started bad, and the world has changed very differently with the COVID19. It’s almost a new form of WW that everyone have to deal with. We, too have to worked extra hard to keep the production going. In order to keep the business going in producing the finest tube amps for the world. We have to streamline the models in use of a shared platform, a method which have been used by the car manufacturers to built upon with for sometime, and successfully. Like the VAG’s MLB platform, it was used for VW, Audi, Porsche, Bentley, and even Lamborghini. It’s not just able to save cost - but it actually able to offers more to the customers with higher design , and benefit all these models that use the same platform with higher grade parts and engineered items.

Let us introduce the latest EL84 amplifier, code name - F-1812. Does it have to do with the war? perhaps not, but the sound of this machine will definitely please both Tchaikovsky and Napoleon . It is our latest and highest quality EL84 PP Integrated Amplifier design ever offer, so why named after 18/12? Its just like the F-7189 MK1 / MK2 (you can read more about this model below or at the legacy page) , its putting out 20W of Musical Power (or the max power rating), but when measuring without distortion, it’s rated at 18W of solid power, base on using the 5AR4 rectifier. And with this new model, you have the freedom to use a 5T4 rectify tube as well, to get a unique different tone with less output power for 12W, some say this NOS rectify tube offers a more romantic, or a more vintage sound character. But all we know this design could make either 18W or 12W. And so here you go with its name : F-1812.

So what is better with this new TDF-EVO Platform or chassis ?

• More space to work with , which means we can add more options, such as a phono stage down the road

• More space for bigger parts and better heat ventilation , up to 3 set inputs now is possible , but 2 is what we recommend

• A thicker gauged high grade aluminum sheet can be used to make this chassis due to the design , as it does not require to fold multiple times

• Space for using bigger, higher grade output transformers - the 30W/40W potted Hashimoto for example

• Space for using Hashimoto power transformers and chokes - previously the chassis was too tight for that

• All connections is focused at the back , as well power supplies , so the noise residual will be the furthest away from the quiet front end (ideal)

• Using better parts such as the Furutech AC Inlet IEC , which is the standard part on higher end amps such as Sesto Elemento , Triode Lab’s 45/2A3 EVO , 211 Power Amp , or even our next F-300B RSR MK2 Mono Blocks flagships that cost $30,000+ …etc, which are all built upon this new TDF-EVO platform

• More space for extra speaker binding posts - then a flipper switch is no longer required to flip between 4 to 8 ohms or 8 to 16 ohms

• Better finish , as now there is only the top plate to paint - no corners and bottom edges means no tear drops and over sprays. And like most of our other products, there is 9 factory colours to choose from - or for not a lot more, we can finish it with car’s paint

QUICK SPEC:

• Power : 18W+18W (Rated with 5AR4/GZ34 Rectifier)

• Autobias Class AB (With most of the time in Class A)

• Caps - Mundorf’s ZN

• Switches - Alps Blue Volume Pot / Lorlin UK Selector

• Binding Posts - Connex/OEM Grade 5-Way Binding Posts with 4/8 Ohms Out

• Inputs : Finale’s Pink-Lingu Rose-Gold Plated RCAs or CMC Gold

• MSRP : $4,999 CAD plus options

• F-1812 FFX Edition available with full suit of Hashimoto transformers, starting $5,500 USD
  

DISCONTINUED

F-7189-II (MK2) Integrated Tube Amplifier (20W+20W)

2015-2020

F-7189 has always been a Limited Edition model for the tube connoisseurs and purist who likes the EL84/7189/6BQ5 tubes so much and wanted more power. In previous generation, the predecessor - "F-7189a" (the designation "a", meant it must uses the 7189 version A tube), it was designed for the extended power rated EL84M and 7189a tubes only to put out 17-20W per channel depending transformers.

And this very latest generation, the F-7189-II, it has gone thru a complete redesign for an extended power of 20W musical output power. We have put in our best ever design that will run all variants of EL84 / 7189 / 6BQ5 tubes to have the same output power without using the scarce and expensive EL84M/7189a version of tubes. It also feature our latest two stage SEA-II Drivers design - more headroom, more dynamic, more gain, more punch, with a two-stage driver design, versus the singe stage driver as the previous SEA Driver design. Of course, to put out more power means a far more complicated/ precise calculated design, more parts, and a more critical / serious power supply design is required, in order to come up with the same quality and reliability.

So what makes the F-7189-II even more precise and different to other EL84 / 7189 / 6BQ5 amplifiers?

• Output Transformers - They required bigger ones, and we picked the very best Hammond 25W (oversize) for this important duty

• Power Transformer - It required a bigger one with higher voltage at 300V vs the usual 275V-285V for standard EL84/7189/6BQ5 application

• Choke Transformer - it has been upgraded to our own Triode Lab's choke made by high-end M6 metals, its beefier and better - and quieter!

• Upgraded power supply : Needless to say, due to the extra output power, a more complicated / higher design for the raised operation voltage, the main power supply is beefed up.

• The ground loop design on the 7189A is also revised and enhanced, along with above upgrades in the power supply, we were able to measure S/N ratio better than 95 db (Conservative rating, we really saw 101 db coming!), and this reads EXTREMELY quiet, total dark out noise floor.

• What makes the F7189-IImore serious regular to race tracks? a power regulation stage is added to the screen grid, a mosfet chip is applied to regulate and stabilize the power supply, and a heat sink is in place for the best optimal result - it does get hot there. It does not just make the amp runs more quiet and efficient, but it also extend the life of the tubes, also increase the accuracy of the circuit , which enable generating more horsepower!

• Last but not least, a spark killer circuitry is added at the AC Inlet, to shield/protect surges and noises. (When you turn off your old tuner while the amplifier is still ON)

• And this is how serious and how far we go to make this very high quality 20W (at 3% THD with Hammonds).

This is easily the best EL84 / 6BQ5 / 7189 machine on the planet now, and with great real-world driving power for most speakers. Standard premium parts including:

• Alps Japan Blue Velvet Volume Control

• Finale's Pink-Lingu RCA Jacks - Choices of one single set of RCA for purest signal transfer

• Mundorf Germany Evo Oil Caps/ Nichicon Coupling Caps (Total 6 Coupling Caps vs 4 Previous gen)

• Furutech Japan Gold AC Inlet IEC

• QQQ Japan Industrial Grade Rectify Tube Socket

• Hammonds Canada Complete Set of Four Transformers

• Finish : Finale's Satin Black (20% Gloss on Matte Black), or Triode Lab Matte White . Add $500 for other Finale / Triode Lab Colours

• We can also further upgrade the transformers, capacitors and connectors for the serious individual.

• Free Selector Switch / Extra set of RCA Inputs - But most of our customer prefer to go straight into the amp with single set of input for shortest signal path / purest sound approach.

SPEC:

• Class A/B / Pentode Mode / Autobias

• 20W + 20W Musical Power

• 0.6V Input Sensitivity @ full power (Which mean even you have weaker source such as tapes or tuner, you will still have good boost/gain)

• 22W Max (when equipped with Hashimoto output transformers)

• Preamp Tubes : 12AX7 Pair (The Quieter = The Better)

• Rectify Tubes : 5AR4 / GZ34

• Output Tubes : EL84's / 6BQ5s / 7189's

• Speaker Output Switch : 4-8 or 8-16 ohms

• Dimensions: 18"W X 9"D X 7"H

User Manual for F7189a Original MK1 Pre 2016 (PDF files)

F-7189II MSRP : $3,999 CAD/USD

F-7189II R (Signature Package) MSRP : $4,500 CAD/USD

1. HASHIMOTO (Sansui of Japan) Output Transformers (Hifi Potted)

2. CMC USA Speaker Binding Posts

3. Mundorf Germany Evo Oil Caps x 2 + Supreme Silver in Oil Coupling Caps x 4

4. Triode Lab Stainless Steel Solid Knobs / Hand polished (Canada Made)

5. Circuit-remapped for superior high frequency response and realism potential offered by the Hashimoto Transformer. Most other brand of output transformers went out of steam or measure rough long before they get up here . It also has the fewest insert (energy) loss and good measurements , which allow the use of fewest negative feedback or circuit compensations , resulting more power / better control / higher performance and fewest distortion while maintain a good natural and euphonic playback.

DO YOU KNOW: Part 2

Using an audio grade transformer is important for providing high quality sound. This is why we always try to use brand name audio transformers that are designed specifically for tube applications, and are well-tested for safety, with solid quality control. As experienced tube amp repair specialists, we see a lot of import and budget tube amplifiers that use low grade transformers - even though they may claim they are "in-house built” or “made with high grade materials.”  We, on the other hand, love using brand name transformers, and the cost alone of the set of Hammond transformers we use on the F208a is more than the selling price of some low grade EL84 amps on the market.

So why should you care about the quality of your transformer — what are the down sides of using a poor-quality one? From our extensive experience of fixing tube amps over the last 30 years, we know a poor-quality transformer can induce hum/noises, reduce output power greatly, fail prematurely, have output imbalance (one channel makes 25W while the other 22W), cause poor measurements and instabilities to endanger the circuitry itself (or your speakers), and lastly, the thing we worry about the most is, in a word, safety — a poorly-built transformer is a time bomb...especially the low price/high power ones: Be warned.

Customer feedback #1 : (Direct and copy 100%)

"It was apparent that my expensive 140 watt transistor amplifier could not handle the bass and musical demands of my 91 dB/8 ohm loudspeakers.  A professional recommended trying a tube amplifier and a friend recommended Tube de Force. 

As it happens, for a dedicated audiophile like myself this was almost a life changing moment! 

My Finale F 208 costs much less than the solid state, provides at least twice the quality and many times the enjoyment! Absolute bass control, staggering detail, and luscious high end. Tube de Force nailed the specifications and loudspeaker pairing when they built my amplifier in just three days. It was in my house within a week of ordering it! Great service, very helpful suggestions and a totally awesome product. I just wish I'd have found them earlier and afford even more thrills via their higher end models!"

Customer feedback #2 : (Direct and copy 100%)

"I know a reasonably priced 10 watt amplifier shouldn't be considered "Great" but yours is at any standard. Not broken in (less than 5 hours use), it is much better with the Gemme audio Vivace's than Bryston and therefore many other solid-state amplifiers. I have had Bryston, Audiomat Opera and Aurum Acoustics (NFLD) and yours is lots better. Shocking really. Listening during a quiet evening has provided my best CD experience with orchestral, jazz and even pop/rock. I enjoyed about 8 CD's all of which sounded much better than I have ever heard. "

Customer feedback #3 : (Direct and copy 100%)

"Next subject is the F208 I purchased from you. Wow, this amp is a staging master. It has authoritative low frequency, smooth mids and light, airy and delicate highs. I paired it with LSA 1's and it is a match made in heaven, talk about organic. Absolutely no listeners fatigue and the listening session intensifies as the hour go by! What continually passes thru my mind when listening is 3D, this sounds like 3D. It reminds me of the first time that I witnessed color TV! I am using the tube compliment that you recommended, EH 12Ax7's and SovtecEL84's.I experimented with a few other NOS 12AX7's but always preferred the EH's, talk about cost effective. Thanks for recommending this to me."