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The Joule-Electra Stargates
are transformer coupled parallel single-ended triode monobloc amplifiers
delivering 30 full Class A watts of pure music into 4, 8, and 16 ohm
loads. The amps are also available in 40 wpc push-pull configuration.
More importantly the Stargates are truly innovative medium power tube
amplifiers capable of astonishing musical performance. Combining many
of the exceptional characteristics of our acclaimed Joule-Electra
OTL’s (Output-Transformer-Less) along with the inner glow and
mid-range magic of a good Single-Ended Triode amplifier (SET), the
Stargates establish a new gauge of performance and value.
The Stargate uses the renowned Mu follower driver circuit used in
the Joule OTL’s and features the same awesome 6C33 Russian triode
in the power position; but instead of adding power tubes in parallel,
like the OTL’s, to achieve the correct output impedance, a specifically
designed transformer is used for coupling the amp to the loudspeaker.
The low plate resistance of the 6C33 power tube allows a very low
primary impedance and a low turns ratio to be implemented in the transformer.
The resulting transformer is a tightly coupled primary to secondary
design that uses very large copper wire capable of carrying large
amounts of current. The Stargates weigh 45 lbs. and their construction
is rock solid. The amplifier design is simple, elegant and robust
endowing the Stargate with a performance envelope other medium power
tube amplifiers can only envy.
The innovation of building the Stargate in a parallel single-ended
configuration results in an amplifier that accesses a big chunk of
the OTL magic. Possessing a large measure of the OTL’s speed,
transparency and articulate directness along with the beguiling mid-range
and harmonic expression that is SET-like, the Stargate is a realization
of disparate tendencies into a coherent sonic reality. The high frequency
reproduction is airy, open, and grainless with nary a ragged edge
anywhere to be found. The Stargates are not euphonic or colored. The
music comes through directly and honestly. This quality promotes involvement
in the communicative power of music. In SET terms the Stargates are
extremely powerful, allowing them to interact successfully with a
wide variety of loudspeakers. The Stargate’s effortless full
class A power delivery makes it sound like a bigger amplifier than
it is. It brings honest dimension and life to music when coupled to
an appropriate loudspeaker. They produce 30 honest, beautiful watts
of music making power, which means they perform best with speakers
of somewhat higher sensitivity, benign impedance curves and reasonably
simple crossovers. Fortunately many good sounding loudspeakers meet
these criteria and are candidates for a rewarding musical marriage.
Stargates come with an IEC power receptacle (and a power cord!) Cardas
input RCA’s and binding posts (all of them neutral, 4, 8, and
16 ohm taps) and an adjustable feedback knob for dialing the precise
amount – or none at all – for your loudspeaker. Stargates
are available by special order in a wide variety of colors featuring
high quality automotive paint professionally applied, allowing them
to fit into any decor, from the traditional to the highly adventurous.
The Stargates reproduce music with veracity and finesse and are for
those music lovers whose budget, power requirements and real estate
are on the modest side, but who are not musically challenged in sophistication
or passion.
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