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L1 EL84 Integrated Amplifier Integrated Stereo Amplifier

AudioNoteKits is pleased to announce the first of the new L1 series - the L1 EL84 Integrated Amplifier - 17W per channel of pure CLASS AB1 brilliance!

Andy Grove's latest design employs a similar architecture to our bigger brother L4 series EL34 35W power amp; utilizing the ECF80 driver tube for each pair of EL84's. The kit has been designed for new and experienced audio builders and is easy to assemble. We are using a 3mm Aluminum chassis powder coated black for serious robustness - the custom designed Audio Note transformers are manufactured to the highest specifications and each one is individually tested prior to shipping! The unit is small measuring 11" wide, 13" front to back, and 4.5" high (the entire L1 series will be this measurement size). Just for reference our L2/L3/DAC3.1 series for example measures 13.5" wide x 14" front to back. The amplifier weighs 18.5 lbs.

The majority of components fit onto a single printed circuit board, including the 4x EL84 valves (2 per stereo channel).

We have designed a super solid 3mm thick high quality PCB for our first EL84 offering - these amps need an excellent layout in order to achieve the perfect sound results we are expecting in this serious little audiophile package. The single PCB design allows for a successful build from virtually any builder! Along with test points for tube cathode voltages and High Voltage, you can fully test your board for operation or do periodic checks for maintenance! The board also supports additional holes for placement of larger AN copper caps as an upgrade!

The EL84 output pentode was introduced by Mullard in 1954. To demonstrate its use and quality the Mullard applications lab produced an amplifier design.	A large version of this schematic is supplied with each kit.

For the first time builder, you will start by installing the large Mains transformer in the chassis and hooking up the AC socket and rocker switch. Our expert manual will detail the steps required - then you can start on the build of the PCB. The key here is to install all the correct resistors into position - we have a high res picture on disk that you can examine to make sure all the resistors match just right. Our perfectly designed PCB will guarantee success with your first kit build! Click the board image to enlarge. For experienced builders you can add in some of your own exotic omponents like AN copper caps (4 x .22) and other upgrades to enhance the sound.

Rear view showing mains input and switch, RCA signal inputs, and heavy duty speaker terminals

General Specification

Standard Configurations and Pricing

Due to the expected higher quantity of orders for this product we are planning an new order and delivery strategy. This will make it easier and faster on our suppliers and allow us to deliver on time.

We will post ordering and shipping times on this web page...

Over the last year or so I have mentioned in many discussions with customers about our plan for the L1 series and the new EL84 integrated and just about everyone has given us a thumbs up - With that kind of feedback its easy for us to go forward on product development - I would like to presonallly thank Upgrade Audio that was instrumental in ensuring we designed a fantastic product for the Norwegian audiophile-mad market!! More good news - this is the first of several new L1 series products to be coming in 2011 - Stay tuned and feel free to get in on the first batch of 20 units for April delivery!

Thanks a bunch for turning me on to such great gear, the L1 EL84 kit is truly amazing and great value for the money. It is solid state quiet, has tons of detail, imaging, depth, sparkle. The bass is generous for the EL84 tubes and the treble sparkles. It is captivating and I am falling behind on the responsibilities due to this.

Alex

I finished the amp (L1 EL84) last Friday. I have to say, Awesome! I am listening to it as I type. I am really really pleased with it. It completely blows my transistor (all-be-it home cinema) amplifier out of the water. The soundstage and clarity are out of this world. It is one sweet sounding amplifier as you said in our initial conversations. Simon Harrison

Dr Glenn Thomas

Most of all in the bass which are deeper and tighter than the last one. But it also seems to be more open in the top. I don't have the right equipment to analyse it out here. But it seems very promising! Exiting to see how it will developing during burn in. And of course. There will be some upgrades as well.

Well done!

Regards
Atle