Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: JWN Amplifiers Push-Pull 6AQ5 Amplifier (Tube) by vman71 Looking for a new Amp or Preamp? If you're after tubes, post over here.

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Model:	Push-Pull 6AQ5
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$800
Description:	Custom 2ch PP tube & headphone amp
Manufacturer URL:	JWN Amplifiers

Review by vman71 on November 24, 2009 at 04:20:26 IP Address: 65.222.202.204

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I’m writing this review after a recent purchase (second hand) of a tube amp from a very low-volume, custom builder. Prior to my purchase, I had never heard of or read anything about his offerings. I bought the tube amp for several reasons: reasonable cost, quality of parts, extensive feature set, and the ability to switch between outputs: speaker terminals and a built in ¼” headphone jack.

A little bit of background on my limited exposure to tube amps that I’ve had the pleasure of having in my 2ch system. I’ve had two completely refreshed/rebuilt vintage push-pull tube amps in the form of an EICO HF-81 and a Scott 222C. I owned a John Hogan 6sn7/27/2A3&45 SET amp and still own a John Hogan 6sn7/76/300B SET amp. All four of these tube amps were a true eye-opener to how great music can sound with a tube amp. It convinced me that tubes need to be somewhere in my 2ch system from now on.

My current configuration:
- EAD CDP (custom modified)
- Audio Mirror DAC 1 Signature (modified by TRL)
- Tube Technology Tube Preamp
- Promitheus Transformer Buffer
- JWN 6AQ5 Tube Amp
- Meadowlark Swallow 2-Way
- Audio Magic Matrix Power Conditioner (modified by Audio Magic)
- Two dedicated 20amp circuits for audio equipment only

My 2ch system has come a long way, both in the quality of components and in the complexity of the system. I think that each component elevates the performance of the system and careful thought has gone into each component and what benefits and synergies it brings.

Prior to inserting the JWN tube amp, I was rotating through a number of other fantastic amps that I have. Two are chip amp from the genius of Stan Warren, one ICE-based pair of custom mono-blocks from Audio Magic, and my John Hogan 6sn7/76/300B SET amp. Each one of these amps are truly exceptional in my book and are keepers for the long haul. So with this level of incumbent amps, I was not too sure how the JWN tube amp would fair.

I’ll get right to the verdict – FANTASTIC! What a great little tube amp, it just makes music sound very good. I will not be letting go of this tube amp! The combination of being able to produce music that sounds very good, reasonable cost, quality of parts, extensive feature set, and the ability to switch between outputs: speaker terminals and a built in ¼” headphone jack. All the reasons of why I bought it were validated and it delivers on the reproduction of music. It clearly is both complimentary and commensurate with the rest of my components.

The sound is rich with a soundstage that has plenty of air and separation between vocals and instruments, details, layering, and good extension on top and bottom. Bass is strong and tight, better than what I’d expect to hear from a tube amp, midrange is real and present, and the highs are clear yet not offensive. All together, a very coherent and involving sound that captures and engages you. I would recommend that you consider a JWN amp if you want a tube amp that delivers in spades – price/performance.

Some additional details that outline the features and flexibility of this fantastic tube amp:
- Auto bias, (cathode bias) no adjustments needed
- Auto balance phase inverter circuit drives each output tube equally
- 12AU7, 12AX7, 12AT7, 12AY7, and 12BH7 tubes may be used in the input section
- 5U4 rectifier tube is used, while a 5R4 or 5AR4 can be substituted
- 6AQ5 power tubes are used in the output section, biased class A Excellent little power tubes, same specs as 6v6GT
- Power supply is in choke input filter mode which limits current surges and allows the power transformer to run cooler, followed by two (oversized) 390uf caps
- Headphone output is fed right off the 8ohm speaker taps

Jim's amps are as good as they come and if you take a chance to listen one, you'll definitely want to own one.

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Product Weakness:	NONE
Product Strengths:	Reasonable cost, solid build, quality of parts, extensive feature set, and the ability to switch between outputs: speaker terminals and a built in ¼” headphone jack

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Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier:	JWN PP 6AQ5
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Tube Technology Tube
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	EAD CDP
Speakers:	Meadowlark
Cables/Interconnects:	Variety
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Top 40 Ballards
Room Size (LxWxH):	20 x 15 x 8
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Audio Magic Matrix
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

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