The encounter was a very strange one, and by chance, I decided to handle the Swedish luxury amplifier brand Q-tron audio. I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't know about this brand or an OTL amplifier that doesn't use an output transformer until I got to know it.
However!
After a little research, I was interested in the awesomeness of this OTL (Output Trans-less) amplifier and the danger of a single piece of paper, as well as the technical capabilities of Q-tron that cleared all of them, put them together, and further sublimated them. If you compare it to a car, it is like a Mazda that overcame the high performance and unproductivity of a rotary engine. Speaking of which, Koenigsegg, a supercar manufacturer loved by VIPs around the world for its original design and top speed, is also Sweden. Q-tron also has a vivid sound and design that breaks through the preconceived notions of veteran audio journalists, and I wonder if it is the awesomeness of Scandinavian Sweden.
OTL amplifiers bring a new dimension to traditional tube amplifiers with their unique technology and design. Ordinary tube amplifiers use an output transformer to convert the low impedance of the speaker into the appropriate load impedance, but the transformer limits the sound quality, causing distortion and limited frequency response. OTL amplifier stands for "Output Transformer Less" and can completely eliminate the output transformer to provide smooth and clear sound. This results in a much more transparent sound compared to conventional amplifiers.
Click here for the product page of Q-tron's OTL amplifier
https://exclusive-audio.jp/collections/qtron
Q-tron's OTL amplifiers have a particularly high resolution for bass and treble, reproducing even the smallest nuances of the music. It retains the warmth of a single-ended tube amp (SET) but features a spacious sound that makes listening less tiring. In addition, the excellent transient response enriches the dynamics of the music, and you can enjoy a clearer sound quality than traditional push-pull amplifiers.
In addition, the Q-tron uses an improved Futterman circuit, which has a lower output impedance than the Circlotron circuit, and can be used with 4Ω speakers. It achieves high power with fewer vacuum tubes and prevents thermal runaway and tube degradation, increasing reliability and stability. In terms of sound quality, the unique driver stage achieves more than 10 times the distortion reduction, and the model (PA12) with a 25W output achieves an astonishingly low distortion of less than 0.01% at 1W and 0.1% at 10W. And it achieves this performance without the use of excessive feedback.
In addition, the noise level is below 100 dBA, which is the highest level in the industry, and it maintains high reliability even during long-term use. The use of quality components designed and manufactured in Sweden and the fact that there has not been a single reported failure in more than 7 years of production is a testament to the reliability of Q-tron.
Q-tron Audio's OTL amplifiers set a new standard in tube amplifiers that combine crystal clear sound, superior durability and safety. Try the highest quality sound experience for you.
Q-tron Audio's amplifiers are not only for their outstanding sound quality, but also for preamps and safety.
First of all, Q-tron preamplifiers are designed to bring out the best performance in combination with power amplifiers. It achieves very low noise levels and distortion, and provides crystal clear and transparent sound quality for the amplifier as a whole. In addition, it is equipped with a high-precision volume control that allows you to adjust the volume using 64 discrete resistors. This volume is switched by means of a relay, and the contacts are gold-plated to ensure durability and purity of the signal.
When it comes to safety, Q-tron Audio takes care of everything in the world. Some OTL amplifiers have designs that pose a risk to speakers and listeners, but Q-tron amplifiers don't have to worry about that. Especially if you use expensive speakers, you don't want to risk the speaker failing in the unlikely event of an accident. The Q-tron's amplifier has built-in protection circuitry that immediately shuts down the amplifier in the event of a harmful DC voltage at the output, and also adds an ultra-fast fuse. This double protection mechanism ensures that you can enjoy high-quality sound with peace of mind while protecting your speakers.
Q-tron Audio uses an improved version of the Futterman circuit, which is one of the two most popular OTL circuits: the Futterman circuit and the Circlotron circuit. The Futterman circuit features a simple power supply design and low output impedance, and is compatible with 4Ω speakers. Compared to the Circlotron circuit, it can achieve high power with fewer vacuum tubes, and the output is connected to ground, providing reliable and stable performance. Circlotron circuits, on the other hand, operate in a symmetrical design and are particularly good at balancing sound, but they are more complex than Futterman circuits and require more vacuum tubes and special power supplies.
Q-tron's improved Futterman circuit lowers the output impedance even further, resulting in stable high output and clear sound quality with fewer vacuum tubes. This also improves the life and reliability of the vacuum tubes. This improved Futterman circuit also completely eliminates the risk of electric shock. For this reason, Q-tron's OTL amplifiers can also be used safely in headphones. Ensuring electrical safety, especially when using headphones, has been a difficult task with conventional OTL amplifiers, but the Q-tron design overcomes this problem.
Q-tron Audio not only delivers the best sound of a tube amplifier, but also has a design that is unrivaled in reliability and safety. All components designed and manufactured in Sweden are of the highest quality from the world's leading component manufacturers, such as Nichicon, Kemet, Panasonic, KOA and Vishay Vithrom, ensuring consistent performance over time.
Q-tron Audio's OTL amplifiers are the ultimate amplifiers, combining clear, high-resolution sound, durable design, and the highest level of safety. From preamps to power amps to speaker protection, we offer an uncompromising design.
Listening equipment can be rented (only in Japan). Please contact us.
