Yamamoto Acoustic Crafts New A-08SS "45" Single Stereo Amplifier

Model No. A-08SS is a model change version that has undergone a major evolution from the previous A-08S.The A-08S boasted sound quality comparable to the best 300B amplifiers, despite its small output. These excellent characteristics are still present in the new A-08SS. It is designed to bring out the best sound quality when combined with high-efficiency speakers. The basic circuit configuration is the same with Western Electric's 717A driver tube and 45 vacuum tube output stage, but the most distinctive feature of the A-08SS is that all components used have been reviewed and the quality of resistors and capacitors has been improved to the utmost limit.

In the A-08SSThe A-08SS uses a power transformer with a cut core with excellent regulation inherited from the previous model, an output transformer with a 100µ thick Hi-B cut core, and even the choke coils are made of cut core. In particular, the output transformer uses a fluorine resin material with low dielectric constant as coil insulation paper to improve sound quality.

The chassis is made of a wood composite material called laminated reinforced wood, in which thin cherry wood veneers are soaked in phenolic resin with excellent insulation properties, and then heat-molded under high pressure. The insulation properties are equivalent to those of phenolic resin, and the strength of the material surpasses that of phenolic resin. Externally, it looks the same as wood, but its properties are far superior. Chassis made of insulators areThe high-strength chassis prevents the effects of eddy currents inside the amplifier and suppresses resonance and ringing of the vacuum tubes and components, contributing to high sound quality.

For the vacuum tube sockets, we use high-quality in-house made sockets that combine fluoroplastic material with excellent insulation performance and phosphor bronze socket pins.

The most distinctive feature of the A-08SS is that all parts used have been reviewed and the quality of resistors and capacitors has been improved to the utmost limit. The circuit section of the amplifier, which previously used chemical capacitors, has been replaced with high-quality film capacitors in an ebony case. This change has resulted in an even clearer and richer sound quality.

In addition, the resistors have also been significantly upgraded. The old model used wire-wound resistors and metal film resistors, but the new model uses surface-mounted, high-precision, high-quality sound thin-film resistors.Surface-mount type thin-film resistors manufactured by Vishay of the U.S., which have excellent characteristics, are used for the main resistors in all stages to improve the sound quality.The accuracy of resistors used in ordinary tube amplifiers is 1% to 5%, but Vishay's thin-film resistors have a resistance error of 0.1% and a temperature coefficient of 5PPM to 10PPM, which is very superior. High QualityThe A-08SS offers high sound quality and a purer, more detailed sound.

Although there are no major changes in the basic design of the entire circuit, a stylish flange can be attached to the meter section to distinguish it from the older model in appearance. When the current value reaches about 60% to 70% of the initial value, it is time to replace the output tube. The condition of the output tube can be visually recognized and the life of the vacuum tube can be visually confirmed.

For the input terminals, a top-quality pin jack with machined chrome copper outer conductor terminals and machined bronze round pins is used for the internal pins, and Teflon is used as the insulation material. For the output terminals, large terminals machined from pure copper, gold-plated, and insulated with Teflon are used. This allows for the connection of extremely thick speaker cables as thick as 8 mm. The speaker terminals are 8Ω output terminals only, but there is no problem using 4Ω or 16Ω speakers. In both cases, however, the maximum output power will be reduced; a maximum output power of 8W will be reduced to about 4-6W.

The legs are carved from African ebony, which is known for its beautiful sound. This African ebony wood is actually used for oboes and clarinets, and is highly regarded as a material for the company's setting bases because of its beautiful sound. The legs are directly fixed to the Compright chassis for strength and resonance, and the weight of the entire instrument is accurately supported.

The A-08SS is truly ideal for music lovers and audiophiles. It combines the outstanding sound quality inherited from the previous A-08S with new improvements to provide a superb listening experience. We invite you to experience the precious vintage sound of the new A-08SS.