GlassWare Audio Design
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Aikido Line-Stage Amplifiers
The Aikido amplifier delivers the sonic goods. It offers low distortion, low output impedance, a great PSRR figure, and feedback-free amplification. The secret to its superb performance—despite not using global feedback—lies in its internal symmetry, which balances imperfections with imperfections. As a result, the Aikido circuit works at least a magnitude better than the equivalent grounded-cathode amplifier.
 This is a minor new revision of the old Aikido stereo noval PCB, Rev. F. The PCB color is now red, but the real difference is found in two major changes: each channel's B+ RC filter is made up of pure polypropylene (no electrolytic) capacitance and each channel requires its own separate heater power supply. $39.00 |
 Aikido Line Stage Amplifier Kit (octal-based & stereo). Includes tubes, resistors, PS and heater bypass capacitors, two sets of coupling capacitors (PIO and film), printed circuit board, ceramic tube sockets, and board stand offs. $39.00 |
Introducing the new Aikido 12Vac PCB and part kits. The key advantage of the Aikido 12Vac is that it can be operated from a lowly wallwart power supply, yet develop a fairly high-voltage B+ for the triodes. $29.00 |
The Aikido Cascode amplifier is a compound circuit consisting of a cascode input stage amplifier and an Aikido cathode follower output stage buffer. The cascode circuit offers two huge features: gain, lots of gain; and low, very low input capacitance; thus, it delivers high gain and wide bandwidth. The cascode amplifier offers high gain, but a dismal PSRR and high output impedance. Fortunately, the Aikido cathode follower topology can undo the leaked power-supply noise, while presenting a low output impedance $36.00 |
A new Aikido PCB, the LV Aikido, which is meant to replace my old 24V Aikido board. The 6GM8 is an amazing little tube and I am quite surprised by just how good this little tube can sound, but the 6GM8/ECC86 tubes have become so rare and so expensive that some other tube must be used. Thus, the "LV Aikido," which stands for low-voltage Aikido, as this board could be used with either a B+ of 24Vdc with 6GM8 type tubes or 48Vdc with ECC99 or 12BH7 tubes. $26.00 |
Aikido Line Stage Amplifier Kit (9-Pin & dual-mono) $24.00 |
 Custom Aikido Line Stage Amplifier Kit (Octal & dual-mono). Select only what you need: tubes, resistors, PS and heater bypass capacitors, two types of coupling capacitors (PIO and film), printed circuit boards, ceramic tube sockets, and board stand offs. $24.00 |
