SW's big boy. And I mean it, it's freaking gigantic.
The biggest transformers I've ever seen in a tube amplifier. Way bigger then those seen in a SVT or Model-T. Just like the second mentioned, the Simms-Watts has an ultra-linear output stage. Power tubes are fed by 4 hefty filter capacitors. The first filtering stage that supplies plates and screen grids of KT88 tubes is a very effective pi filter configuration (capacitor-choke-capacitor), rather seen in the hi-fi world. Overall, it's a very well built apparatus and an interesting design.
Arrived with some scars of war. Power and standby switches were badly broken. I had to place a special order at Omeg UK to manufacture just two units from original Castelco blueprints. That's because the chassis is quite shallow and other DPST switches wouldn't fit. They are gorgeous BTW.
The impedance switch at the back is also slightly damaged although fully operational, it won't be used often anyway. I decided to leave it as it is.
All electrolytics are new, as well as other key components that are often a cause of failure. If you need reliability, thats the way to go.
The power transformer has literally every tap you can imagine, thus the amp can be run everywhere in the world. You can choose from 90, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 130, 200, 210, 215, 220, 225, 230 and 240 volts AC. Oh boy! They really wanted to make the best amp in the world.
What's been done:
- new electrolytic caps (JJ, TAD, Vishay),
- new rectifier and bias diodes (Vishay 1N4007),
- new screen grid resistors (Dale CW5),
- new power and standby switches (Castelco by Omeg UK),
- new channel link switch (Fender),
- new fork contact pins for one tube socket (Belton)
- new power tubes (JJ KT88 matched set).
The IEC power socket was installed by the previous owner.
Double boxing, styrofoam corners and tubes packed and protected separately - it's a standard here. No worries, just check out my feedback page.
Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions. Don't forget to check out my other listings.
Cheers,
Bart