Hello from the beautiful city of Lindau in Germany

[hairyderriere]

Hi!

Since years I wanted to introduce an alternative design to the existing ones for those who want a different look. The new design does not replace the old one which continues to be offered. The idea for the new design language started when I developed the Compactron preamplifier. A compact (relative to my other designs) full function preamplifier in a single chassis. I really liked the look of the new Compactron Preamp so I decided to adapt a similar chassis style to pretty much all of my amps and preamps. This resulted in the Heritage product line. During the development of the first amps and preamps the chassis concept evolved such that it also became suitable for a series with the chassis milled from a solid block of metal. I always wanted to have chassis with a seamless surface. This then resulted in the Intrepid product line.

In terms of electronic design, all of the amps and preamps in the Compactron series are entirely new designs. The heritage line consists of the previously most often requested products. There are some refinements in the design and parts choice, but these things had always been ongoing during the years. Everything in the Intrepid line represents my personal statement in ultimate fidelity. Again base don existing designs like the differential phono and line which I built before but also with refinements in parts choice and circuit. However the main principles are the same as before.

Best regards

Thomas

Thank you Thomas. I continue to be inspired by your work, ethos and attention to detail - as do all of us, I imagine. I wish I could hear these new amps (am in New Zealand at present) but will read reports with great interest.

 

[VinylSavor]

Hi!

Like last year I have a small demo equipment sale going on. Check my blog if interested:

Demo Equipment Sale

 

[Thieliste]

Hi Thomas, would you please explain to us the differences harware wise between the Herirate DAC and the Intrepid DAC to justify such a huge price difference.
Many thanks.

 

[VinylSavor]

Hi!
The Intrepid DAC is fully differential in both the discrete R2R DAC itself as well as the tube output stage. The output stage of the Intrepid DAC has 2 silver output transformers and 4 silver plate chokes. The Heritage DAC is single ended and uses copper output transformers. The Intrepid DAC has an ultra precision clock module. The output tubes in the Intrepid DAC are custom tubes with circular plate and grid structure. these are very unique DHTs only available in my Intrepid series. The tubes carry a 5 years warranty. On request the DAC can also be built for other output tubes. And lastly all 3 chassis of the Intrepid DAC are milled from solid blocks of metal which is much more expensive than the Heritage chassis.

Hope this explains, the difference. Don't hesitate to ask if there are any questions

Best regards

Thomas

 

[Thieliste]

Hi!
The Intrepid DAC is fully differential in both the discrete R2R DAC itself as well as the tube output stage. The output stage of the Intrepid DAC has 2 silver output transformers and 4 silver plate chokes. The Heritage DAC is single ended and uses copper output transformers. The Intrepid DAC has an ultra precision clock module. The output tubes in the Intrepid DAC are custom tubes with circular plate and grid structure. these are very unique DHTs only available in my Intrepid series. The tubes carry a 5 years warranty. On request the DAC can also be built for other output tubes. And lastly all 3 chassis of the Intrepid DAC are milled from solid blocks of metal which is much more expensive than the Heritage chassis.

Hope this explains, the difference. Don't hesitate to ask if there are any questions

Best regards

Thomas

Thanks Thomas, are there more discrete R2R DACs in the Intrepid vs the Heritage ?
I'll try to visit you at the Munich show if you plan to be there in 2025.
Regards

 

[VinylSavor]

Thanks Thomas, are there more discrete R2R DACs in the Intrepid vs the Heritage ?
I'll try to visit you at the Munich show if you plan to be there in 2025.
Regards

Yes, since the Intrepid is fully differential it has two R2R DACs in each channel.
BTW: I can also offer custom solutions in between the Heritage and Intrepid DAC. For example the circuit as in Heritage but with silver output transformers. Or the Intrepid circuit but in the same (much less expensive to make) housings as the Heritage or with less expensive tubes than the custom triodes. Too many options to list.

I am sorry I did not register for next years High End. Since I mostly sell directly to end customers and the High End is more focussed on B2B than on consumers, I decided not to go again.

Best regards

Thomas