Firstwatt
First Watt
First Watt amplifiers are routinely compared with tube amplifiers, although I make a point that they are not designed to mimic tubes as such. These amplifiers share some of the characteristics of the better tube products in that they have simple circuits with minimal or no feedback and emphasize performance of individual gain devices. In some ways they are better than tubes, in other ways perhaps not.
With the new releases of the SIT-1, SIT-2, B2 and B4, the total is now up to sixteen designs released, all simple Class A circuits, each offering a unique approach to sonic quality. The F1 and F2 are both current source (as opposed to voltage source) amplifiers with no feedback. The F3 offers single-stage single-ended operation with new Jfet power transistors. The F4 is a push-pull current buffer with no voltage gain or feedback, and the F5 is a uniquely high performance push-pull amplifier with feedback. The J2 and M2 continue to push the envelope in unique ways.