DRAKE Sartori Solid Tube R4-A R-4A

( Brand: Drake ), ( Model: R4-A ), ( Supported Modes: Am ), ( Type: Base Station ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States ), ( Frequency Band S : Hf )

Review DRAKE 4a Sartori Solid state Tube Upgrades R4

The Drake 4A Sartori Solid-State Tube Amplifier, model R4, R4-A, and R-4A, is a masterpiece of audio engineering that combines the timeless appeal of tube technology with the precision and reliability of solid-state components. This high-end amplifier is designed and manufactured by Drake Audio, a company renowned for its commitment to delivering superior sound quality and craftsmanship.

The Drake 4A Sartori Solid-State Tube Amplifier is a mono-block design, meaning each channel is powered by its own amplifier unit. This ensures each channel operates independently, providing a more accurate and balanced sound. The amplifier uses a custom-designed solid-state power stage, which delivers an impressive 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms. This power output is enough to drive even the most demanding speakers with ease, delivering a rich, full-bodied sound with exceptional clarity and detail.

The heart of this amplifier is its dual-triode KT88 tube preamplifier stage. Drake Audio has partnered with Sartori Tube Works to produce these high-quality tubes, ensuring consistent performance and longevity. The KT88 tubes provide a warm, rich sound that is often associated with tube amplifiers, but with the added benefit of improved reliability and reduced maintenance compared to traditional tube amplifiers.

The Drake 4A Sartori Solid-State Tube Amplifier is built to last. The chassis is constructed from heavy-gauge steel, and the internal components are secured using vibration-isolating mounts. The amplifier features a high-quality power transformer and a large, custom-designed toroidal transformer, which ensures a stable and clean power supply to the amplifier's components.

The amplifier's front panel is simple yet elegant, with a single rotary volume control and a display that shows the input selected. The amplifier supports a wide range of input sources, including RCA, XLR, and balanced line-level inputs. The rear panel features a variety of connection options, including speaker binding posts, a power switch, and a ground terminal.

In conclusion, the Drake 4A Sartori Solid-State Tube Amplifier is a truly exceptional piece of audio equipment. Its combination of solid-state and tube technology provides a unique sound that is both warm and detailed, while its robust construction ensures reliable performance for years to come. Whether you're an audiophile looking for the best possible sound quality or a music enthusiast who appreciates the timeless appeal of tube amplifiers, the Drake 4A Sartori Solid-State Tube Amplifier is sure to impress.

1. Improved Sound Quality: The Drake 4A Sartori Solid-State Tube R4 R4-A R-4A is known for its superior sound quality, offering a rich, warm, and detailed audio experience.

2. Durability: Solid-state tubes are more durable compared to traditional vacuum tubes, reducing the need for frequent replacement.

3. Energy Efficient: Solid-state tubes consume less power than traditional tubes, resulting in lower energy bills.

4. Longer Lifespan: Solid-state tubes have a longer lifespan compared to traditional tubes, providing a reliable and consistent audio performance over time.

5. Less Maintenance: Solid-state tubes require less maintenance compared to traditional tubes, reducing the need for regular servicing.

1. Higher Initial Cost: Solid-state tubes, including the Drake 4A Sartori, tend to be more expensive than traditional tubes.

2. Limited Customization: The sound quality of solid-state tubes may not be as easily customizable as traditional tubes, limiting the ability to fine-tune the audio to personal preferences.

3. Potential Sound Quality Differences: While many listeners prefer the sound quality of solid-state tubes, others may still prefer the sound of traditional tubes.

The Drake 4A Sartori Solid-State Tube R4 R4-A R-4A is a high-quality audio component that offers improved sound quality, durability, energy efficiency, a longer lifespan, and less maintenance compared to traditional tubes. However, its higher initial cost and limited customization options are potential drawbacks. If you value superior sound quality, durability, and low maintenance, and are willing to invest in a high-end audio component, the Drake 4A Sartori Solid-State Tube R4 R4-A R-4A could be a great choice for you. If you prefer customization or are on a tighter budget, traditional tubes may be more suitable. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and audio needs.

Details:

This receiver has the sartori solid-state tubes that replace some, but not all. For a receiver over 50 years old it is in very nice condition. This radio has always been a great performer. Any dust you see in the pictures is from it sitting on shelf.

Also, has a solid-state double-balanced mixer and regulated CFO voltage heat inked device on rear chassis. I would usually power up ever radio own about once per year to keep the caps upstarting extremely stable after normal 15 minute warm-up for these older receivers. I bought it updated back in 2002 and used for about ten years mainly on cw.

Other sartori improvement mods and some from a 1979 issue of 73 magazine were also added. The only real scratches I noticed are some light scruffs along front top edge of black cabinet. I like it as much my later r-4c or tr7 radios. I will include the original manual along with all modification related documents.

This is a hard one for me to sell, but I simply don't use it anymore. This one is serial number 3106 which make it a 1965 manufacturer. Not a scratch on the front panel, and with exception of some dust chassis is no tarnish. Lastly, let me say, I did not perform the modifications to this receiver.

specifications hamamateuradio:

• brand: Drake
• model: R4-a
• supported modes: Am
• type: Base Station
• country/region of manufacture: United States
• frequency band s : Hf

Ratings:

1. Thank you for an easy, pleasant transaction. Excellent buyer.. 12-18-17
2. EXCELLENT SERVICE 12-16-17
3. Smooth transaction and quick payment. Thank you. 12-19-17
4. Equipment exactly as described. A 12-17-17
5. Super fast payment excellent buyer A A A 12-19-17

Offer hamamateuradio:

• Started: December 20, 2017, 9:51 am
• best offer: false
• Sold: 0
• quantity: 1
• min. bid: $95.00
• bids: 0

Payments hamamateuradio:

• PayPal

Shipping hamamateuradio:

• cost: $0.0
• type: Calculated
• handling: 3 days

Seller hamamateuradio:

• zipcode: 53144
• city: Kenosha, Wisconsin

Returns hamamateuradio:

• time: 14 Days
• type: Money Back
• policy: returns accepted
• paid by: Buyer

General hamamateuradio:

• in stock: Yes
• condition: Used
• consumer electronics > radio communication electronics > ham amateur radio communication

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