SJS Arcadia Model 9 SUT

 Two more SJS Arcadia Model 9 SUTs (Step Up Transformers), for matching MC phono cartridges to MM phono amplifiers, are about to be shipped to customers.

Both featere:

• Hashimoto HM-7 transformers
• Dual primaries can be switched for high/low impedance carts
• Ground connection on the primary can be isolated for floating the MC coils
• MuMetal lined aluminium casework

The Hashimoto HM-7 transformers, have dual primaries and may be switched in series or parallel, for matching medium (7 - 40 ohm) or low (2 - 7 ohm) impedance MC cartridges, providing gain of 15 times (23 dB) or 30 times (29 dB).

The first unit has been customised with:

• Amtrans gold plated copper internal wiring
• CMC gold plated phono sockets

The second unit has been customised with: 

• DH Labs pure silver wire with ptfe insulation
• CMC silver plated phono sockets

SJS Arcadia Model 9 SUTs come with 2 years parts and labour warranty. Each is hand built to order in Stockprt, UK, and available direct from SJS Electroacoustics, please DM for details.

SJS Arcadia Model 6 MM RIAA phono amplifier

We are pleased to announce delivery of the first of a new batch of the SJS Arcadia Model 6 MM RIAA phono amplifiers.

These feature the same basic power supply philosophy and circuit design, while the valves have changed to 6012 and 6112 dual triodes, each in an SRPP gain stage, providing high gain, linearity and drive ability.

The Arcadia Model 6 mm riaa phono amplifier is based upon the 6112 and 6012 NOS military valves, and a GZ34 valve rectifier, and has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfils all SJS Electroacoustics primary design criteria:

• Single Ended circuit topology
• Pure Class A operation
• Zero negative feedback
• Valve rectification and choke-input HT power supply
• Custom made HT T-network power supply capacitors with silver leads
• Point-to-point circuit wiring without PCBs
• Hand built
• PTFE board for component mounting
• High quality components throughout
• Custom made aluminium chassis 

Bespoke customisation of the internal components is possible to meet our clients' specific requirements, whether it is replacement of the Duelund copper foil JDM capacitors or possibly using Tantalum film resistors, for example, these can be discussed at the point of ordering.

Here we have a bespoke customer order which includes a pair of Hashimoto HM-7 moving coil step-up transformers installed within the Model 6 chassis. Additional sockets at the rear provide for switching between MM or MC inputs, and also switching between low and high gain wiring for the HM-7 transformers.

Each amplifier comes with 2 years parts a labour warranty, except for the valves which have a 6 month warranty.

SJS Arcadia amplifiers are available from Definitive Audio in Nottingham.

Munich HiEnd 2024

Four days in May in Bavaria, with music and friends, what is not to like?

We were back in Atrium E 220 with Definitive Audio and Bemax Audio.

The show system featured SJS Model 3 phono, Model 4 linestage pre and a pair of Model 10 monoblock power amplifiers, with Kuzma XL air and Grand Prix Audio Monaco 3 turntables, all supporting the Living Voice R80 loudspeakers. 

It was very nice to meet everyone who visited us, and we are grateful for some very nice feedback:

"the sound was absolutely beautiful with Arvo Pärt’s Tabula Rasa, emotionally charged with Lady Blackbird’s Fix It (Black Acid Soul) and fat and juicy with Fila Brazilia’s The Sheriff (Retrospective: Redux 90-22). If you want to hear a wide variety of interesting music at its best this room is the place to be."

Jason Kenedy, the ear

"After the serene piano music we were treated to when we walked in Kevin put on some dreamy and tubby drum and bass. These speakers and this system seem to be able to play anything you care to throw at them without skipping a beat…and surely this is what you want from any HiFi."

HiFi Pig

"This time around, the world’s most attractive tube amp (at least to these eyes) took the shape of the all-new Model 10 Premier mono amplifier, sporting parallel single-ended 300B output tubes: all the grace, agility, rich harmonics, natural tonality and articulation of the Model 5 stereo – but with more headroom, substance and – for want of a better word – grunt. And, it has to be said, there’s definitely something about those three, 300b tubes lined up across the beautifully sculpted chassis."

Roy Gregory, GY8

SJS Arcadia Model 10 PSE 300B mono power amplifiers

This SJS Arcadia Model 10 power amplifiers are all about pairs. A pair of Premier level mono amplifiers, each using a pair of 300Bs in parallel to provide 20W of audio output power, using a pair of nano-crystalline core interstage and output transformers, and a pair of double C-core power supply chokes.

The Model 10 uses a NOS Sylvania 7N7 input valve to drive a 300B valve used to drive the parallel 300B output valves via an interstage driver transformer. The combination of 300B to drive 300Bs gives an effortless sense of scale, tone and clarity to help bring out the sense of the musical performance.

In common with other SJS Arcadia amplifiers it has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfills SJS Electroacoustics primary design criteria:

• Single Ended circuit topology
• Pure Class A operation
• Zero negative feedback
• Valve rectification and choke smoothed HT power supply
• Custom made HT T-network power supply capacitors with silver leads
• Separate mains transformers for HT and filament supplies
• Point-to-point circuit wiring without PCBs
• Star-earth & star-supply wiring
• Hand built
• Real solid wooden frame
• 4mm aluminium panels, black or natural anodized
• Soundcare SuperSpike feet
• Very low noise for use with high efficiency loudspeakers

This Premier version includes:

• Nanocrystalline core output transformers
• Nanocrystalline interstage driver transformers
• Double C-core power supply chokes
• Choke input power supplies
• Fixed bias output valves
• Self-biased driver valve
• Hand made ptfe valve bases
• Duelund CAST DC Silver foil coupling capacitors
• Duelund CAST DC Silver foil bypass capacitors
• Tantalum film resistors
• Pure silver wire for all point to point connections

Delivered with solid walnut frame, black anodised aluminium panels and the dark grey transformer covers can be heard on demonstration at Definitive Audio in Nottingham alongside the rest of the SJS Arcadia range of amplifiers with Living Voice loudspeakers.

UK hi-fi Show Live 2023

Ascot, home of horses, the Royal Enclosure and plenty of bubbles, hosted The UK hi-fi Show Live and we were there for the first public outing of the all new SJS Model 10 mono-block valve amplifiers.

Each mono-block amplifier has parallel single ended 300B output valves for 20W per channel output, using a 7N7 input valve and a third 300B as the driver stage using an interstage driver transformer. These Premier version amplifiers have silver foil coupling capacitors and nano-crystal core interstage and output transformers for a pure and engaging musical performance.

We were delighted to join Definitive Audio showing the Living Voice R80 loudspeakers and the fabulous system featuring both Kuzma Audio XL Air and Grand Prix Audio Monaco v3 turntables with Kuzma tonearm and CAR 60 mc catridges, Consolidated Audio mc step up transformers, and  completed with SJS Model 3 mm phono and Model 4 linestage amplifiers.

It was great to meet everyone who visited us, and very nice to see visitors appreciating the system:

"You can count on Kevin and Lynn Scott from Definitive Audio to put on a good show wherever they appear, and Ascot didn’t disappoint. …As in Munich, the sound was about as natural and musically expressive as one is ever likely to encounter at a HiFi show." 
Eric van Spelde, HiFi Pig

"The new R80 speakers sounded very easy and natural and managed to present a bigger scale with it’s larger mid/bas drivers with very noticeable cymbals/hi hats which sounded exceptional with Jazz recordings."
Naim Community Forum

"Definitive Audio, with a stunning array of top performers on demonstration, such as the Living Voice R80 Loudspeaker and the Kuzma XL Air turntable (to name just two). Definitive Audio drew patrons into their room with ease and grace. As I settled to absorb the various subtle textures and lyrical wonders of Oliver Nelson’s “Stolen Moments” from the vinyl source, I felt the world’s stresses simply drip away. Now this is the mark of a great system. The fact that I could easily ignore the components, cables and interconnects in front of me, listen, reflect and enjoy speaks volumes in respect of all the components being used. Patron Terry Johnson also reflected my thoughts by advising. “This is one of the systems I aspire to own. I can feel the layers of musicians coming through and I just love the organic signature. If I do get to the point where money is no object, I will be giving Definitive Audio a call..!” 
Michael Valentine Studio

SJS Arcadia Model 4 Linestage Preamplifier

 After making its debut at Munich HiEnd 2023, we are very pleased to announce that the SJS Arcadia Model 4 linestage pre-amplifier is now available to order.

The Model 4 has been designed to visually and sonically complement the Model 3 phono and Model 5 power amplifiers.

The Model 4 was launched with the Premier version, which features:

• Custom made silver wound chokes from Consolidated Audio in Berlin
• Duelund Coherent Audio pure silver foil coupling capacitors
• Lundahl power supply chokes
• 6111wa NOS military twin triode valves
• Single Ended circuit topology
• Pure Class A operation
• Zero negative feedback
• NOS Mullard EZ80 valve rectification 
• Choke-input HT power supply
• Custom made HT T-network power supply capacitors with silver leads
• Point-to-point circuit wiring without PCBs
• Hand built
• Real solid wooden frame
• 4mm aluminium panels, black or natural anodized
• Soundcare SuperSpike feet
• PTFE board for component mounting
• Very high quality components throughout
• 8 dB gain
• 5 Hz to 100 kHz -3 dB bandwidth

Each amplifier comes with 2 years parts a labour warranty, except for the valves which have a 6 month warranty.

SJS Arcadia amplifiers are available from Definitive Audio in Nottingham.

Munich HiEnd 2023

We are delighted to have been back at the Munich HiEnd show in Atrium E 220 with Definitive Audio and Bemax Audio.

The system featured SJS Model 3 phono, the new Model 4 linestage pre and Model 5 power amplifiers, with Kuzma XL air and Grand Prix Audio Monaco 3 turntables and showcasing the new Living Voice R80 loudspeakers. 

"The rest of the Living Voice system was quite impressive as well–both Kuzma and Grand Prix Audio analog rigs, SJS amplification with Living Voice and Takatsuki 300Bs, all gathered together in one place to play records. Perhaps that’s why the Living Voice rooms are always so rewarding–there’s always something about this system that radiates a purpose, a feeling that this system was fine tuned toward perfection over decades and not just a few hurried weeks before the show.

The Living Voice R80 loudspeakers truly energized that large and beautiful space, yet still managed to sound light and airy and detailed at the same time. This was another room that was constantly packed throughout the show, and for good reason. Sometimes I forget how special these British loudspeakers are, but I’m already looking forward to next year’s visit in this memorable room."

Part Time Audiophile

"Teamed here with the top-tier SJS electronics (including the new line-stage with curved wooden casing to match what must be the prettiest tube power amp on the market) and the latest (greatest) turntables from Kuzma and Grand Prix Audio, the sound was as bold and engaging as it was effortlessly involving. Kevin Scott’s range of distinctly non-audiophile discs kept things interesting and this room was permanently packed – probably not helped by the comfy bucket seating which, along with the astonishingly entertaining musical performance encouraged the audience to take root. You want the hot-seat? Be prepared to wait – wait some more – and then fight for it…"

Gy8

"this is a pretty serious system but not the most expensive at the event by a long way, yet it provided highly engaging sounds as well as the broadest selection of music with everything from Shostakovich to Scientist dubbing Culture. The system proves that 9 Watts is all you need if the quality is high enough."

The Ear

"The music sounded correct right away, as nothing stood out and everything was well-balanced and natural. String instruments and voices sounded gorgeous, and I found it very easy to concentrate on the music. I could easily hear the family resemblance with the VOX Olympian, one of the best horn systems on the market..........for people looking for that elusive emotional connection with music and not just sound effects, these speakers will give you more than a taste of their vastly more expensive horn offerings."

PSaudio blog