The Western Electric type 91E, an integrated, single-ended amplifier designed for the type 300B electron tube, is the first new amplifier product to carry the famous brand in over 15 years. Expanding a long-running legacy of quality sound, the 91E’s smart, patented circuit design stretches the 300B to output more than double the conventional 7-8 watts of power — a level of performance never before experienced by listeners of single-ended tube sound.
Powerful and sophisticated on the inside, a functional yet elegant exterior design makes the 91E both easy to operate and an attractive showpiece. Practical features like an interchangeable transformer block, balance with delicate details like glass tube covers. A matched pair of 300Bs, included with each amplifier purchase, are proudly displayed front and center. Microprocessors automatically bias the 300B tube pair each time the amplifier is powered on. No manual adjustment is necessary.
Developed over two years, the 91E's patented circuitry intelligently steers the parallel feed constant current source, allowing the 300B to deliver 20 watts per channel. The 91E uses this unique parallel feed topology that contributes half of AC current to the plate (anode) of the 300B by modulating quiescent current. As a result, half of the power dissipation occurs in the tube, allowing for a greater output power. A new listening experience from a 300B-based tube design.
A stepped logarithmic attenuator is used to mimic the response of human hearing. The attenuator consists of only discrete resistors in a ladder configuration that are switched in and out of circuit to produce a logarithmic attenuation of the output signal. And the standard 8-ohm transformer block can be interchanged with the optional 4-ohm version, a unique feature to the 91E Integrated Amplifier.
"We’ve waited a long time to officially announce the 91E’s arrival. Research, development, and sourcing materials were completed over the last five years. During that time we also had to manage the return of the 300B. Worldwide demand [for the 300B] surged so high that only now are we able to dedicate [300B] inventory to support amplifier production. You can’t have a Western Electric amplifier without Western Electric tubes," explains Charles Whitener, president of Western Electric. "As we complete assembly of initial 91E units, we’re eager to hear reactions from end users worldwide," Whitener adds, proud to see Western Electric quality continue both in the laboratory with his team of engineers and on the production floor.
In the box with each 91E Integrated Amplifier, owners will find a dedicated infrared remote control, pin-straightener (9-pin), 2x 300B Electron Tubes (Power), 2x ECC81 Electron Tubes (Pre-amplifier, pre-installed), 8Ω Output Transformer Block (pre-installed), power cord, spanner tool (for removal and/or replacement of 300B’s), and a Bluetooth (compatible) antenna.
Yes, this is a modern design for today's homes, featuring a large, bright and easy to read color LCD display that shows the selected input, attenuator level, and VU meter. The dimmable display also shows settings which can be adjusted by the included remote control. Up to six source devices can be connected during amplifier operation, and a Bluetooth compatible audio input is also available for listening convenience. All firmware and software can be field updated via Ethernet.
Pre-orders received by Western Electric are eligible to a 10% discount off the total retail price. Pricing and options are available online.
www.westernelectric.com/91e
