SE5 Tube Stereo Amplifier Kit

The SpotFire SE5 isn’t just another 5-watt tube amplifier clone. It’s a purpose-built, modern interpretation of the single-ended EL34 amplifier — engineered for audiophile clarity, real-world overload handling, and DIY accessibility without compromising performance.

A modern, thoughtfully engineered design that brings the magic of single-ended Class-A tube sound into the 21st century, comprising a two-stage triode Constant Current Draw Amplifier (CCDA) driving a single-ended (SE) EL34 output stage.

Clean Overload: The cathode follower drive stage allows smooth, musical clipping with fast recovery if the amplifier is overdriven, (quite a common occurrence for low-power amplifiers on dynamic music peaks).

Low-Noise Performance: The unique power supply design, DC-powered heaters, and earth-loop breaker resistors, virtually eliminate hum - perfect for high-efficiency speakers.

Triode / Pentode / Ultralinear Modes: You can set the EL34 output stage to work in triode, pentode, or ultra-linear modes, with ultra-linear being the best option for most users (unless you choose the audiophile upgrade, which is limited to triode or pentode modes only).

DIY Made Easy: Choose from solderless kits or full DIY builds with premium components. The SE5 valve amplifier kit is straightforward to assemble. To make the process hassle-free, you can order the solderless kit, which comes with pre-assembled and tested PC boards. Alternatively, if you prefer building everything from scratch, you can order the full kit of parts and solder each component onto the PC boards yourself.

High Quality Components. The SpotFire SE5 valve amplifier kit features high-quality parts, such as audio-grade polycarbonate coupling capacitors, low ESR conductive polymer hybrid aluminium electrolytic cathode-bypass capacitors, gold pin tube sockets, and large output transformers for clear bass. The PC Boards are extra thick with 2-oz copper tracks, boosting durability and heat transfer.

Functionality. The front panel has a large solid metal volume knob and toggle switches for turning power on or off and choosing inputs, plus a 1/4-inch headphone jack. The rear panel has input connectors, speaker connectors, a speaker impedance switch, and a feedback on-off switch to let you enjoy sound without global negative feedback. You can switch between two sets of RCA inputs and a Bluetooth input for streaming from a phone or computer using the input selector toggle switch. A 3.5mm jack is provided on the second RCA input.

Audiophile Upgrade. You can opt for an audiophile upgrade for the SE5 valve amplifier kit, which includes audiophile-grade output transformers and Mundorf EVO or Auricap coupling capacitors. The upgrade makes a noticeable improvement to sound quality for those with premium speakers and sound sources. Note, the upgrade does not support ultra-linear mode (triode mode is usually preferred by audiophiles).

Safe Internal Power: No exposed mains wiring. Fully enclosed, inverter-based HV power supply. Mains power does not enter the chassis. The mains power supply complies with all Australian safety standards and regulations. (The internal circuitry contains potentially dangerous HT voltages up to 280V DC).

Small Footprint: The SE5 doesn't take much valuable bench space. Dimensions are 185mm wide, 215mm deep, and 165mm high.

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