High Fidelity Vacuum Tube Audio Amplification Equipment

AND

The new home of my Model Railroad Electronics products

Updated February 2023

NEW FOR 2023 AND BEYOND

I've had to relocate my model railroad electronics products to this web site as Bell has decided to deactivate all SYMPATICO web sites. Too bad because I was getting use to the status quo and lazy is one of my strong suits! 

Click on this text line to access the link to the Model Railroad Electronics pages

Welcome to the CLASS IX amplification web site. The products presented here for you promise to deliver the highest quality components and sound in semi kit form. As time progresses I will be adding more items, FAQ, and, with your help, user comments. I've designed these items to bring you, the DIY audio enthusiast, the most cost effective means of building vacuum tube based preamps and power amps available in the North American marketplace. The product lineup will grow, slowly at first, then picking up momentum as a following develops. I plan to be here for quite some time and I promise to provide you with product excellence, comprehensive product support and timely delivery. Your satisfaction with my products is the key to my success just as much as my products will be pivotal to your enjoyment of music. So, that said, let's roll up our sleeves and get to work. There's a whole world of audio enjoyment for you here. Dig in!

New for 2023

The NSV6B guitar/bass amplifier kit - This is one of the most exciting guitar amp kits ever! It's not a Fender, it's not a Marshall, it's not a lot of things. What it is, well, you'll just have to listen to some sound clips and YouTube video links that will be posted here. And it's going to have some twists that can save a lot of you $$$ as well as allowing you to shape your own particular version! Keep checking in as this project progresses.

The AP2 VHQ Vacuum Tube High Fidelity Stereo Preamplifier - A fully featured hand crafted stereo preamplifier inspired by the Marantz 7C incorporates very low noise metal film resistors, polycarbonate and polystyrene film capacitors in the signal path for outstanding frequency response and transient reproduction. Sound stage and detail is superior to other preamplifiers in the AP2's price class. Hand crafted using sensible components.

My circuits are designed and built in North America using parts ordered from North American suppliers, mainly in the USA. I've been involved in pro audio for many years, having experience in repair and restoration of  high quality pro and semi pro gear, recording studio rebuilds and setup, guitar amps and processors, and, finally, a short 6 month tenure at Trio Kenwood in the repair department working on L05's, L07's and the like. I know what works and what doesn't. What you are getting here is the culmination of many years experience and knowledge and a genuine concern for your success and enjoyment. The circuit design isn't new, but the construction method and choice of components will amaze you in listening tests. Please consider this before you send your hard earned money to China.

The product line is growing all the time. Keep checking back to see what's been added.  I'll show you how to build a full tilt preamp from bottom to top, with or without a moving magnet phono stage. This unit rivals preamps costing $2000 or more on retailer's shelves. It'll cost you about $600 to build, less if you already have a few parts kicking around.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO BUILD A COMPLETE PREAMP!

click here to send an email for ordering information

CLASS IX and the CLASS IX logo are copyright 2009-2023 by Ken Stapleton. All rights reserved.