Loaner IC: Akitika GT-102 power amp

loaner rules:

• Insure for $500, signature required. UPS/FedEx only.
• 5 days per person
• Impressions required in relevant thread

I reached out to Dan @ Akitika and he is open to the idea of sending an assembled GT-102 for a loaner tour here. Before I ask him to commit a production unit I want to make sure there is enough interest from members here, so this thread will serve as an interest check for now.

The GT-102 is a 50wpc solid-state power amplifier based on the well-known LM3886 IC. It is sold as a kit ($314) or an assembled ($488) amplifier. I owned one of these many moons ago and I think it's a great amp for anyone looking to get into stereo equipment, downsize, or build a second system on a budget.

additional infos below:
https://www.akitika.com/GT102.html
https://www.stereophile.com/content/akitika-gt-102-power-amplifier
https://cheaptubeaudio.blogspot.com/2019/02/akitika-gt-102-power-amplifier.html
https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/akitika-gt-102-power-amplifier.7690/

if interested please reply with your location and speakers you will be using. the nature of the LM3886 chip dictates it plays better into more benign higher-impedance loads, though Dan now offers a distinct version with an impedance correction network for 4-ohm speakers.

interested parties (so far):
@rtaylor76 (TN)
@Ksorota (MA)
@ChaChaRealSmooth (CA)
@E_Schaaf (CA)
@magnium (CA)

 

I would be all over this, but I actually just ordered one! Just waiting a few weeks as Dan is doing a custom build with the DC scrapper add on for me. I will jump into to share my impressions along with the tour. A buddy of mine is building the 4ohm version as well for his LS50, will share his findings.

I may actually try out his preamp as well, it looks like a pretty versatile unit. It should be an attractive budget stack.

 

This looks like a fun kit. I would be into this and can compare to a couple of other amps (Adcom, H/K, Denon). And if it sounds decent, I would probably build one myself.

Nashville, TN

 

And I wonder if the 4 ohm version is just biased a bit lower as to not draw as much heat. He could probably push more if he had more heat sink. It is good he offers a choice, but some might not realize that a speaker can be rated at 8 ohms at 1K, but be closer to 4 at other frequencies.

 

Pasadena, SoCal (Los Angeles County)

I'll compare it vs First Watt F7 clone and EC Super 7 (has speaker outputs) with my JBL L55's (94db/8ohms) and Woden Victors (94dB/8ohms). Might fire it up with HE6 too just as a throwback, seems like it could be a good match.

 

It looks like a LM3886 version of a Dynaco. Especially with the cap coupled output and the hand made wire inductor around it. Very interesting old school technique.

One could further push it with DC coupling circuit and auto bias circuit.

 

I really hope this loaner tour gets kicked off. Sounds like my amp is shipping tomorrow potentially, so will share thoughts in the coming weeks.

I did also end up getting a PR-102 preamp from Dan complete with all the bells and whistles, so will be able to share thoughts on the phono and headphone amp add ons as well.

 

I think it's best to get this one started after the holidays

can we get interest from 1 or 2 more members?

 

Would love to join to compare against Vidar and HE6. I’m located in Massachusetts.

 

I’m interested in participating in this loaner tour. I have KEF LS50 and am in Los Angeles.

 

thanks guys. I updated the original post with an itinerary, Akitika is based in AL so I believe @rtaylor76 will start us off. I'll update the thread once the amp has been sent out

CA dudes please let me know if there is another order that works betterer

 

I am really looking forward to this amp. Actually, very tempted to just pick one up, but will wait for the tour. My kids and i have been looking for another build and based on the site and other reviews it looks like a perfect match for us.

Do you know if it will have the hum remove option out just the basic build?

 

I believe the loaner unit will have the DC scraper and a volume knob, so it can be connected directly to a source
though I would recommend using a pre-amplifier if you have a good one

 

Akitika GT-102 power amp received! Let the tour begin.

It was left on my doorstep out in the cold. I don't have time to mess with it tonight, but I will unbox and hookup tomorrow.

 

Received the amp today from @rtaylor76 but haven’t had a chance to check it out yet. Possibly get it opened up tomorrow, but more realistically I will start listening this weekend!

 

Received

 

shipped to @magnium

 

Received today. Letting it rest a day before hooking it up.