Loaner IC: Akitika GT-102 power amp

Discussion in 'Closed Loaners' started by k4rstar, Nov 24, 2020.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. k4rstar

    k4rstar Britney fan club president

    Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2016
    Likes Received:
    6,942
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Toronto, Canada
    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)
     
    Last edited: Dec 12, 2020
  2. Inoculator

    Inoculator Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2018
    Likes Received:
    3,522
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Tacoma, WA
    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.
     
    Last edited: Nov 25, 2020
  3. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2015
    Likes Received:
    6,839
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Nashville, TN
    Home Page:
    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
     
  4. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2015
    Likes Received:
    6,839
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Nashville, TN
    Home Page:
    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.
     
  5. E_Schaaf

    E_Schaaf MOT: E.T.A Headphones

    Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2017
    Likes Received:
    9,589
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Staten Island, NY
    Home Page:
    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.
     
  6. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2015
    Likes Received:
    6,839
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Nashville, TN
    Home Page:
    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.
     
  7. Inoculator

    Inoculator Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2018
    Likes Received:
    3,522
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Tacoma, WA
    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.
     
  8. k4rstar

    k4rstar Britney fan club president

    Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2016
    Likes Received:
    6,942
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Toronto, Canada
    I think it's best to get this one started after the holidays

    can we get interest from 1 or 2 more members?
     
  9. Ksorota

    Ksorota Friend

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2018
    Likes Received:
    1,780
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    01810
    Would love to join to compare against Vidar and HE6. I’m located in Massachusetts.
     
  10. magnium

    magnium Facebook Friend

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2019
    Likes Received:
    55
    Trophy Points:
    40
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    I’m interested in participating in this loaner tour. I have KEF LS50 and am in Los Angeles.
     
  11. k4rstar

    k4rstar Britney fan club president

    Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2016
    Likes Received:
    6,942
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Toronto, Canada
    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
     
  12. Ksorota

    Ksorota Friend

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2018
    Likes Received:
    1,780
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    01810
    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?
     
  13. k4rstar

    k4rstar Britney fan club president

    Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2016
    Likes Received:
    6,942
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Toronto, Canada
    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
     
  14. Azimuth

    Azimuth FKA rtaylor76, Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2015
    Likes Received:
    6,839
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Nashville, TN
    Home Page:
    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.
     
  15. Ksorota

    Ksorota Friend

    Pyrate Contributor
    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2018
    Likes Received:
    1,780
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    01810
    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!
     
  16. ChaChaRealSmooth

    ChaChaRealSmooth SBAF's Mr. Bean

    Staff Member Pyrate Gearmaster
    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2018
    Likes Received:
    10,827
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    The Complex
    Received
     
  17. ChaChaRealSmooth

    ChaChaRealSmooth SBAF's Mr. Bean

    Staff Member Pyrate Gearmaster
    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2018
    Likes Received:
    10,827
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    The Complex
    Completely forgot to mention, but this has been sent to @E_Schaaf (I'm a bad example)
     
  18. E_Schaaf

    E_Schaaf MOT: E.T.A Headphones

    Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2017
    Likes Received:
    9,589
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Staten Island, NY
    Home Page:
    Received
     
  19. E_Schaaf

    E_Schaaf MOT: E.T.A Headphones

    Pyrate BWC
    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2017
    Likes Received:
    9,589
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Staten Island, NY
    Home Page:
  20. magnium

    magnium Facebook Friend

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2019
    Likes Received:
    55
    Trophy Points:
    40
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Received today. Letting it rest a day before hooking it up.
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.

Share This Page