Nightshade Beacon Pre-amplifier

**george daniel** · 10-09-2010 10:45 PM

I have been following this line of "Old School" tube gear for about 6 months.When the opportunity arose to audition the Beacon II pre-amplifier,I jumped at the opportunity.First,let share what I have learned,,the fewer components in the path the better, this is evidenced by the straightforward design/approach in this particular build. The build quality is very good,quality parts ,all point to point wiring no circuit boards.A traditional IEC connection and a seperate power supply for the tubes.It uses a pair of 6SN7's,I rolled a pair of some NOS Sylvania WGTA's,,now,how does it sound?

Smooth,velvety,organic,involving and DEAD Quiet.My first session lasted 4 hours,I just kept playing disc after disc,,I had pretty high expectations and guys,,lemme' tell you,,this thing sounds fantastic.I just wanted to share this with ya'll,as I am really impressed with this gear.If you get a chance to hear one of these or his amps--don't miss out. every now and then something comes along that is just head and shoulders above the price/performance ratio.I believe that this is one that does.The mans name is Blair Lamphear,,of Nightshade Audio,,he told me that he bases his designs/gear on older proven circuits/methadologies that have stood the test of time.If you are interested in getting into tubes,,drop this guy a line,,I think that you will be glad you did.After the audition,I plan to pick up a Beacon Pre amp,,and possibly,,down the line a bit,,some of his power amps too.Seriously--give them a listen,I think that you will be glad that you did.
No afillation,,,just an excited polkie who got turned on to a pretty sweet affordable pre amp that will probabally last for years,due to its design and build. Here's a couple of pics

http://sites.google.com/site/niteshadeaudio/Home

**george daniel** · 10-09-2010 11:19 PM

Oh yeah,, I think that the fact that this pre has not alot of parts and the way that the tubes are run will result in many years of listening.Just my .02

**starkiller** · 10-09-2010 11:32 PM

Nice review! I have one of his EL34 based amplifier's and it sounds really nice. Again, simple circuits, no boards lends itself to superb sound and his price points are easily surpassed by the quality of sound. Highly recommended!

**george daniel** · 10-10-2010 01:40 AM

Which model amp do you have?

**starkiller** · 10-10-2010 01:56 AM

It's the NS-40, Ferrari red :)

**george daniel** · 10-10-2010 08:53 AM

If the amp is anything like the pre,,and I suspect that it is,,you sir have really got something there.I generally like the "vintage gear/tube sound" and I believe that is what Mr.Lamphear is doing in/with his products.I suppose that I am at a point in my life/journey where I prefer the straightforward approach in tube gear,,I remenber something that Brad(Early B) once said,,and that was "it don't take alot of money to get good sound",,turns out he's right,,enough of my ramble--old school,,gotta love it. ;)