Simple is beautiful

When I read through the manual and Nelson’s descriptions of the First Watt F4 amplifier, I get a little dizzy, but I think I understand what he’s talking about.

This amp is uses current gain — and not much, by the way — instead of voltage gain like most amps.

It also features no negative feedback, which is very important to me. I’ve played around with different values of feedback on an amplifier I built, and could easily hear the collapsing of the magic when feedback was increased.

Now, I’m simplifying this whole subject matter of course, and I’m only talking about global negative feedback. But I believe that’s what Nelson is talking about here, too.

And the First Watt F4 is such a simple amplifier design, there’s no reason to expect local feedback around different parts of the circuit. There are no other parts of the circuit.

Hail, Nelson. It’s commonplace to call him a wizard and say everything he makes sounds like one of the best amplifiers you’ve ever heard. Well here I am, adding to the chorus. WOW.

Keep an eye out for this lovely F4 when it hits the TMR shelves. It’s a serious gem, and I’m finding it very difficult to stop listening to it.