Fosgate Signature

The Signature utilizes three tube-based gain stages. Each uses triode pairs (6922s, 12AX7s and 12AT7s) operating in a shunt-regulated, push-pull fashion. Here the triode pairs work one on top of the other, with the bottom tube taking the input signal and driving the top tube, which provides the output. Each of the gain stages is powered by separate oversized storage capacitors essentially acting as batteries, and the power supply is subject to tube rectification via a single 6X4. There are no solid-state devices in the signal path and no step-up transformers to potentially degrade the signal.

The Signature offers either 42dB or 60.5dB of gain selectable by toggle switches at the top of the unit. Cartridge loading from 100 ohms to 100k ohms -- with stops at 300, 500, 1k and 47k ohms in between -- is selected with a knob at the rear. The only other switch is the one to power the whole thing up. About 20 seconds after toggling this, a subtle blue light illuminates the front fascia, and the front three tube sockets become bathed in a blue-lit glow, indicating that the unit is good to go.

Works beautifully...downsizing my collection.