Black Edition New Features

Genalex Gold Lion Valves
Marconi – Osram later known as M&O Valve Company was founded in 1919 by
the joining of the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Co. and The Edison General Electric
Co. (Osram). Since the 1950’s, only the very best M&O Valve Company audio valves
have been labeled Genalex Gold Lion.
To be labeled Genalex Gold Lion, a valve had to endure and pass the toughest
testing the industry offered; this insured that all Genalex Gold Lion valves could
be relied on for the most demanding audio equipment making them the premier
audiophile valves.
Today’s new production Genalex Gold Lion vacuum valves continues with the
same commitment to quality and reliability. Still the first choice for audiophiles, the
excellent performance of these new production Genalex Gold Lion valves
faithfully pays homage to those M&O Valve Company beginnings. Valve audio never
sounded better.
Signal Valves
We selected Genalex Gold Lion ECC83 and ECC82 signal valves for their
ability to produce a large, detailed soundstage, which is highly sought after by
discerning audiophiles who demand the highest quality sound. These valves are
known for their superb linearity, balanced sections, and gold plated pins.
KT77 Instead of EL34
KT77 has a unique history: GEC in England introduced the KT77 valve in the late
1950s as the ultimate medium-power audio power valve.

KT77 valve was designed as a drop-in replacement for EL34; KT77 employed an
internal construction resembling 6CA7 and GEC called it “Kinkless Tetrode” which
is what the KT prefix stands for. Earlier power valves had “kink” in their power
curve, resulting in non-linearity.
GEC’s marketing claim was that their design eliminated this non-linearity, thus
optimizing the KT77 valve for high-fidelity audio applications. The KT77 was known
as the ultimate EL34 for audiophile use.
The current production Genalex Gold Lion KT77 was introduced in recent
years to recreate the original magic of the KT77. Gold Lion KT77 has a smooth
texture and wonderful balance and is worthy of consideration as a premium upgrade
for any EL34 amplifier.
KT77 valves offer a much deeper and more open sound with a cleaner high end.
The re-issue of these valves allows you to experience their sound and find the
perfect fit to suit your personal preference. Featuring gold-plated grid wire and
beautiful artwork, these valves are built with heavy glass and ruggedized plates,
ensuring they can handle substantial abuse while maintaining their performance.
Cathode Capacitor Less (CCL) Technology
Cathode Capacitor Less (CCL) technology eliminates the need for electrolytic
capacitors in valve power stages. Typically, auto-bias systems utilize a resistor on the
cathode along with a high-value electrolytic capacitor bypass. However, these
capacitors introduce distortion, low-frequency signal phase shifts, and coloration into
the sound.
To overcome this issue, in the Black Edition series, we made the decision to
completely eliminate the auto-bias system. In other words, there are no cathode
capacitors used whatsoever!
This enhancement enables us to extend the bandwidth towards the lower
frequencies, resulting in a faster, more detailed sound. Additionally, it provides even
more power to the valve, which would otherwise be dissipated by the resistor in the
auto-bias configuration.

Relay Input Selector with Return GND Technology
In the Black Edition series, the input selector uses the same technology used in
our flagship products: Reference Pre and Absolute.
Modern audio sources often have output voltages that can vary significantly,
leading to potential cross-talk between inputs when using a traditional input selector.
To address this issue, several solutions have been implemented:
Armoured Micro Relays: The input audio signal is selected using armoured micro
relays with gold-plated silver contacts.
Redesigned Ground Connections: Ground connections have been completely
redesigned using Return GND technology. Inputs not in use are connected to load
resistors. This ensures that the signal path (and its ground) not in use is closed at the
RCA connector, preventing the signal from propagating through the circuit board.
These enhancements result in a significant reduction in cross-talk between
channels, resulting in clearer and more defined sound. They also improve
microdynamics and soundstage stability.
Piano Black Front Panel
For the Black Edition series, we’ve chosen to apply the same surface treatment to
the wood as that used for the wood in musical instruments like a stylish grand piano.
Achieving this exquisite finish involves several meticulous steps:
1. The panel is sprayed with a primer to fill all the micro-cracks and porosity of
the wood.
2. After drying for several hours, the panel is progressively sanded with
increasingly fine sandpaper.
3. Once this process is completed, the wood is carefully cleaned, and the first
coat of black varnish is applied.
4. After the initial varnish coat dries (within 16 hours), a layer of clear varnish is
applied. Another layer of clear varnish is applied after 3 hours.
5. The panel must then dry for at least 3 days before the polishing process
begins.

6. Once the high-gloss varnish is dry, the panel is rubbed down with very fine
grit sandpaper and water to prepare it for polishing.
7. The panel is polished using a special polishing cap, followed by re-polishing
with a polishing paste and a synthetic polishing cap.
8. Finally, all traces of polishing paste are removed with a microfiber cloth, and
the panel is meticulously inspected by experienced craftsmen.
To achieve a perfect result, all these processes must be carried out with extreme
care and without the slightest error.
Black Gun Metal Finish
The stainless steel undergoes a chemical nickel-plating process to achieve the
characteristic Black Gun Metal color. To provide additional protection and ensure
maximum resistance to external contaminants, a transparent acrylic coating is
applied using cataphoresis. This coating offers unparalleled resistance to pollutants,
oxidation, and other environmental factors. By creating a barrier between the metal
substrate and the external environment, it renders the surface inert and nearly
impervious to damage.
Subwoofer output
In the Black Edition series, each amplifier includes a stereo sub output. This
unfiltered line-level output is taken directly from the amplifier’s output, ensuring
consistent sound timbre.

Technische specificaties