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Reference single ended triode (SET) monoblock amplifier
Image
Ruby XM monoblock
Product Status
Discontinued

This edition of the Ruby XM 300B is very similar to the Ruby XR 300B with the main difference being it uses two output tubes in a parallel configuration while the more powerful Ruby XR 300B uses a series-parallel configuration. This XM model lowers the power output to 60 percent of the XR model while maintaining the absolute reference pedigree of the Ruby XR model.

It also includes the XR designed first gain stage using a 5687 double triode in parallel which lowers the noise level by 3 dB.

This edition also has the same lowest noise floor as the XR model making these two models leading the SET competition in this regard.

The Ruby XM 300B monoblocks that we are now building are gold anodized with blue ink filled engraved lettering as shown in the picture above.

The Ruby series of products reduces overall noise levels to unprecedented levels resulting in heightened dynamics to accommodate the ongoing increase in resolution in analog and digital recordings.

The fact that there are quite a variety of new 300B tubes being manufactured today gives the user a varied choice in selection and voicing of his system. The Ruby XM 300B monoblocks are shipped with the Shuguang Treasure 300B-Z tubes.

Other options for tube swappers to consider include Emission Labs EML 300B XLS and the KR 300B XLS with a filament current of 1.5 and 1.8 amps [ standard 300B is 1.2 Amps ], and the Western Electric 300B.

Circuit Description

Voltage Stage

This stage operates in pure class "A1" single ended plate loaded with independent automatic biasing circuitry for each triode . Both triodes are wired in quasi parallel to take advantage of the 3 db noise reduction using this configuration.

Driver Stage

This stage also operates in pure class "A1" single ended plate loaded with automatic self-biasing circuitry. This stage operates with high bias current and high voltages needed to drive the two 300B output tubes and do so without driving the 300B grids positive to insure no grid current drive is required. The AC signal is coupled to the 300B grids via 2 metalized high voltage, high capacitance Teflon signal capacitors with self healing ability.

300B Output Stage

Both output tubes operate in pure class "A1" single ended self-biased isolated circuitry while the two plates are tied together to drive the output transformer.

The LED bias meters show the status of each output tube that continuously adjust the bias automatically.

If either of the 300B tubes go out of the normal range it's corresponding red LED will turn on suggesting that this tube should be replaced. The left tube fault light is designated FL and the right tube is designated FR.

If the FL or RL red LEDs come on then it's time to change that 300B tube

Other Features

Dual triple digit LED bias meters read up to 99.9 Volts using a blue readout for constant monitoring.

A LCD hour meter [99,999.9 hours] is now incorporated to keep track of usage, especially important with monitoring the life of output tubes.

Ground loop hum is not a problem - there is no ground lift switch on any Wyetech Labs amplifiers. We employ a special network that does not remove ground safety from the chassis. As a consequence Wyetech monoblock amps don't suffer from ground loop hum pickup!

The 300B filaments, which also act as the cathode for each triode, require isolated pure 5 volt DC power supplies. Each of the two supplies have a separate 7 volt AC secondary winding connected to a full wave bridge rectifier followed by a 10,000uf filter capacitor and terminated using a solid state 5 volt regulator chip.

Impedance settings of either 4 or 8 Ohms (Ω) is selectable via a toggle switche located on top rear of each chassis.

Power Supplies

Two Toroid power transformers are used in each monoblock with input AC power operation for 115V-120/230-240V 50-60 Hz selected via an internal toggle switch.

Separate DC power supply filtering provide total isolation between the input and output stages. This consist of a quadruple-4 (pi) filter for both the front end supply and the output 300B stage supply.

A bridge rectifier rated at 12,000 Volts DC provide the needed voltage and current, that in turn feed the 6D22S [6Kv rating] rectifier tube that enable the voltage to slowly ramp up due to the 30 second delayed warm up time of the 6D22S.

Custom made polypropylene in oil capacitors with special screw connectors allow easy assembly or removal from the printed circuit board.

The use of pure LC filter networks with 10 very large polypropylene in oil capacitors, 3 large polypropylene capacitors and six large chokes provide an unparalleled ripple reduction and purity of design identical to it's big brother the XR model but with different DC voltages.

Rectified, filtered and regulated 12 Volt DC provides the power for the input tube filaments of the 1st and 2nd stage. This also contributes to lowering the noise floor.

An Analyst Plus AC Power Oval power cord is supplied with each Ruby monoblock amp

Mechanical Construction

Extremely rugged all welded steel chassis with 4 mm aluminum top and bottom plates provide a solid firm structure by design. Think of a picture frame doubled up and back to back with the flat top and bottom pieces flush mounted and bolted with 28 stainless steel dress machine screws. This reduces any possibility of vibration induced aberrations affecting the operation of the amplifier tubes.

  • Top panels are CNC machined to a tolerance of 0.01mm (0.0004 in.) All components and parts are secured to the top panel via CNC threaded holes
  • The top panel is gold anodized with blue ink fill
  • Highly polished 6 inch solid brass handles allow for easy handling and accentuate the chassis styling.
  • Very high quality powder coated chassis frame with baked on finish to further enhance the beauty of the very symmetrical arrangement of parts.
  • Satin black finish of the output transformer and dual power transformers mounted on top
  • Gold plated machined brass footers with 3M rubber feet inserts
  • Teflon tube sockets with machined brass gold plated tube pins for 5687, 12B4A and 300B tubes for an absolute secure connection and lifetime reliability
  • Ceramic tube sockets for the high voltage 6D22S rectifier tubes.
  • Power ON Hour Meter - count to 99,999.9 hours
  • Dual bias voltage Meters with blue LED readout - 0 - 99.9 Volts DC

Circuit Boards

The components are mounted on three Printed Circuit boards [PCB] which is made from FR4 glass epoxy with double sided copper traces and plated through holes. Both sides have a protective green solder mask. A silk screen is printed in white showing the component layout and parts value. All our PCB's are designed manually with CAD program in house. We use enlarged power and signal line traces to attain the best analog integrity that automatic CAD routing circuit programs cannot attain.

The final assembly of parts to the PCB is done by hand soldering of all components which is superior to automated flow-soldering techniques, by allowing more solder on each and every joint. 4% silver solder is used on all solder joints.

Wiring to the PCB is attached via screw down crimp terminals to allow for ease of repair or removal.

Auto Power Sequencing

A built in time-delay of about 30 seconds in the 6D22S rectifier tubes allows for a slow smooth ramp up in final DC voltages to maximize tube life

In addition a speaker muting circuit is engaged for 35 seconds on power up and 2 seconds before power down for dead silent operation.

Power Switches

Two toggle switches are employed for powering up the unit. The master switch enables the power and the momentary RESET switch engages the power relay to enable the automatic sequencing of operation until the green READY LED comes on after the initial time delay. In case of AC electrical power failure during a storm or other event the unit stays powered down until the RESET switch is again enabled. To use the RESET power switch it is important to hold down the spring loaded toggle for 3 seconds when powering up. Once you see the blue LEDs light up - you can release the switch.

We employ a delayed DC power sequencing that maximizes tube life by preventing cathode emission deterioration.

Power Down Sequence

The master switch is used to power down the unit. On activation of this switch a 2 second time delay occurs that mutes the speaker output before dropping power thus ensuring silence on powering down.

Impedance Matching

Dual impedance outputs using a toggle switch for selecting 4 or 8 ohm.

Specifications

Tube Complement

(per monoblock)

stageqtytube
voltage gain (T1)15687WB dual triode JAN NOS Philips USA
driver (T2)112B4A single triode JAN NOS GE USA
rectifier1

Svetlana 6D22S high current high voltage 6KV rectifier

  • 30 second high voltage ramp up until final bias is obtained
  • The 6D22S is preceded by a Solid State Bridge Rectifier rated at 12,000 Volts 1/2 Amp.
output2Shuguang Treasure 300B-Z premium grade 4-pin triode

Frequency Response

20 Hz to 24 KHz (+/- 0.25 dB)

Input Impedance

30 kOhms (kΩ) minimum

Output Impedance

SELECT 4 or 8 Ohms (Ω) via the toggle switch.

Gain

23.5 dB > 0.9 VRMS for full output

Absolute Phase

non-inverting

Power Output

23 Watts RMS - 45 Watts Peak music

Dynamic Headroom

music peaks up to 45 Watts

Universal Voltage Select

115-120/230-240 Volts 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption

225 Watts - each MONOBLOCK

Weight

Net: 2 x 63 lbs. ( 28.6 kg)  
Shipping: 2 x 72 lbs.(33 kg)

Dimensions

16.5" W x 24" L x 10" H

41.91 cm W x 60.96 cm L x 25.4 cm H

Warranty

Note that due to the passing of Roger Hebert, we are no longer able to offer warranty coverage going forward. The sale price has been adjusted accordingly. Sales made previous to January 2022 will have the waranty coverage period honoured.

Warranty coverage for sales prior to January 2022:

5 years on Ruby amplifier front end tubes, namely the 5687 and 12B4A.

18 months or 2500 hours on Ruby XM EMS 300B XLS output tubes, whichever comes first.

Price (USD)
$ 29,500
Price (CAD)
$ 38,500

SOLD OUT