2. amps-preamps
  3. 146492-121162

Get your First Watt SIT-3 now?

I am just saying this because I found it very interesting.  I just purchased (ordered) a new First Watt SIT-3.  I was hoping to save to upgrade my speakers but love my F7 and read so many great reviews on the SIT-3 that I thought, 'with only 250 being made, maybe I should pull the trigger'.
Well, looks like the right choice.  I trust my dealer, he has always been fair and truthful.  Anyway, he said when he contacted Pass, he was told I got the last one they are producing.  I had already paid for the Amp.  I heard they were making 250 only anyway, but mine is reportedly number 107.  What about the other 143?  Is it numbered in an odd way?  none of that matters.  
I only write this because if it is true and you are seriously looking at getting one, I would jump on it before it is no longer possible.
dseltz

Showing 6 responses by dseltz

dseltz OP
150 posts
 
@teo_audio

I am not a DIY.   You'd think I could as I can rewire a house from weather head to outlet, but I have never worked with transistors.  A question becomes - could you switch out the Semi-south SITs to the Tokin SITs on a SIT-3 itself?  Or are there other parts that would need to be changed.

I read about people upgrading their caps, etc and have no idea how or how to know what an upgraded capacitor vs original is.  All stuff I could track down.  Perhaps when my life is less hectic.  
dseltz OP
150 posts
 
Jetter

No problem, I am learning the HiFi world and your questions/comments and Al's excellent input is valuable to me in my pursuit of knowledge.  

As to your situation, I agree with Al.  Your speaker efficiency pf 89 might not pair the best with the SIT-3.  I have 99 dB Rethm Maarga that pair up well, along with an Audio Hungary APR 204 tube amp with a gain of +12 dB (+52 dB for its Phono setting)
dseltz OP
150 posts
 
dbarger:

Awesome, glad to hear your thoughts.  I have about 5 more weeks before mine ships and I can't wait.
dseltz OP
150 posts
 
Nelson Pass explained the SIT 3 sounds best with 4- to 8-ohm speakers, and he suggested hooking up a 16-ohm resistor in parallel with the speakers (when using the Soul Supreme, a high-impedance 16-ohm speakers.) 
dseltz OP
150 posts
 
cosset_amojan

I haven't heard SIT-3 myself, but here is what Nelson Pass said:

True that they are quite different, but I don’t think that characterization is very accurate. The F7 has more power and more damping, as befits a two stage circuit with feedback. Just trying to be a normal amplifier... The load line curves for the SIT are quite different, and they are worked as if it were a Single-Ended Triode follower. If we want to make the tube comparison, by contrast the F7 is more like push-pull Pentodes. Actually, the SIT-3 likes 4 ohm loads and does quite well with them. If anything it doesn’t care for high impedance loads, so we sometimes load the amplifier additionally with power resistors across the output to bring the impedance down to the 4 – 8 ohm region.

JUST FYI
dseltz OP
150 posts
 
One more update: Just an FYI

So, I am actually getting number 251.  I spoke with Nelson Pass, however, and he noted I was getting #251, the first in an additional 100 amp production.  SO...if you are thinking of a SIT-3, there may still be some out there to be had.
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