Transition Audio Design modded Altec 1570B


Tom Tutay took the case, iron, and output tubes and created a really georgeous amp. One iteration of the original was used to drive a garbage can sized servo motor--so it can drive your loudspeakers! Two 811 transmitter tubes in PP configuration putting out 170watts. Plates are powered by two EL 34s. In front of that, you will find a 6SN7, and then a 12AT7. Plenty of gain in this amp. I decided to use speakers with about 88db/watt efficiency--could never get horns to image well--and I don't have the space to put them. These amps give me the dynamics that horns/SET amps deliver, but with pinpoint imaging. Tom has made an old icon into a modern marvel
128x128jmwaite

Showing 3 responses by jmwaite

Randall, sorry for the late response!! Yes, I still 

have a pair of Tom’s 1570s. Pains me but I think I want to sell them. I also have an stock 1570b that is functional for replacement iron in case of failure in one of the modded amps. 
 

Slainte!

Mike

7/16/1923. I’m very sad to report that Tom Tutay has died. Suffering from Parkinson’s, I believe Tom was a victim of Florida’s current heat wave. A sad way for a great man to die. We shall miss him greatly.