{"product_id":"valvet-e3-stereoendstufe","title":"Valvet E3 Class-A Stereo Power Amplifier, Single-Ended","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Valvet E3 is a Class-A stereo power amplifier in single-ended design, combining both channels dual-mono in one chassis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSingle-ended Class-A is considered by amplifier purists one of the most demanding yet also most direct circuit topologies – a single transistor per channel handles the entire amplification, with no push-pull symmetry. Valvet implements this in the E3 with discrete operational amplifiers and skips every detour the signal doesn't need: short paths, pure silver wiring, a 500 VA toroidal transformer with separate windings per channel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy the Valvet E3?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause it brings the single-ended philosophy into a stereo chassis, without you having to jump straight to two monoblocks. Dual-mono construction means: every channel has its own power supply segment, yet everything sits in one chassis. RCA and XLR inputs, WBT-NextGen speaker terminals and a carefully engineered aluminum housing (2–20 mm wall thickness) make it the more compact entry into Valvet's single-ended world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat you hear\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 12 and 20 watts respectively, the E3 isn't a powerhouse, but that's exactly the point: single-ended Class-A circuits deliver little power but a very direct, harmonic midrange with fine resolution. Voices and acoustic instruments benefit the most – if you need loud levels or difficult speaker loads, the push-pull models A4.5 or A4e serve you better.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho is the E3 suited for – and who isn't it for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStraight talk: the E3 plays to its strengths on efficient speakers from about 89 dB upward – small, hard-to-drive compact speakers or electrostatics quickly hit the limit at 12 watts. If you listen at moderate room volume in a normal-sized room and have efficient speakers, you get a very direct, effortless sound in return. If you need more reserves, take a closer look at the A4.5 or A4e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA compact entry into Valvet's single-ended Class-A world, without buying two monoblocks straight away. Tell us which speakers you have and how big your room is, and we'll tell you honestly whether 12\/20 watts is enough or whether another Valvet model suits you better.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical data – Valvet E3\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e Class-A stereo power amplifier, single-ended, dual-mono\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmplification principle:\u003c\/strong\u003e one transistor per channel, discrete operational amplifiers in Class A\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2 × 12 W into 8 Ω \/ 2 × 20 W into 4 Ω\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGain:\u003c\/strong\u003e approx. 21 dB (up to 30 dB on request)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e RCA (silver-plated) and XLR\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInput impedance:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50 kΩ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e WBT-NextGen speaker terminals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePower supply:\u003c\/strong\u003e 500 VA toroidal transformer with separate windings per channel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignal path:\u003c\/strong\u003e short, wired throughout in pure silver\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHousing:\u003c\/strong\u003e aluminum, 2–20 mm wall thickness, black anodized and powder-coated; front silver or black anodized, chrome only on explicit request\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended speaker efficiency:\u003c\/strong\u003e from approx. 89 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Alto Extremo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (W×H×D):\u003c\/strong\u003e 44.5 × 8 × 31 cm (incl. feet)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e handmade in Germany\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich speakers suit the E3?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest with models from about 89 dB efficiency upward. At 12 and 20 watts respectively, the E3 isn't an amplifier for large rooms, but on suitable speakers it plays very directly and effortlessly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat does \"single-ended Class-A\" mean in the E3?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA single transistor per channel handles the entire amplification, with no push-pull symmetry. That limits output power but is considered by connoisseurs a particularly direct, low-distortion design in the small-signal domain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I drive the E3 balanced (XLR)?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, alongside the RCA inputs the E3 also has XLR inputs. Input impedance is 50 kΩ regardless of which input you use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does the E3 differ from the mono model E4?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe E3 combines both channels dual-mono in one chassis, the E4 comes as a pair of true monoblocks each with its own power supply. Sonically both follow the same single-ended principle; the E4 offers even more consistent channel separation thanks to the complete galvanic isolation of the channels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy buy the Valvet E3 at HD Zürisee?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause a single-ended power amplifier only shows its potential on the right speakers. We advise you in Wädenswil on your speakers' efficiency and the matching preamp, and install the system with our own technician if needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGoes well with:\u003c\/strong\u003e matching \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/vorverstarker\"\u003epreamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e, efficient \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/regallautsprecher\"\u003ebookshelf speakers\u003c\/a\u003e and the right \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/kabel\"\u003ecables\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Valvet","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53541816009040,"sku":null,"price":4700.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/3262\/8048\/files\/valvet-e3-class-a-stereoendstufe-frontansicht.jpg?v=1788515197","url":"https:\/\/hdzuerisee.ch\/en-ch\/products\/valvet-e3-stereoendstufe","provider":"HD Zürisee AG","version":"1.0","type":"link"}