Takatsuki TA-S01 300B Integrated Amplifier

6Moons Review - HighFidelity Review

Three-stage single-ended 300B design

The TA-S01 uses a three-stage amplification configuration. Its voltage-amplification section employs two stages based on an SRPP circuit using 12AU7 tubes. The circuit is designed to provide a low output impedance at the voltage-amplification stage and to drive the 300B output tubes with substantial operating margin.

The output stage uses two TA-300B tubes in single-ended configuration, while a single TA-274B provides rectification in the power supply. The amplifier was developed specifically around these Takatsuki tubes rather than as a general-purpose 300B platform.

Tamura transformers

The TA-S01 uses a Tamura F-2007A output transformer. The power transformer is specified as a Tamura PC-3004A, with PC-3004W used for overseas versions. The transformer arrangement was developed for the TA-S01's particular circuit and operating requirements.

Adjustable amplifier characteristics

A distinctive feature of the TA-S01 is its built-in circuit adjustment system. Rather than providing conventional graphic or tone equalisation, the amplifier allows several circuit parameters affecting its reproduction characteristics to be selected by the user.

The Harmonic Content control provides five settings for adjusting the harmonic spectrum. The Coupling / Bypass Capacitor control provides four combinations using two interstage capacitor types and two bypass capacitor types. A separate Bypass Power Capacitor control provides eight settings intended to alter low-frequency reproduction. The amplifier also incorporates a switchable negative-feedback circuit, allowing negative feedback to be switched on or off.

These controls allow the amplifier's operating configuration to be adjusted to suit different loudspeakers, systems and listening preferences without relying on a conventional equaliser circuit.

Construction and Japanese manufacture

The TA-S01 is manufactured and assembled in Japan. Takatsuki's product literature describes the amplifier as using predominantly Japanese-made components, with approximately 90% of its parts manufactured in Japan and production carried out as a Made-in-Japan product. The amplifier incorporates a substantial machined-aluminium enclosure surrounding its circuit boards, components and wiring.

The design also incorporates precision-machined tube sockets and carefully selected switching components. The socket pins are machined for low contact resistance, while the rotary switches use matched contact arrangements intended to provide consistent mechanical operation.

A purpose-built reference for the Takatsuki 300B

The TA-S01 was conceived as an amplifier specifically intended to exploit the characteristics of the Takatsuki TA-300B. Its circuit, transformer complement and selectable operating characteristics were developed around the company's own directly heated triode and rectifier tubes.

The result is a relatively low-powered, transformer-coupled, single-ended stereo amplifier with an unusually comprehensive set of circuit-level adjustment facilities, housed in a substantial approximately 28 kg chassis.