Another for my 2-channel fans and people running headphones off speaker amps. This is a lovely hand built matched preamp and amp in custom Jaguar Carnival Red finish. Dennis Had, the founder of Cary Audio, has an amazing ear, and this combination is very sweet and transparent. Excellent detail and a nice wide and deep soundstage. I am the second owner, but I’ve only had these for 2 months; purchased for a second system but I’ve decided to go a different route.

Inspire LP-2 Preamp

Hand built by Dennis in 2014 and later upgraded by Dennis with a DACT stepped attenuator ($300 upgrade). Features three RCA inputs and two RCA outputs. The standard tube set is 3 x 6FM7 output tubes and a 5U4 rectifier (can also use 5Y3, 5AR4, or 274B). Currently using GE 6FM7s and a SED Winged C 5U4G rectifier.

Inspire Fire Bottle KT-150 Single-Ended Pentode Stereo Amplifier

Hand built by Dennis in 2014 and later upgraded by Dennis in 2016 with his proprietary Infinite Impedance Power Supply, individual auto-bias circuit for each output tube (no need for matched pairs of power tubes), and Jantzen silver coupling caps ($350 upgrade). The standard tube set is a single 6DJ8/6922 input, KT150 pair output, and 5U4 rectifier. However, tube rolling is almost infinite with this amp. The chart below illustrates Dennis’ recommended tube arrangements and the power output:

- 5 watts per channel: 6V6 output tubes and 5Y3 rectifier tube
- 7 watts per channel: 6L6, KT66, 5881 output tubes and 5U4 rectifier
- 10 watts per channel: EL34, 6550, KT77, KT88, KT99, KT120, KT150 output tubes and 5U4 or 274B rectifier
- 12 watts per channel: KT88, KT120, KT150 and 5AR4 rectifier

Although a 5AR4 rectifier will produce slightly more power output, Dennis recommends using the directly heated 5Y3, 5U4, or 274B types for a lower noise floor. Dennis also likes the Russian 6N30/6H30 or 6N1P/6H1P for the input tube. A 6922, 7308, and 6CG7 are just a few other types of input tubes that will function well in this amp. I currently have it set up with a Telefunken Black Diamond 6922, Genalex Gold Lion KT77s, and a SED Winged C 5U4G (same rectifier as preamp).

Extra tubes included!

- 12 x GE 6FM7 (preamp)
- 5 x SED Winged C 5U4G Rectifier (preamp/amp)
- 4 x Russian 6F6S “Cobra” power tubes (amp)
- 2 x Tung Sol KT150 power tubes (amp)
- 16 x various Russian Vokshod “Rocket” input tubes recommended by Dennis (amp)

Both units are in good cosmetic condition with typical signs of use in the finishes for their age, mostly limited to the bottom plates, which have marks near the feet from isolation points used by the previous owner. Tube sockets area in good condition and socket savers are included for added protection while tube rolling. Herbie’s Audio Lab tube dampers included for preamp and amp signal tubes. Build quality is excellent. Sonically, the units are excellent.

I am including shipping in my asking price to keep things simple. The preamp and amp ship in their own boxes. Extra tubes that do not fit in the boxes will ship separately. I will ship in the continental U.S. only, insured via UPS. Local pickup around Chicagoland is also welcomed and will receive a discount. My asking price is net to me.