WT350 and XL 350-watt Mono Amplifiers WT350HS WT350LS All Aria Products are made in the United States (click here for details)

WT350 Mono Amplifiers. Brushed champagne and silver aluminum. Triodes. Current-steering output stage. All the delicacy, all the power, all the music you expect.   Specifications   Sound Quality   Owner's Manual (323k pdf)

Aria Whole Tone amplifiers are the culmination of over ten years of research. Utilizing an unique method of interfacing triodes with a solid-state output stage, this technology was first released in the Counterpoint NPS amplifiers in the early 1990's. Though at that time there was only a hint of how exciting the possibilities were, the concept was continually refined over the subsequent ten years, and released to great response in the NP upgrades for the Counterpoint SA amplifiers in the late 1990's. Now the technology has been perfected and is presented in the WT amplifiers.

The rugged output stage is completely transparent: it contributes no coloration of its own to the sound, yet it passes the sound of the tube directly to the speaker.

Unconditionally stable into any load down to 2 ohms, this design is consummately musical-sounding and has been field-tested for several years. It has shown itself to be thoroughly reliable. It offers the perfect way to interface a triode amplifier to a speaker.

The rugged output stage is completely transparent: it contributes no coloration of its own to the sound, yet it passes the sound of the tube directly to the speaker.

The bottom line is that you get the naturally lush musicality of triodes; what you don't get are the hassles of big output tubes or the fragility of MOSFETs.

This single octal tube easily drives the WT350 to over 350 watts of power.

Only one tube is used in each WT350 mono amplifier. These are easy-to-get tube types, and the amplifiers are tolerant of equivalant type tubes -- no biasing is required. They are available in dozens of varieties, allowing you to fine-tube the sound of your amplifier to match your sound preferences.

Technically speaking, the WT350 is a bridged-mono, zero negative feedback design. (Negative feedback, commonly used to improve any number of on-paper specifications, takes away the natural dyamics and tonality of tube products.) Further points to consider are:

	All WT350 amplifiers have two sets of Cardas speaker binding posts for easy speaker bi-wiring.
	You can drive these amplifiers either single-ended through the traditional RCA input, or the XLR balanced input, both of which are standard equipment. The input stage is totally symmetrical, the signal path throughout is totally balanced.
	This design is non-polarity (phase) inverting and its high 470k ohm input impedance provides an easy match for all tube and solid-state preamplifiers.
	The rugged output stage is rated to drive 2 ohms.
	All tube voltage supplies, including the filaments, are regulated.
	Tube life can easily exceed five years. The tubes are operated very conservatively. While in standby mode, all current through the tubes is removed, dramatically prolonging tube life, while all the other circuitry is kept in a warmed-up state, eliminating any need to wait for the amplifier to sound its best. No biasing is required for the tubes.
	The highest-quality components are used on all Aria amplifiers, including double-sided circuit boards, gold-ceramic tube sockets, precision metal-film and carbon-composition resistors, Audience Auricaps, and custom-made Plitron toroidal transformers.

Sensitivity Options
To Match Your System

WT350 amplifiers are available in two levels of sensitivity to best match your system needs. A brief explanation follows, but we recommend that you discuss your amplifier needs with us so we can help you decide which sensitivity level is best match for your system.
	The LS (low sensitivity) version uses a 6SN7 octal-based triode tube. It is ultra-linear and ultra-quiet. Because of its quietness, this version is ideal for high-sensitivity speakers. The high signal drive required by this amplifier makes it an ideal match with tube preamps, which normally can provide far greater output levels than solid-state preamps. If your preamp is not capable of putting out at least 4 volts rms (12 volts peak-to-peak, check with the manufacturer) you should use the HS version.
	The HS (high-sensitivity) version is suited for systems with solid-state preamps. It only requires 1.2 volts (rms) of input drive to reach full output power. Suited for all speakers, the HS version uses anl octal-based 6SL7 triode tube to provide "normal" amplifier sensitivity.
	Note: It is not possible to change the sensitivity of the amplifier simply by changing the tube type. The high and low sensitivity versions are built with different values of anode and cathode resistors, required to match the tube type.

 

XL Build Quality Option
When Only the Best Will Do.

Every Whole Tone amplifier provides exceptional sound quality. As mentioned previously, construction is robust, using double-sided circuit boards. We use precision metal-film resistors custom-built by PRP to Aria specifications (the most transparent metal-film resistor ever made). Cardas RCA inputs and speaker terminals are standard, and output stage energy reserve is provided by four Nichicon Gold Tune main capacitors.
	Personally installed in your system by the designer. For music lovers whose interest in sound quality is high, we offer the WT350 in a higher level of build-quality: the XL version. The very best parts are used, and the improvement in sound is apparent even to the casual listener. Resistors in critical locations are by Caddock and Mills, Black Gate powdered graphite capacitors are used in all essential power supply locations, Nichicon Super Through main capacitors are Energy storage capacitor assembly for the XL build is shown on the right. The standard WT-build caps are on the left. Click on the picture for an enlarged view. installed, and RCA jacks are upgraded to WBT jacks. Wiring is upgraded to Van den Hul "The Wind," And the power supply uses a choke input filter for sweeter sound.     And there's more: the tubes and critical signal components are cryogenically treated, which results in better electrical conductivity, a quieter background, and a smoother, grain-free sound. This, combined with the upgraded parts contributes to weightier, more coherent bass, quieter background, see-through transparancy, and warmer, more natural sound.     These are the world's best parts, seen in only the very best audio gear. Finally, XL versions includes personal setup in your soundroom by the designer, Michael Elliott (anywhere in the Americas or Europe some limitation apply). Click here for more information about the XL versions and why they offer the very best in sound.

WT 350 Mono Amp Model Numbers and Pricing:

All Prices are per pair.       WT350LS - Basic Low Sensitivity Version $8,799 (pair) Special Internet introductory Offer Price     WT350HS - BasicHigh Sensitivity Version $8,799 (pair) Special Internet introductory Offer Price     WT350LS XL - Low Sensitivity Version. Price includes personal setup in your sound room by Michael Elliott, offer good for anywhere in the Americas and Europe, some limitations apply. $19,299 (pair) MSRP     WT350HS XL - High Sensitivity Version. Price includes personal setup in your sound room by Michael Elliott, offer good for anywhere in the Americas and Europe, some limitations apply. $19,299 (pair) MSRP     WT350HS XM - High Sensitivity Version . The XM-class of amplifiers are export versions of the XL series that have to meet even more stringent electrical and sonic standards required in certain overseas markets. This is not a product normally intended for the U.S. market at all, but since the Internet reaches beyond our shores I must show it here as well. XM-class models are built on a per-order basis only. Contact Aria for more information. Price includes personal setup in your sound room by Michael Elliott, offer good for anywhere in the Americas and Europe, some limitations apply. $25,000 (pair) MSRP