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ELEKIT TUBE AMP
TUBE AMPLIFIER / EK JAPAN, 2008

ELEKIT TUBE AMPLIFIER
by Koichi Futatsumata / CASE-REAL

Design of a new generation vacuum tube amplifier for EK Japan Co., Ltd.(Fukuoka, Japan) who develops numerous electronic kits/ gadgets targeted at both children and adults.

Traditionally, the types of assembly audio kits EK JAPAN has developed have been largely for audio or mechanical maniacs, for an affordable price, thereby serving their quality of life by way of spending time to assemble and then to enjoy the audio from what they have made. The direction of a project commissioned to us this time was completely different and was to design a compact, stylish vacuum tube audio consonant with the life style of young generations novice about vacuum tube but are naively interested in the charm and atmosphere created from/ via a vacuum tube amplifier.

The prototype, as shown in the photo, is an embodiment of the concept which symbolically gives an accent on vacuum tubes on the top, supported by aluminum dials on the front integrating all controls thereinto and by the sides made of cast steel. So that a vacuum tube light stands out, the mechanical structure and parts (which usually exposed outside to radiate heat) are kept inside and the top aluminum plate functions as a heat sink instead.
The circuitry a hybrid configuration, and, on the right side is a mini- jack for portable music players like iPod.

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