First Watt SIT-4 First Watt, October 24, 2023

The SIT-4 is the First Watt power amplifier using the industrial grade Static Induction Transistors. It is preceded by the ground breaking SIT-1, 2, and 3 and follows their technical philosophy and construction.

An important difference in the SIT-4 is the SIT device itself. The previous three designs used Silicon Carbide to make a custom vertical power Jfet with a low impedance Drain whose character nicely emulated a power Triode tube, but directly operating at the current and voltage that would drive loudspeakers without the requirement for an output transformer. SITs lend themselves to high quality audio performance with very simple Class A circuits with little or no dependence on other active circuit elements or negative feedback. The Common Source mode SIT-1 could do the job surrounded by only passive elements, and the SIT-2 required only bias from a current source. The SIT-3 upped the game with Common Drain design biased by a novel Pass circuit, MUFF (Mu Follower/Follower). The SIT-4 follows in the Common Source footsteps but ups the game with an industrial SIT. The SIT-1/2/3 gain transistors were rated at a few amps and about 50 watts dissipation. This amplifier uses a Tokin THF51s rated at 600 volts, 30 amps and 400 watts. As a practical matter, the limitations of the SIT-4 circuit are the size of the heat sinks. And this big Jfet manages a bandwidth of 50 megaHertz… The circuit of the SIT-4 is simple. Q1 is a new-old-stock Toshiba 2SK170 which drives the Gate of the Q2 SIT, whose output is biased by a mu-follower current source Q3.

Press Release Documents

Website Address

https://www.firstwatt.com/
More Press Releases
February 10, 2025
Esoteric
Esoteric launches Grandioso N1T, the first-ever network streamer in the prestigious Grandioso series
Esoteric proudly launches Grandioso N1T, the first-ever network streamer in the prestigious Grandioso series. Designed to redefine audio performance, the N1T seamlessly pairs with the renowned Grandioso D1X SE monoblock DACs and the K1X SE Super Audio CD Player with DAC, to unlock a new dimension of streaming playback and the unmistakable craftsmanship that defines the Grandioso name. The product will be internationally available for shipment in March 2025.
Read more
May 24, 2024
Ayon Audio
AYON CONQUISTADOR EVO “S t a t e o f t h e A r t & C o s t – n o – O b j e c t”
This preamp is inimitable with a unique character. With the Conquistador Evo everything started with a blank sheet of paper. Developing and designing a new project you must think unlimited and scrutinize everything. This way the Conquistador was created and it is a highlight in design and engineering art.
Read more
March 19, 2026
Wilson Benesch
Wilson Benesch Greenwich Turntable Launch.
THE FOUNDATION OF THE WILSON BENESCH GMT® ANALOGUE ARCHITECTURE. The Greenwich Turntable establishes the entry point into the GMT® platform, built around the ALPHA–OMEGA direct drive architecture shared with the Prime Meridian and GMT® One Turntables.
Read more
FOLLOW US