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
October 29, 2024
Shunyata Research
Introducing Omega-X Digital Cables
The Omega-X digital cables are the finest performing digital cables ever produced by Shunyata Research, employing innovative, proprietary technologies that dramatically reduce common-mode noise, cable-induced jitter, and associated time smear. These advancements allow digital systems to perform at a level that rivals the world’s finest analog and master tape sources, unlocking the ultimate performance potential of digital playback.
Read more
January 5, 2026
Connected-Fidelity
Introducing our CF-1010 tone-arm
The CF-1010 is a 9-inch tonearm featuring a curved titanium arm tube with an integral headshell. The headshell incorporates a resonance-absorbing component, providing the fitted cartridge with excellent, resonance-free performance.
Read more
June 9, 2026
Bowers and Wilkins
Experience True Sound with Volvo
We’re thrilled to share that two new Volvo cars – the ES90 and EX60 – feature high-performance Bowers & Wilkins Sound Systems. With our most advanced in-car audio technology, optimised for each vehicle, every drive sounds unforgettable.
Read more
FOLLOW US