ENIGMA Amp Head 10w

We are now accepting limited pre-orders on our long anticipated Enigma amplifier, the much anticipated follow up to our Dark Gene mini amps!
 
Note: Reference pics are of prototype unit, digitally modified with lettering added. Lettering will be a different font and rear switch will be deleted. Modified output transformer will include 4 ohm output jack and both transformers are custom ordered, completely shielded with metal end bells added. IEC mains socket will be added as well, eliminating hard wired power cord.
 
Our 10w Enigma circuit draws inspiration wholly from the esoteric circuitry of the legendary Dumble Overdrive Special amplifiers of the late 70s and 80s at a very manageable 10w, with onboard FX loop and foot switchable overdrive. Each unit is hand wired one at a time and meticulously constructed to mil-spec standards. Our component choices are made primarily for tone, but also for longevity.
 
Clean Tones
 
Starting with the Volume control, this sets the amount of clean content as the Treble, Bass and Mid controls set the frequency response of the amplifier, both in clean mode and in overdrive. 'Bright' and 'Mid' toggle switches have been added to further adjust the range, as well as shift certain qualities of the top end and midrange structure. From glassy, bouncy cleans, reminiscent of mid 60s Fender black panel amplifiers to thick, midrange presence and much more, one can sculpt many different tones from the simple but effective front end that offers phenomenal clarity and dimensional qualities.
 
Overdrive
 
This is where the party really starts! Our Enigma circuit faithfully captures the often fabled and elusive harmonic qualities of the classic Overdrive Special amplifiers without the six figure price tag or prohibitive 100w power output. Featured is a dedicated 'Overdrive' control to set the amount of overdriven content and a particularly useful 'Ratio' control that adjusts the overdriven output prior to the 'Level' control that acts as a global master volume, affecting both clean and OD levels. The harmonics generated by these circuits is typically characterized as complex, present and replete with lower mid fullness that came to be known as the "Dumble sound." It is why we have decided to offer our take on the venerable topology in addition to creating something that is unique, affordable and a very fresh take on what is possible from smaller form factors these days. An OD switch has conveniently been placed on the front panel to manually actuate the overdrive circuit or set it for use via foot switch. Despite its diminuitive size, we offer remote switching for the overdrive channel via a lengthy, single button footwich that is included with every purchase!
 
Metro Zero Loss FX Loop
 
Each Enigma amplifier comes stock with the Metro Zero Loss FX Loop, optimally calibrated before shipping to plug in and play! We have also included a toggle switch between the 'Send' and 'Return' jacks to disengage the loop if not desired. While the loop is spectacularly transparent, some users occasionally want a 100% tube audio path. We would like to thank George and his team at Metropoulos Amps for granting us permission to use and market their fantastic loop!
 
About our Enigma amplifier:
 
Running in true class A operation, the Enigma circuit's cathode biased output section can support 6L6, EL34 and 6V6 (lower power output) power tubes without the need for any bias adjustment. The preamp can be summed up as two separate sections: clean and overdrive. The two preamp tubes are both 12AX7/ECC83, but can be substituted for 5751, 12AY7, etc. Both clean and overdrive circuits are optimized for the gain and internal specs of the 12AX7 but we certainly understand that many enthusiastic folks do love to roll tubes and we always encourage experimentation to ideally tailor an amp to the players wants/needs. Following in the style of the original topology, we also include an "overdrive trigger" trim pot internally that is exponentially useful when setting the content of the overdrive section, range of the OD control and can be tailored to the specific taste of the user. We welcome adding notes when ordering to accommodate as best we can when setting this control. The overdrive section is followed by the Metro Zero Loss FX Loop that is ideally placed just before the output section and even adds a bit of headroom when utilizing pedals, such as delay, reverb, etc. The size of the unit is considerably larger than the mini Dark Gene amps, but still very conveniently compact at only 10 3/4" width, 7" depth and just 8" tall (includes output tube), weighing roughly 7 lbs. Additionally, we have had custom power transformer and output transformers designed to offer international mains voltage accommodation, shipping abroad and two separate output impedance taps!
 
Our follow-up iteration of what was initially going to be known formally as the "Dark Gene Plus" was decidedly converted into an entirely new model as we initially attempted a 2w version (with dual triode 6SN7 output tube) that simply could not deliver the headroom we wanted to achieve as a truly impressive segue into a model that features more of everything that has been requested over recent years and since the original Dark Gene amp's inception. Conclusively, we are tremendously happy with Enigma's end result and think you will be too!
 
Enigma Features
10w Output Power
Power Tube: EL34, 6L6 or 6V6 (no biasing necessary)
Preamp Tubes: 12AX7/ECC83 x2
Channel Switching (footswitch included)
Onboard Metro Zero Loss FX Loop (w/ bypass switch)
Dedicated Clean & Overdrive Sections
Toggle Switches for 'Bright' & 'Mid'
4 & 8 ohm Output Impedance
120vac or 240vac @ 50/60Hz (hardwired)
International Orders (add note at checkout for 240v option)
Includes IEC Plug & 8' Power Cord
Handwired PTP in McAllen, Texas
 
NOTICE: THESE AMPLIFIERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER AND LEAD TIME IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. SHIPPING IS ESTIMATED TO BEGIN AT THE EARLIEST, MID FEBRUARY, AND CONTINUE INTO MARCH/APRIL WITH OUR CURRENT PRE-ORDER QUANITITY. EACH UNIT IS BUILT TO ORDER, ONE AT A TIME. PLEASE CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION.
 
Shipping domestic USPS Ground Advantage/UPS with a signature required. International shipping USPS Priority International/UPS International.