Western Electric 91E Single-Ended 300B Integrated Amplifier, Silver (Nickel) - DEMO

Description

First demo we've had - Gorgeous Optional Nickel Finish - Great opportunity to own one of the finest amplifiers on the planet!

Made for listeners who demand the absolute finest in tube sound -
 

Introducing our flagship integrated amplifier. The 91E is the latest advancement in single-ended sound, energized by its famous predecessor the WE 91A.

At double the power, you’ve never heard the 300B express itself like this before. A new level of performance has been achieved with a completely new approach to SE amplifier design. The 91E’s circuitry intelligently steers the parallel feed constant current source (SCCS), allowing the tubes to deliver more than double their previously rated output of 7-8 watts.

FEATURES:
 

The Western Electric Type 91E is a Class A, single-ended (SE), integrated amplifier for high-fidelity audio reproduction. The 91E was made for the Western Electric 300B to provide end users the highest possible performance and quality.

Steered Current Source Technology (SCS) - Experience double the traditional output power with advanced, single-ended (SE) circuit design. This new level of performance is reached by using a fully linear, steered current source (US Patent 10256776) controlled exclusively by the tube’s output voltage. The excess of common large output transformers and associated hysteresis is eliminated, and as a result, lush detail in the midrange and masterfully articulated upper and lower frequencies are revealed.

Stepped Logarithmic Attenuator - A stepped logarithmic attenuator is used to mimic the response of human hearing. The attenuator consists of only discrete resistors in a ladder configuration that are switched in and out of circuit to produce a logarithmic attenuation of the output signal. 

Interchangeable Transformer Block - The standard 8-ohm transformer block can be interchanged with the optional 4-ohm or 16-ohm version. This feature is unique to the 91E Integrated Amplifier and allows users to match speaker impedance for improved fidelity. Single impedance transformers maintain lower winding capacitance normally vitiated with multiple tap transformers.

Breakthrough Power - The 91E delivers twice the output power of traditional 300B amplifiers. The secret? Innovative circuit design, patented to work in harmony with the original WE 300B. Listeners can pair the 91E with virtually any loudspeakers (low or high-efficiency) to fill the room with a lush, brilliantly articulated soundstage. Simply put—it drives anything. 

Quality Craftsmanship - The 91E is built to last forever. Feel the quality of a machined aluminum chassis, no-nonsense panel controls, and a sophisticated LCD display. Ken Micallef of Stereophile said it best: "The 91E harks back to the golden era of US manufacturing when superb craftsmanship was standard practice for a successful American business."

Tubes Included - The 300B is the most iconic power tube in the world. The 91E ships with a new matched pair, hand-calibrated to fit your particular unit. The tubes are automatically biased with each startup, meaning more listening time and more confidence you're getting most out of your whole setup. Did we mention the tubes have a 5-year extended warranty? 

Trouble-Free. Noise-Free - Common output transformers are large and excessive. The 91E has smaller, interchangeable transformer blocks that allow users to match speaker impedance.* The result? Lower hysteresis, lower distortion, and a lush soundstage. This is one of many problem-solving features that guarantee a black-background soundstage, suited for the most discerning listeners.

Customer Service - Western Electric products come with our make-it-right customer service attitude. You can always count on a quick solution, whether you’re on a quick call with Service & Support or receiving a one-on-one consultation with our amp engineers.

LCD Display - A bright and easy to read color display shows the selected input, attenuator level, and VU meter. The display also shows settings which can be adjusted by the included remote control. The display is dimmable. 

Remote Control - The included infrared remote control allows for quick adjustment of amplifier settings such as input levels, balance, and display dimming.

Six Audio Inputs - Up to six (6) source devices can be connected during amplifier operation. 

Auto-Bias - Microprocessors automatically bias the 300B tube pair each time the amplifier is powered on. No manual adjustment is necessary.

Bluetooth Compatibility - BT compatible audio input is available for wireless convenience.

Software & Firmware Updates - via Ethernet Connection and USB

REVIEWS:

The Absolute Sound: "The 91E is a very special product. It has real innovation in design that is not hype. It is delivering sound quality beyond what I’ve previously heard from any 300B amplifier. The areas that it excels in redefined for me just how great some of the recordings I listened to are. The best sound I’ve achieved on this system was listening to jazz and vocals. The presentation was so organic and fluid that I just wanted to melt into the listening chair and listen for hours. The only time I was not impressed was when the amp wasn’t adequately warmed up, and that was my fault, not that of the equipment.

If you are in the market for an integrated tube amplifier and have ever been exposed to the beautiful sound that 300Bs can offer, the 91E is a must audition. And while not inexpensive at $15k, I find it to be an extremely high value for what it delivers. I’m very happy WE is back and looking forward to more innovations. Very highly recommended!" - Rives Bird, March 2023

THE ABSOLUTE SOUIND Product of the year 2022
 

THE ABSOLUTE SOUND - “This unit is groundbreaking…”

“The Western Electric 91E is a unique combination of ‘old and new.’ The heart of the unit is the WE 300B tube, which is made—right here in the U.S.A. by WE—to the same standards and specifications as the original WE 300B tube, with some enhancements to the manufacturing process that increase the tube’s longevity. The amplifier also blends an old circuit design (Class A2) for driving the grid of the tube with new innovative circuits like the patented SCCS (Steered Constant Current Source). Reviewer Rives Bird found the result to be nothing short of magical. Leading-edge designs like the 91E are not just hyperbole. They deliver real benefits, such as 20 watts of power from a 300B in single-ended triode (SET) mode. The 91E offers all the sonic benefits of the 300B without the shortcomings: well-controlled bass, a wonderful top end, and a five-year warranty on the pair of 300B tubes. It is refreshing to see tubes being made in the U.S. again. What’s even more impressive is the commitment Charles Whitener, WE’s CEO, has made to quality and execution. This unit is groundbreaking. It delivers an incredibly high standard at a relatively affordable price. [The reviewer] was so impressed he purchased the review sample and listens to it daily.”- Excerpt from The Absolute Sound, Jan 2023

STEREOPHILE: “The 91E elicited consistent musical pleasure. Western Electric is back.”

“It is one of the most neutral, down-the-center, frequency-pure amplifiers I've reviewed. While it delivered that sweet 'n pure triode-treble audiophiles relish, and a room-filling soundstage, it exhibited a trait not commonly associated with tube amplifiers, let alone SET amps: as Whitener claimed, the 91E's low end was tight and accurate. Whether spinning Weather Report or Wagner, Brubeck or Brahms, if deep bass was impressed into the vinyl, the 91E delivered, time after time.”

"The 91E harks back to the golden era of US manufacturing when superb craftsmanship was standard practice for a successful American business.” - Ken Micallf

HIFI NEWS: "This is the best low-power amp I’ve ever heard, its scale and naturalness rivalling anything I can name – whatever the wattage."

THE ROBB REPORT: "Unquestionably our favorite product of the year, this vacuum tube altar to amplification features a full-function preamp with phono stage and even offers Bluetooth streaming. Uniquely, it makes 20 watts per channel of glorious single-ended triode power from a pair of Western Electric 300B vacuum tubes that present a rich, multilayered audio experience that sounds as seductive as it is addictive. Extolling the sonic virtues of the 300B vacuum tube to someone unfamiliar with this amplification device is like expaining how a truffle is unlike any common mushroom. Plus, the component's exquisitely machined casework reminds us that audio gear can be artwork, too."