With a big order for WLM Acoustics coming in just then, team Trafomatic got seriously buried under a work avalanche but by April 19th, Sasa nonetheless managed to finalize the Kaivalya main circuit board layout. The 6th fuscia circle on the board is no belatedly added valve socket but an opening to feed through the interstage transformer leads.



Left are the raw aluminum back panels with their engraved markings and holes for the ground post, input RCA, output terminals and IEC power inlet.


Below is Sasa's partner Mica in charge of mechanical assembly. Here he puts together an enclosure from dual-layer wood panels with an inner copper liner foil shield. Just like vintage furniture makers, Mica uses string clamping and hand-made corner pulls during the gluing process of the mitered panels. A plywood base doubles as guide for perfect squaring.


The next photo shows the individual panels followed by the rear panel still on the router, then the IT bobbin parts during routing and finally, assembled.




By May 11, the next batch of photos followed. Mica had paint prepped the enclosure and transformer cans with base coats. Without expensive clean-room conditions, I expected that he was really sweating the final white glass layers. I'd reviewed the gloss-black 300B monos to know he was fully up to the task. But I still could appreciate the considerable challenge involved.

The drying racks also held transformer covers in two different diameters. The smaller cans would be for the two frontal positions one behind the other, the bigger ones would anchor the rear side by side.

The circuit boards were populated...



... the elusive interstage transformers wound and encased and the top plates cut. "A million and sundry things remain to be done but we have made progress." Sasa sounded nearly apologetic but I was in zero hurry. Considering that this custom commission had to rely on spare time whilst Trafomatic Audio ran its regular production to fulfill dealer and distributor orders in a timely manner, I was simply pleased to observe the gestation process from afar.


By May 25, Mica had five pairs of chassis ready. He mocked up a full assembly. Knob and top plate weren't yet attached, tube sockets not mounted so the valves simply sat in their holes. But watching a mere idea take form was exciting. 6moons too started as just a wild notion. The final result is more virtual than holding something concrete and weighty in your hands. It seemed I soon would have my hands full.


Sasa meanwhile was already off to the next project: "I have an idea for a smaller amp. It'll be the next in the White Range - dual mono single chassis, with two EL84 per side and P/P UL configuration as a pure power amp. Price should be about €1750 with shipping in the EU, about €1850 worldwide. This idea came from a personal need in my living room.


"With my CD player's quality variable valve output, I only need an EL84 power amp. This one won't be IT-coupled but it shall use the same ECC82 driver and some great tricks which I learned during the Kaivalya project, including the dual C-core output transformer with separate anode and G2 windings, peak-current control transistors and minimal local feedback. I'm even considering a headphone output. It would have three or four different impedances like our Head One all run off dedicated transformer secondaries. That's a lot better than using the speaker outputs through load resistors. We'll see. The name of the amp will be Homa. It's half of hommage like half a Kaivalya. It also means fire ritual in Sanskrit. That too is fitting for a valve amp."


If I had needed confirmation that the Kaivalya project would kick off an entire new Trafomatic Audio line, this was it. Sasa was quick to be specific. "The White Range will probably be limited to just three models - the Homa stereo amp, the Kaivalya monos and, in 2011, a matching preamplifier. I'll sell those models exclusively direct to give my customers the very best price. Because the gloss lacquer turned out so fantastic, I've already decided to accommodate requests. If someone wants a particular lacquer color, we'll do it, never mind the 'white' in range."
Trafomatic Audio website