In the world of high-end audio, Solarys emerges as the new single ended amplifier from SB-LAB, designed for those who seek the authentic emotion of pure tube sound. A project that represents the ultimate synthesis of years of research, experience, and passion for music reproduced with the highest transparency. Solarys is not just an amplifier, but a sensory experience. Every component, every tube, every transformer has been carefully designed with the sole purpose of delivering the natural and three-dimensional musicality that only a great triode like the 845 can offer.
At the heart of Solarys lies a single ended 845 tube, driven masterfully by a 6EM7: the signal section serves as a preamplifier stage loaded with a CCS, while the power section of the same 6EM7 acts as a direct driver for the 845, ensuring optimal swing and impedance for flawless control. The driver stage is powered by a GZ34 tube rectifier, providing smooth and stable voltage to the pre/driver circuit, while the 845 benefits from an independent high-voltage supply at 1000 volts, fully separated for maximum sonic purity.
The design is dual-mono, conceived to achieve absolute channel separation and a wide, realistic soundstage. The negative feedback can be enabled or disabled at will, allowing the listener to choose between the natural openness of the “no feedback” mode and the controlled precision of the feedback engaged mode.
The result of this technical balance is truly remarkable:
- 22 W RMS in class A per channel
- Damping factor (DF) of 8.2 with NFB and 3 without NFB
- Total harmonic distortion (THD) of 0.6 %
- Frequency response from 10 Hz to 50 kHz (–0.2 dB), guaranteed by the excellent output transformer SE6K-845
Every section has been refined with artisanal care: dedicated chokes, CLC filtering, and transformers designed specifically for this sonic machine. The result is a quiet, stable, and extraordinarily dynamic amplifier, capable of enhancing the tonal naturalness of any high-efficiency loudspeaker.
Compared to the experimental versions of 2023, Solarys represents the complete evolution of the single ended 845 concept: a premium project that embodies the essence of SB-LAB sound, now available as a professional schematic (premium schematic with its dedicated transformer set) or as a fully assembled, certified amplifier with official SB-LAB warranty.
Main specifications
- Topology: Single Ended Dual-Mono
- Tubes: 1× 6EM7 (pre/driver), 1× 845 (final), 1× GZ34 (rectifier for driver section)
- Power: 22 W RMS per channel
- Final stage supply: 1000 V independent
- Damping factor: 8.2
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.6 %
- Frequency response: 10 Hz – 50 kHz (–0.2 dB)
- Feedback: switchable
- Construction: dual-mono with dedicated chokes and transformers
The Sound of Solarys
Listening to Solarys is an experience that transcends numbers and measurements. Its sound is deep, airy, and sculpted in silence. Voices emerge with disarming naturalness, instruments take shape in space with physical presence, and every detail—from a singer’s breath to the vibration of a string—appears vivid and lifelike. The 845 offers a rare balance between power and sweetness, with micro-detail that one perceives more with the soul than with the ear. The bass is full but never invasive, the midrange delivers that intimate magic typical of great triodes, and the top end extends clean and silky, free of harshness. Those who have listened to it describe it as an amplifier that “makes the speakers disappear,” leaving only the music floating in space.
Technical Verification and Analysis of the Solarys Project
Among the following images, you can see one of the units brought to my lab for a full operational check. From this sample I extracted all the official measurement data of the Solarys project, including the frequency response curve, the harmonic distortion (THD) plot, and the square waveforms at 100 Hz, 1 kHz, and 10 kHz. These tests confirmed the excellent theoretical performance of the circuit, showing stable and linear behavior consistent with the SB-LAB philosophy of maximum sonic transparency.
Frequency Response
Harmonic Distortion
Square Waves at 100Hz / 1kHz / 10kHz
Customer Builds
Browsing through these images, you can admire several SB-LAB customer builds, each with its own personal touch. Some have faithfully followed the original project, while others have reinterpreted it with unique aesthetic and technical solutions. In every case, the same authentic passion for high-quality audio shines through — the passion that drives enthusiasts to handcraft amplifiers capable of evoking emotion with every note. Every solder joint, every component choice tells a story of dedication and love for sound.
Availability
The Solarys project is available in three formats:
- Premium schematic with SB-LAB license
- Complete transformer set for building the 845 monoblock version
- Finished amplifier, assembled, tested, certified, and covered by SB-LAB warranty
Every component is built to SB-LAB specification, and each amplifier is entirely handcrafted in Italy using top-quality materials. For information, orders, or custom requests, contact me directly through the SB-LAB website form. Solarys is the culmination of a long technical and sonic journey, designed for those who want to own a true reference single ended amplifier powered by the legendary 845 tube.