Security
A tube amplifier is operated at high voltages and it gets hot during operation. The Erik Signature 70 is a single-ended class-A amplifier with high power and therefore no exception. It generates a lot of heat!
A protective cover is therefore absolutely necessary to protect against accidents and to comply with regulations (which exists to protect against accidents.......).
In order not to affect the aesthetic impression of the amplifier, the protective cover is made of sturdy 2 mm thick iron which is curved to the same radius as the front panel. The finished cover is carefully welded at the edges and sanded by hand before painting in black textured paint.
The protective cover is very well ventilated and has no significant effect on the cooling of the amplifier. Under subdued lighting, the intense glow of the GM70 tubes also forms a lovely pattern on the walls through the protective covers perforation.
​
During the testing of the protective cover, it was found that the surface temperature was well below the maximum allowed.
Inside the triode GM70, the anode voltage is over 1000 volts and the filament has a power consumption of 60 watts, which requires a high quality of the tube socket.
​
We tested several sockets available on the market, but none simultaneously met all our requirements for safety, perfect contact and stability. The only option in the end was therefore to manufacture our own!
The tube sockets are milled out of 30 millimeter thick woven bakelite (Pertinax). We do not consider the material Teflon to be completely suitable as it cold-flows, i.e. deforms slowly under load.
The tube sockets are equipped with silver-coated contact sleeves that can withstand high currents.
The contact springs inside the sleeves have a firm grip on the GM70 pins to minimize the risk of microphonic feedback and to ensure electrical contact even after many tube insertions and removals.
​
To protect the user from electric shock, the anode sleeve is recessed and covered with an insulating sheet of Pertinax.
​