Wilcott 400 watt tube mono block

[jdandy]

While researching tube power amps today I came across Wolcott Audio, a California based audio manufacturer. The Wolcott P400 Reference tube amp is their biggest tube mono amplifier at 400 watts. The specifications look very good, and the features include Cardis gold plated RCA and XLR inputs, as well as a 14kt gold plated face plate or a brushed aluminum face plate. Price is stated as $13,338 per pair in Brushed Aluminum Trim, and $13,699 per pair in 14 Karat Gold Plated Trim.

A remarkable feature is the amplifier's built-in computer control system which digitally sets the bias on each of the eight output tubes for the same optimum level of plate current during the 3 minute warm-up period following turn-on, after which the system turns off, holds the bias levels in memory and then unmutes the amplifier for play. An LED, dedicated to each tube, indicates proper operation when lighted and when not, signifies a weak or defective tube. Due to automatic adjustment each time the amplifier is turned on, performance and tube life are maximized and bad tubes can be replaced without regard to matching, since matched tubes are not required.



Has anyone had any experience with Wolcott Audio tube power amplifiers?

[Vintage Pete]

Never heard of it but it does look very purdy!

Pete

[joeinid]

Hi Dan,

I seriously looked into these but there did not seem to be enough of a user base to make me feel comfortable. I've bought into enough of the smaller companies with the latest and greatest but they eventually go out of business leaving customers hanging. They do look very impressive and I think there are some users on audiogon who have them listed in their systems. I would like to hear them though. It seems their prices have dropped since I last checked them out.

Tube Amplifiers - Vacuum Tube Amplifiers - Loudspeakers - Wolcott Audio Research

[jdandy]

Joe.......Wilcott Audio seems to have worldwide distribution. Besides the US, I see they have dealers in Switzerland, Brazil, Thailand, Jordan, Spain, and Australia. It doesn't appear they are a flash in the pan company.

[joeinid]

That's why I don't bet, play the ponies, or pick stocks any more .

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by joeinid

That's why I don't bet, play the ponies, or pick stocks any more .

Joe.......I hear you. Just ran across the amp during a search, and wondered if anyone had heard of Wilcott Audio, or might own a pair of their amps. I don't gamble, either.

[joeinid]

Dan,

Here are a few systems with Wolcott amps. Some are pretty outrageous.

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[Bassamps]

Hi
I'm familiar with Wolcotts amplifier designs
They went first under the name Optimation inc. Manufacture for the MIL an calibration Labs.
I Have his earlier serie of amplifier JBL PL-100 from 1960 and the prelude to presence from1967.

Henry Wolcott is not active today because hi is not well
2005 was the Last time I had contact with him.
2010 he had a partner" Patrick L. McGuire" but there were some problem for him to take over the buiseness.

Answer from his partner 2010
(Patrick L. McGuire )
No current production. I hope to resume production in a few more months.
I can service the amplifiers in Northern California. I attempted to get someone online in New York, but that fell through. At one time there was a Swiss repairman, but I don't know how to contact him. Some spare parts are available.