ULTRAPATH  bp
 

The newly designed chassis sports a solid Bubinga hardwood base to match our new amplifier products and of course, as planned, this new design includes our remote controlled stepped attenuator.  Also featured is a new smart charging system to protect the batteries from deep discharge thus prolonging their life plus the ability to select a filament battery size to meet your daily use requirements.  The 24 volt batteries have been moved inside the preamp chassis leaving the outboard connections for the charging system and 6 volt filament batteries.
 

Our ULTRAPATH bp (the "bp" stands for  "battery powered") tube linestage is the first battery powered all-tube preamp kit to hit the market.  Based on Jack Elliano's (ElectraPrint Audio) original Ultrapath circuit and utilizing the 6GM8/ECC86 tube, which was developed solely for automotive applications, the ULTRAPATH bp sports several interesting design features:

-Unique Ultrapath Circuitry
-Complete Dual-Mono Design
-Transformer Coupled Output w/extra Headphone Tap
-Low Voltage Battery Supply: 24V B+ and 6V Filament
-Remote Controlled Stepped Attenuation, Balance, Source Selection, Mute and power on-off.

What's so special about battery power you might ask?  Well... it gets you off of the grid that's what!!!  No noise can be injected into the preamp from your ac power mains and so external filtering of your ac power is not required, i.e. ac filters, power conditioners or fancy power cords won't do a thing for the Ultrapath!  As a result, this vacuum tube linestage is DEAD QUIET... no buzz, grunge, hash, hum or tube hiss to get in the way of your music. You CAN hear the difference.

- Unique Ultrapath Circuitry
Jack Elliano's Ultrapath is very unique in that with the precise placement of one capacitor all electrolytic capacitors are removed from the signal path..... and I mean ALL!!  By moving the "ground end" of the cathode bypass capacitor to the B+ side of the output transformer and changing it to a film or oil type cap, it and all power supply caps are effectively removed from the signal path.  I very affectionately refer to this new cap as the Ultrapath Cap.  Instead of completing the signal path (via the ground connection), all the B+ filter cap does now is filter noise away from the audio circuit thus reducing the need for a super high quality cap in this position.  We'll still sell you a ELNA Cerafine for this position but most likely you won't hear a difference between it and a standard off-the-shelf electrolytic.
 

The new ULTRAPATH bp features 5 inputs and 1 output with the option for a headphone output.  A circuit board is incorporated to facilitate and simplify the switching and routing of power supply signals.  The actual signal path length on the circuit board is less than two inches so you guys that are having a heart attack right about now because I'm using a circuit board.....get over it!  The circuit board will save you at least three hours of assembly time and introduces no sonic degradation.  Of course you could always set up a few terminal strips inside the unit and wire it point-to-point, just don't ask me to sell you the kit without the circuit board.

- Complete Dual-Mono Design
The ULTRAPATH bp is dual-mono, meaning the left and right channels are completely separate and independent from each other all the way through to the power supply. The benefits of a dual-mono design include reduced crosstalk and no channel-to-channel power supply interactions.

- Transformer Coupled Output w/extra Headphone Tap
The UltraPath circuitry's output transformer provides a constant and low (<600 ohms) output impedance capable of driving long interconnects and other difficult loads. A second 300 ohm tap is provided for use with headphones.  With this tap, you can make the ULTRAPATH bp a standalone headphone amp or wire the second set of outputs for optional headphone use.  For those of you with headphones rated at less than 300 ohms, a resistive network can be easily implemented to match the lower impedances without substantial gain loss or degraded sonics.  There are plenty of locations on the chassis for you to install a phono jack should you desire one.

- Low Voltage Battery Operation
The ULTRAPATH bp utilizes a dual-mono battery power supply, that is, each channel has its own set of 24V and 6V batteries.  A new smart charging supply is used to allow the batteries to be continuously charged when not in use.  The handheld remote control "Power" button selects between the charging mode and battery supply mode.  While in the battery supply mode, the batteries are disconnected from the ac battery charging circuit and its ac ground thus completely isolating the ULTRAPATH bp from any ac noise. In the charging mode, a set of LEDs are lit on the battery charger chassis.

In the new ULTRAPATH bp, we have moved the 24V batteries into the actual linestage chassis and have incorporated separate umbilical cord connections for the 6 volt filament batteries and the battery charger.  We have added this feature because we learned from previous Ultrapath owners that many of you like to leave your system turned on for 8 or more hours each day.  With the previous design this resulted in the filament batteries becoming deep-discharged too often and therefore reduced their lifetime.  Having the separate 6 volt batteries will allow you to choose just how much power you need for your particular listening habits.  As a minimum we recommend a pair of 12AH batteries for typical everyday use (1-3 hours per day).  Like to run your system all day long?  Then you have the option of connecting a pair of 20-30AH batteries to the Ultrapath and thus not having to worry about deep discharging them.  You should receive 10-18 hours of use, or more, from an overnight charge (~10 hours charging time) depending upon the Amp Hour rating chosen for the 6 volt filament batteries.

Just a few thoughts on the use of batteries:   Obviously battery operation will require a little more attention on your part. As such, you will have to make sure you switch the batteries into the charging mode each time you're finished listening to your system, otherwise the batteries will drain to zero and you'll have no tunes next time you're ready for a listen!  Deep discharging the batteries will also reduce their useful life.  So you will have to learn a new habit. Think of it like getting a new pet.... eventually you'll remember to automatically put food in its bowl everyday.  Well cared for batteries should last for 2 or more years before replacement is needed however your mileage may vary depending upon your daily usage.

- Remote Control Operation
We have added our remote controlled stepped attenuator design to the new ULTRAPATH bp.  Obviously this feature gives you the ability to control the linestage from your listening chair (Honey, while you're up, could you grab me a beer?).  The wireless handheld remote controls the volume in 60 very fine steps, left/right balance, mute and source selection.  Pressing the mute button attenuates the signal to full off and the digital display flashes while in this mode.  Pressing the mute button again, returns the volume level to its previous position.  A Power button on the handheld remote turns the Ultrapath on and off.  In the off mode, the display goes blank and the linestage is automatically transferred to the battery charging mode.  Sooo.... when you are heading upstairs to bed at night and you notice that the Ultrapath's display is still on, you will be reminded to turn the unit off so it can recharge its batteries.
 

A quick note on assembled units:    Assembled units will cost an extra $500 but even at this price you're getting a Smokin' Deal compared to a comparable piece of equipment found at your local high end store. Sorry, but we do not offer an audition period for assembled units....the kit builders don't get one so why should you? Assembled units are considered a custom job for us as we build your Ultrapath as we receive your order, therefore payment is required in advance and cancellations are not allowed.  Delivery time on assembled units is typically 3-4 weeks so your patience is appreciated.  All assembled units have a 2 year warranty except for the tubes.
 

Pricing, Options and Add-Ons

There are no options!  Ok I lied, there is one option, you can purchase the Ultrapath (KIT) with or without batteries.  We are offering the "without battery" option primarily for our international customers who will be able to save a significant amount of money on shipping costs if they pick up a set of batteries locally.

Previously we offered a Basic version and an Ultimate version of the Ultrapath however a significant difference in the price was due to the inexpensive volume control versus the GoldPoint Ladder attenuators.  Now that we have included our remote controlled stepped attenuator to the design it has closed the price gap and thus we have decided to offer just one version.

The new ULTRAPATH bp kit includes everything needed to assemble a complete preamp including:
ElectraPrint output transformers, Vampire Gold Plated rca jacks, remote controlled attenuator, Caddock resistors, ASC Ultrapath cap, Elna Cerafine capacitors, the battery charger with umbilical, 24V and 6V (12AH) batteries, Welborne Labs OFC internal hookup wire, Bubinga hardwood chassis and a set of 6GM8/ECC86 tubes..

Kit Price      $1295.00
Assembled   $1795.00

I personally feel this is a killer price for a linestage with this many features and this quality of sound and I would not be afraid to match the ULTRAPATH bp against ANY preamp in the world!  It's quiet, it has the ability to capture all of the low level resolution on a disk, it throws a nice broad soundstage and it's dynamic too!  Did I say it's quiet?  Yes, don't be afraid to connect this baby up to your super efficient horn systems if you got em.
 

ULTRAPATH KIT
The kit is available with or without batteries and you have the option of purchasing the kit with the standard 12AH 6V batteries or the extended operation 20AH 6V batteries.  For those of you purchasing the kit without batteries, we have included several battery model numbers listed below.
 

ULTRAPATH ASSEMBLED
The assembled version of the Ultrapath is not available without batteries. 2 year warranty on assembled models.
 

Batteries
Each Ultrapath uses four (4) 12 volt batteries and two (2) 6 volt batteries.  These are Rechargeable Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries.

12 Volt Battery Suppliers
- Power Sonic: Part Number PS-1212
- Panasonic: Part Number LC-R121R3P
- YUSA: Part Number NP1.2-12
- Carefree: Part Number CF12V1.3

6 Volt Battery Suppliers
- Power Sonic: Part Number PS-6100-F1 (12AH)
- Power Sonic: Part Number PS-6200NB (20AH)
- Panasonic: Part Number LC-R0612P (12AH)
- YUSA: Part Number NP10-6 (10AH)
- Carefree: Part Number CF6V12 (12AH)
- CSB: Part Number GP6120 (12AH)

See below for Tube upgrade options

ECC86/6GM8 NOS Tubes

PLEASE NOTE:  At this time, these tubes are only sold to individuals that have purchased a Hybrid X kit.

All tubes are tested, matched using a calibrated tester and warranted for 6 months.

VALVO

Valvo brand - made in Germany  One matched pair.

PICTURE SOON

AMPEREX

Amperex brand - made in Holland  One matched pair.

TELEFUNKEN

TELEFUNKEN - DIAMOND BASE

Telefunken brand - made in Germany  One matched pair.

EH6922- ELECTRO HARMONIX

EH6922 GOLD PIN- ELECTRO HARMONIX

Electro Harmonix with gold pins- made in Russia  One matched pair.

HOME

SITE INDEX

CONTACTS