A totally new British amplifier.. A challenge?

[anthonyTD]

Hi Josie,
As others have said, its very difficult to find components manufactured in the UK, but its very posible to manufacture a completed product with everything sourced in and from the UK, and its something i have always Believed in since i started producing Amplifiers over 20 years ago now. Cost play's a big part in being able to make products competetive, however; that has never bothered me, for me the finnished product costs what it does, because of what's gone into making it, and the ethics behind the whole process.
I hope this helps.
A...

I agree in regards to base materials, some materials are only found in certain parts of the globe.

But surely they manufacture parts here? And are proud to do so too? For example, charcroft, claritycap...?


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[hifi_dave]

Rega manufacture everything in the UK right down to the packaging. Of course not every component is UK, I think that would be impossible nowadays but all assembled in Southend.

[The Black Adder]

Hi Josie,
As others have said, its very difficult to find components manufactured in the UK, but its very posible to manufacture a completed product with everything sourced from the UK, and its something i have always Believed in since i started producing Amplifiers over 20 years ago now. Cost play's a big part in being able to make products competetive, however; that has never bothered me, for me the finnished product costs what it does, because of what's gone into it, and the ethics behind the whole process.
A...

Hi Anthony.

Indeed. It was just interesting to know if Britain could still make a truly home grown unit.

I guess it was when I was looking through some old valves. Most are mullard and I also found some mullard tropical fish caps.

So I wondered if there are still enough resources around in the UK to build an amplifier.

I'm not looking for one, just thought it would be interesting... Lol

Love my copper.


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[Barry]

I believe resistors and semiconductors are still manufactured in the UK, but the companies involved are not necessarily UK owned.

I'm not sure if any capacitors are made in the UK.

[The Black Adder]

A few of us have been doing this for quite a while now, I can think of three other small outlet manufacturers that designs and construct in this country using as many of the home grown parts as they can. These are very niche companies but have a small dedicated following, never going to make it as a large player, but then they do not wish to I suspect.

Difficult when it comes to caps and really decent FET's, etc and quality casework that is produced in the UK at a price that the majority buying public would wish to pay.

With our own amplifiers, around 45% is British manufactured components the reason so many amps (who's ever badge is on them) are Chinese manufactured simply do to cost and potential profit margins.

Its a balance of running a business and keeping potential customer happy, not an easy task

That's interesting... I didn't know that.

You see, independently made components made by individuals rather than companies is another interesting point.

I'm sure there are guys out there who can make stuff.

But when I was making my crossovers I couldn't find anyone to make me coils or resistors so even though I tried to source 100% everything from the UK it wasn't possible.

I guess it's who you know.

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[The Black Adder]

I believe resistors and semiconductors are still manufactured in the UK, but the companies involved are not necessarily UK owned.

I'm not sure if any capacitors are made in the UK.

I think Claritycap are make in the UK.

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[Barry]

I think Claritycap are make in the UK.

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Yes, you are correct. But are they UK owned? It's difficult to tell from their website.

[The Black Adder]

Yes, you are correct. But are they UK owned? It's difficult to tell from their website.

Hmm.. True. I've no idea. Maybe someone here knows?

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[struth]

if it were im sure they'd boast about it..

[Jimbo]

We already have a company that designs and manufactures an amplifier in Britain, in fact he has a whole range and his business is entirely based in the UK.

CROFT.