For a few years I periodically communicated with Jim “James” Burgess about building me a 45 amplifier. The 45 is Jim’s favorite tube. But it never worked out, Jim was always fully booked, usually running behind by 3 or 4 builds. So I looked for his amps on the used market. James Burgess amps rarely appear for sale on the used market and those that do are typically his simpler or basic offerings. Somehow the stars aligned & set bright on me and lo & behold, fast forward many years later, I’m now the proud owner of what I consider the two best amplifiers that Jim has made, or that I’m aware he has made.
The first one is a beauty of an amp with all Tribute Audio irons by Pieter Treurniet in the Netherlands:
The second is a 3-stage sonic giant with an unusual tube combination. The input tube is a Telefunken KC1, the second stage uses the 112a/12a DHT, and the output stage is selectable between 45, the VT-52 “Super 45”, the 50, and the 183/483 tube. Wow to my surprise the pearls are always the most obscured:
Jim has built a few preamplifiers that I’m aware of but I have never been able to acquire one; so I’m using my Radu Tarta 45 DHT preamplifier with Jim’s amps:
Well Jim has been very busy for good reason. These amps are very special indeed. I guess that I should rewind and let you know, in case you are not already aware, that James Burgess is a jeweler by trade and owns and operates a jewelry store as his day job in California. What makes Jim’s creations truly special is that each is handcrafted as a unique one-of-a-kind build and there are no two alike. His styling is also unique and it evolves “Cali” culture and a bit of steampunk. Jim often repurposes old chassis instead of building new ones. Jim also creates unusual circuits with what appears “whatever is in the cupboard” instead of the traditional circuits that are stamped out routinely in the DIY community.
I know that Charles Hidalgo, member here in the Haven, has had a number of Jim’s creations, is good friends with him, and has even posted pictures of Jim visiting his home and listening room.
All that remains to be said is that Jim has been custom building tamps for a long time and he has a very unique style that set him apart not just aesthetically but more importantly with his circuits. I’m glad that I have an opportunity to experience his best works and appreciate his special qualities, in every aspect but most specially sonically. Well done Jim, you are a master craftsman and a one of a kind, and I like that a lot!
The first one is a beauty of an amp with all Tribute Audio irons by Pieter Treurniet in the Netherlands:
The second is a 3-stage sonic giant with an unusual tube combination. The input tube is a Telefunken KC1, the second stage uses the 112a/12a DHT, and the output stage is selectable between 45, the VT-52 “Super 45”, the 50, and the 183/483 tube. Wow to my surprise the pearls are always the most obscured:
Jim has built a few preamplifiers that I’m aware of but I have never been able to acquire one; so I’m using my Radu Tarta 45 DHT preamplifier with Jim’s amps:
Well Jim has been very busy for good reason. These amps are very special indeed. I guess that I should rewind and let you know, in case you are not already aware, that James Burgess is a jeweler by trade and owns and operates a jewelry store as his day job in California. What makes Jim’s creations truly special is that each is handcrafted as a unique one-of-a-kind build and there are no two alike. His styling is also unique and it evolves “Cali” culture and a bit of steampunk. Jim often repurposes old chassis instead of building new ones. Jim also creates unusual circuits with what appears “whatever is in the cupboard” instead of the traditional circuits that are stamped out routinely in the DIY community.
I know that Charles Hidalgo, member here in the Haven, has had a number of Jim’s creations, is good friends with him, and has even posted pictures of Jim visiting his home and listening room.
All that remains to be said is that Jim has been custom building tamps for a long time and he has a very unique style that set him apart not just aesthetically but more importantly with his circuits. I’m glad that I have an opportunity to experience his best works and appreciate his special qualities, in every aspect but most specially sonically. Well done Jim, you are a master craftsman and a one of a kind, and I like that a lot!
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