Western Electric 91E Integrated Amplifier Finally Coming to Market

Western Electric's reintroduction of 300B Electron Tubes in 2021 was met with universal praise. With the company reportedly fulfilling the global demand of 300B pre-orders and its purpose-built production facility in Rossville, USA, now up to speed, the company can now shift its attention to the highly anticipated 91E Integrated Amplifier.

The first new amplifier product from Western Electric in over 15 years, the 91E is an integrated, single-ended amplifier designed for the type 300B electron tube. It continues a long-running legacy of quality sound and is dubbed as "The only tube amplifier you'll ever need". 

Inspired by its famous predecessor, the WE 91, this "never before realised level of performance has been achieved with a completely new approach to SE amplifier design." Developed over five years, the 91E's circuitry intelligently steers the parallel feed constant current source (SCCS), allowing the tubes to deliver more than double their previously rated output of 7-8 watts. The 91E's smart, patented circuit design assures you've never heard the 300B like this before, says the company.

The functional yet elegant exterior design makes the 91E easy to operate and even more an attractive showpiece. Practical features like an interchangeable transformer block, balance with delicate details like glass tube covers. A matched pair of 300Bs, included with each amplifier purchase, are proudly displayed front and centre. 

Charles Whitener, president of Western Electric commented, told StereoNET: 

We've waited a long time to officially announce the 91E's arrival. Research, development, and sourcing materials were completed over the last five years. During that time we also had to manage the return of the 300B. Worldwide demand [for the 300B] surged so high that only now are we able to dedicate [300B] inventory to support amplifier production. You can't have a Western Electric amplifier without Western Electric tubes.

Whitener added that he is proud to see Western Electric quality continue both in the laboratory with his team of engineers and on the production floor. "As we complete assembly of initial 91E units, we're eager to hear reactions from end-users worldwide."

The Western Electric 91E is available for pre-order now starting at US$14,999 for the black and gold models. The nickel version adds another $1,000. However, preorder now and get a 10% discount. We are awaiting confirmed UK pricing.

For more information visit Western Electric