Of course there is more to a quality amp than quality components but it sure is a good place to start. Choosing  proven parts from reputable manufacturers  allows Pi Amp to  focus on creating an amp that is all about tone.  Here are some of the components we chose to include in Pi Amp.

We had our minds made up and we loved the Celestion Greenback. On a whim we said "let's try an Alnico Gold". We listened to them side by side  while agreeing to hold our opinion  until the test was done. Well, once you go Gold you will be sold. Celestion G10 for the win.

Nominal Diameter
10in/254mm
 Nominal Power Rating
40W 
Rated Impedance
8Ω or 15Ω
 Sensitivity
98dB 
Frequency Range
80-6000Hz
 Resonance Frequency, Fs
80Hz 
DC Resistance,
 Re6.66Ω and 13.56Ω 
Voice Coil Diameter
1.75in / 44mm
 Chassis Type
Pressed steel 
Magnet Type
Alnico 
Voice Coil Material
Round copper
Mounting Bolts 
Hardened Steel Hex Head Bolts

There was the great SoZo shortage of 2022 and so we had to try other capacitors.  We did not like what we were finding and held out until SoZo started shipping again. Yes Virginia caps make a difference!

Capacitance: 
 0.022 µF, 
 Termination Style:
 Axial Leads
 Type:
Film, Polyester,FilmPolypropylene Voltage Rating:
500 V

Power Cord - 16 AWG, 3 Conductor, Black, Length: 8 feet
 Jack - 1/4" Switchcraft, Mono, shunt tip 
Output Transformer - 8 Watt, Single Ended 
Power Switch - Carling, Toggle, SPST, On-Off, Side Solder Lugs
 Potentiometer - Alpha, Reverse Audio, 3/8" Bushing, Resistance: 500 kOhm Potentiometer - CTS, Audio, Solid Shaft, Resistance: 1 MOhm 
Potentiometer - CTS, Audio, Solid Shaft, Resistance: 500 kOhm

REACH Compliant
Yes
 RoHS Compliant
Yes 
 Power Rating (VA)
 43
 Primary VAC
115 
Primary Frequency
 60
 A.C. High Voltage Secondary RMS 
380V C.T. @ 71ma. 
Filament # 1 VAC
 6.3V @ 2.5A 
Mounting Type
 Vertical ("X")

We tried a lot of tube combinations until we found what we think it the perfect tone for Pi Amp. It is remarkable what changing a tube can do to the tone. Tone can be subjective and there is no law saying you can't swap out the tubes and see if you can find the the tone that is music to your ears. We think we got it right but throw in a vintage RCA and you might create some magic. 

Preamp Tube
 Mesa Boogie 12ax7 
Output Tube
 Psvane 6L6GB

Something you will hear repeated by Pi Amp is that we are on a tone quest. In fact we believe the three most important words when creating an amp are tone, tone tone. Our original plan was to create an amp with a profile similar to a vintage Fender Champ. This plan was abandoned in favor of going back to the drawing board to reimagine what a 5 watt amp should be. Borrowing from the simple designs of the 1930' and 40's amps and building for a new generation of musicians and producers we think we have hit that target right in the center. Pi Amp is big on clean tones with plenty of headroom while providing breakup at just the right time. The tones generated by this amp is both familiar and new. It does sound like a champ at time but it is it's own animal that will have you scratching your head over the versatility at your fingertips.
Our circuit is so unique we have applied for a patent. This amp has a three position switch to choose "Fine", "Flat " and 'Fat" settings. This is a tube amp and it sounds like one.  Check out our Tone Sample page to get an idea of how these settings respond to produce a huge variation of tone.
 Doug Macalister drew upon his decades of experience repairing and building amps to create a circuit that we believe has never been done before. Doug has created some amazing amps over the years but he always wanted to stretch the capabilities of a 5 watt amp without sacrificing performance and most importantly (you guessed it) tone Enough talk just listen to the tone samples on our site. These tone samples were achieved without pedals or affect of any kind. Additionally no post production EQ was applied .