Quest for Sound has their SQ-84 V2 amp on sale this month. MSRP is $1250, it's $888 in August. This is a stunningly good tube amp with two inputs, remote control, and outputs 15wpc to run speakers. Mine was dead quiet, no buzz, no hum, and sounded wonderful. I used it to run a variety of bookshelf speakers and it sounded great through them.
I owned this and a tricked out Blue Circle SBH (upgraded op-amps and power supply) at the same time. The BC was a very good amp and I really liked it. Then I compared it to the Sound Quest. I was shocked at how much better the SQ was (this was on Lawton/Denon D5000's). So much more detail, dynamics, natural sound.
This amp uses the 6v6, one of my favorite tubes. Upgraded Tung sol tubes are available, check with Stephen for price.
I sold my dynamic setup when I went Stax, but I've decided to have both now. I love my SR-507's - I think of them as the Quad's I'll never be able to afford. But it's fun to listen to a big, dynamic can like the Denon.
I was thinking of running my new D7000's with a Corda, or maybe a Violectric, Schitt, etc. But I can't forget how MUCH BETTER the Sound Quest was than the really good solid-state Blue Circle. It wasn't a difference in degree....it was a difference in kind. Another level of sound altogether.
So if you're looking for a good deal on a great tube amp, here you go. Stephen at Sound Quest is a great guy, if you call him tell him Mike from Arizona said hi.
http://www.questforsound.com/amps/amps_sq84-V2.htm
Edited by Jodet - 8/8/11 at 1:32pm
