As I am typing this Johnny Hartman and John Coltrane are doing a private gig in my living room, courtesy of the Sophia Electric Baby driving Merlin VSM Millennium speakers ($6000-8000 new, fortunately purchased used). I actually prefer it significantly more compared to a $4000 dual 300B SET amp (18W/channel) I also own. The Merlin VSM speakers are usually driven by a Manley Stingray integrated amp (EL84x4 per channel), unfortunately the Stingray broke down last week and needs repair. The sound from the Stingray is very similar in character though it can go louder, as it should since it puts out 40-50W per channel. I would probably push the Sophia Electric to it's limits if I put on a Tchaikovsky Symphony with the VSMs (88 dB/W/m, 8 Ohms) and expect concert hall volumes, though I have used it for symphonic music and pop at reasonable volumes. The Sophia Electric is usually used to drive my AKG K1000s otherwise. The Sophia amp has a lively, occasionally slightly brash, but not bright presentation that I find very appealing. The midrange is sweet and slightly warm, but not excessively “tubey” or tubby.
The original poster/reviewer sounded slightly envious of the Sophia Electric Baby. Interestingly I have a reverse envy eyeing an amp that uses the much more ubiquitous EL84 tubes, moreover owning the Stingray, I have EL84s from 3 manufacturers at home that I can use for tube rolling. The Sophia Electric Baby appears to restrict you to Russian military 6P1T tubes, which seem to have only one (possibly two, there may be a Chinese manufacturer) source/manufacturer. I did some research and as best as I can tell the 6P1T internally is very similar electrically to an EL90 but uses a very different 9 pin (as opposed to 7 pin) base. They may be the same as the 6P1P/6P1P-EV tube. I have not compared the Sophia Electric Baby to the Yarland EL84 based version or for that matter the Yarland/Aria/Whatever labeled version using the 6P1T tubes, which I assume is the same amp as the Sophia Electric. For all I know the 6P1T may be superior!? Somebody should try to do a head to head comparison if he or she can get their hands on both versions.
Pricing of the Sophia Electric Baby appears to be all over the map. I bought it ostensibly used (thru Audiogon) but on arrival it appeared to be in new condition. I suspect there is a good degree of markup in the importation but it should be possible to get it at a significant discount. This is entirely unsubstantiated since I have not done any shopping for a new unit through a dealer.
Regardless, this is one mighty fine amp. Anybody looking for a tube amp for efficient speakers or difficult headphones needing a "speaker level" output should not hesitate because of the price.
Sincerely,
Hany.