Wasn't implying anything about the T+A, just that a bad design happened to use the same unusual output tubes
I bring my EL84 based JoLida FX10 with a matching resistor box to Head-Fi meets and it does very nicely. There are certainly better EL84 amps out there, it is their bottom of the line amp. Tube amps aren't practical for a cramped office environment which is where I listen
I personally have high hopes for the Geek Pulse, but if that doesn't cut it, there is the Bryston.
Got you on the Melos.
Not familiar with the Geek, but Bryston is great sounding, wonderfully built product, at least when I was in the biz. I'm thinking about buying an RSA SR-71B for my AK240/XCs. Never ends in this hobby ... one purchase leads to another ...
By the way, if anyone has any experience with upgraded Audeze cables that are on the warmer side of neutral, I'm all ears. The build quality has to be top notch—I'm a fit 'n finish type of guy.