Hey WarriorAnt,
It was very easy to tell the tube was dead because it didn't light up and there was no sound coming from my right channel...in fact initially I thought 3 tubes died because my 6V6 and ECC 82 tubes weren't lighting up as well...I know tubes can fail sometimes so I didn't panic. I think the stock tubes are covered for 90 days so there was no issue to replace it...I actually got Steve on the phone when I called and I told him that 3 of my tubes were dead and he told me that the rectifier tube converts AC into DC and that it powers the output/input tubes and that once I replaced it, those tubes would be powered again. And of course he was right. The manual (downloadable online) was helpful in learning about which tubes were what. All the tubes really have a specific purpose, but it's really 2 amps in one so I can see how one might be intimidated by the amount of tubes as if all 10 are different...but that's not the case at all...it's really two sets of 5 specific tube types, with LOTS of flexibility of what you can swap them out for..
Ok, so the 2 switches in the front are for switching between whatever you have connected to the inputs (2 sets of them on the back)...there are also a pair of output connections in the back as well (for a sub or something else)...the little switch between the two center tubes is the tone knob on/off switch. When engaged it will ease any bright/harsh sounds your getting from your music source or speakers, when you rotate the center (in my case walnut) knob. When the switch is off it is completely out of the circuit. A handy feature that was intended to be particularly useful for any internet tunes from like Pandora etc that may be too harsh. But it's really something you can use anytime you feel necessary. It goes from subtle to very noticeable. The whole amp was totally intended to be not only used for a "major" hifi rig with floor monitors etc (I've seen pics of this amp driving big floor standing speakers!), but for desktop use next to a laptop as well...that's one of the reasons why it's so small...there are 3 sets of switches on the back. One set to turn on each channel, one set to turn the tube regulation on/off, and one set to engage the headphone input and cancel the speakers.
The speakers are Decware
Trapeziums. Check them out, they are one of a kind! Designed for desktop use
specifically...no rear facing bass port that you have to worry about keeping under control against a wall...it has this "down-firing" bass port that puts the bass on your desk surface. It sounded interesting to me, as i was looking for something unique and this fit the bill perfectly...I really haven't heard it at it's best yet, but what I can say so far is that the bass is strong...meaning I don't feel I'll be needing a sub with these! But it's tight and not bloated. The speakers also angle slightly upward so you don't need to prop them on top of anything to get them ear level or anything because the crossovers were designed to be below ear level.
And build quality is excellent! It's hand made and I'm really pleased with it so far...more on them to come
-H
