Name your Fav. Valve amp

[Fickle-Friend]

Im looking around for a valve amp now. The logical next step for me on the ladder of audiophile nirvana. I'd like to know what brands/models are particular favs here and why? Thanks

 

[Nik]

http://www.rudistor.com/soundsystems/RP5cav.htm

"Simply the best" for your HD 650 !!!

Best!
Nicola

 

[sacd lover]

Singlepower ppx3 of the current models. I think its the best value amp available. Smooth, refined and yet still dynamic and able to groove.

Their are a lot of excellent singlepowers depending on what you want to spend. The SDS is awesome and ranks as the best amp I have ever heard; and the Maestro is likely even better. Singlepower has some new two box designs coming out soon and another amp for the k1000's. They will customize existing designs and he is doing tube rectified power supplies now.

I have a two box prototype currently and its the best amp I have ever had in my system for sound quality. I have an upgraded mpx3-6cg7 coming Monday and I expect this amp to be able to compete with the prototype.

Sound quality, build quality, customer service, you get the best of everything when you get a singlepower amp.

www.6sn7.com

 

[tom hankins]

Singlepower SDS followed by the tube rectified Singlepower amp Earl has. The SDS has it all speed, bass, and treble extention with a fullness that I have yet to hear from any other amp....tube or SS. After over a years time and over 2000 hours of play time this amp still puts a huge smile on my face at how good it is.

 

[Zanth]

Does the Melos count? It's hybrid

 

[stryker]

Another nod to Singlepower amps from a member of the Fan Club of the aforementioned builder.

 

[tjkurita]

Cary 300 sei. I haven't heard a better sounding headphone amp.

 

[mojoman]

My vote is for Singlepower. Spend as much as you can afford but even their cheapest, no frills PPX3 is very good.

 

[meech]

Take a guess what I'm going to say !!!!!!!

 

[elnero]

Another vote for Singlepower. Not only are they great amps but Mikhail is one of the most accomodating, nicest, people I've met in the audio industry.

 

[Salt Peanuts]

Yet another vote for Singlepower.

 

[saint.panda]

Does anybody know how ppx3 would compare to a corda ha1?

 

[arrowmark]

My New MPX3 with Sylvania vt-231 tubes!!!!! Maybe we should have a Singlepower Forum!!!!!

 

[kevin gilmore]

http://www.atma-sphere.com/products/s30.html

this is by far the best all tube headphone amplifier made.
Headphones must be rewired for balanced operation.

 

[Zanth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevin gilmore http://www.atma-sphere.com/products/s30.html this is by far the best all tube headphone amplifier made. Headphones must be rewired for balanced operation.

From the page: Quote:

It is designed as a state-of-the-art amplifier for those either on a budget or benefiting from the availability of high-efficiency speakers that have become more common in the last five years.

On a budget...what do they consider a budget? This thing looks like a tank, and those tubes...dang, $$$ when replacing. Is it self biasing?