Putting the "sparkle" back in your audio chain.

[Oren]

Tubes (yes, Will, valves ) have recently been re-introduced in stereo amps to get some of those even-order harmonics back in the listening experience. And at very low wattage ratings.

Tempting....

                 http://www.impamp.com/

                 http://www.vuumaudio.com/

                 

[Laguna Rising]

Yeah, tubes or valves will never die.
We had simulations, now. But why not to use the real thing ?

[folderol]

Huh. You just knew I'd have to l;ook at these didn't you

[Oren]

That little "Impamp" looks particularly interesting to a guy who likes to monitor/listen at low levels. I like the thought that there are no capacitors to hamper the low-frequency performance.

Building a small integrated stereo tube amp at home is another option....

[folderol]

Hmmm I can just remember a little mono test amp that was in Practical Wireless in the middle 1960s. It used a single ECC82 in class A push-pull and was its own phase splitter. I guess you could have 2 of them for stereo - always assuming you could get transformers!

Hey, if you don't mind one coupling capacitor (each channel) you could stick an ECC83 on the front for the three valve high gain version


... might even have enough gain to be able to add passive tone controls

[Oren]

Will,

You just stepped beyond where I can go comfortably in the world of old-school sound re-inforcement. However, I love good audio, and it is likely only a matter of time before a project is launched here at Casa del Oren.

Here's hoping you'll be around for the occasional consultation....

[Max el Belga]

Of course : tubes !
Some of the most expensive hifi brands use tubes.
Not practical though for commun use : costs, weight and size.

Cheers,

Max... .. .