Are Quicksilver power tube amps in the same league as VAC, VTL, BAT, ARC, ...?


I see that VAC, VTL, BAT, ACR power tube amps are almost twice or more expensive than Quicksilver power tube amps at the same power ratings.
Are Quicksilver power amps as good as twice or more expensive brands?
I am considering power tube amps with 80, 100, or 120Watts power ratings and I just wonder.
I don't have much budget (under 5K) and my choice is either new QS or those other brands used.
If not QS, which brands are best bang for the buck for power tube amps?
I need to drive 87dB speaker, so the power has to be at least 80Watts.
Thanks for your input.
128x128ihcho

Showing 4 responses by ihcho

I recently purchased KT mono with KT150 which produces 100WPC. It took three and half months to get it. Ordered in mid Oct and received in early February. The problem was, they did not have transformers to build amps. 

Their serial number is 1 and 2. How often do you purchase an equipment with serial number 1?

I also have Plinius SA102 (upgraded from Galbo). My preamp is Audible Illusions M3B. I have two pairs of speakers: Gershman Grand Avant Garde and Tyler Linbrook systems (one piece). SA102 sounds beautiful with Gershman but Linbrook sounds much inferior. However, with KT mono, Linbrook sounds much better, but Gershman sounds a bit less dynamic and less bass with KT mono compared with Plinius.

It might be because Gershman is power hungry. The differences may be expected from a solid state amp and a tube amp. Overall, I've realized that Linbrook has more potential with different setup, and Plinius works very well with Gershman. 

Somehow I hoped QS KT mono would blow away Plinius in every aspect, but it was not a realistic expectation. Plinius SA102 with upgrade can compete well with any solid amps at around 10K, and I cannot possibly expect a tube amp at under 4K would outperform. 

Overall, I am satisfied with the purchase. KT mono is paired with LInbrook and Plinius is paired with Gershman. With two outputs from M3B, I can easily enjoy both tube and solid state amps without cable changes with the same sources -- OPPO 105 for digital and my analog sources (Ortofon SPUs and MC20 super, Denon 103r, AT150mlx, ...).

I used 4ohm from QS with both Gershman and Linbrook.

My preamp is Audible Illusions M3B. I also have Plinius M16P. To my ears, AI sounds much better.

I use two power conditioners (from Furman) from different wall plugs (15A, not dedicated). The power amps (both Plinius and QS) are connected to one power conditioner and the preamp is connected to the other.

I would also believe that drawing all powers from one wall plug will have an adverse effect on the overall sound.

Thanks much for your input.

Thanks for all responses.
My question was mostly on the sound, and then build quality and parts, and then probably their services.
It appears that I can't be wrong with QS monoblocks and I need to get at least 100 WPC amps.
I will look for one in the short future.
I was thinking of 80W Quicksilver monoblock, but decided to go for more power.
My solid state amp is Plinius SA102 (class A 125WPC). Plinius works quite well with Gershman Grand Avant Garde (87dB). I listen to fairly loud and I don't feel lack of power, even though Gershman may enjoy more power. 
My room is not huge (about 15' x 7.5' x 30'). I sit about 10 feet from the speakers.
I contacted Mike Sanders and he said that they will have a new 100 WPC monoblock amps available in October. I am thinking of going for that amp, unless I find some sweat deals for used mono 120 or V4.
Thanks again.