Highest BUILD quality tube amps?


Not so much with sound...lots of ways to fine tune thru tube rolling, etc. I'm just curious which tube amps are built to last for many years with the least amount of repairs. I know Mcintosh comes to mind for longevity. I was snooping around on the web and Air Tight seems to be built like a tank and I've never read any poor repair histories. Luxman same thing. Any others come to mind?
aberyclark

Showing 1 response by jimschneid

I have owned a large number of tube amps over the years. The list includes a pair of McIntosh MC60, a pair of Paoli 60M which were enhanced Dynaco MK3, Hadley 601, Conrad Johnson MV50, and Dyna 70. I've always preferred tubes.

My current amp tops them all. It is a model 66-100 from Elliott Studio Arts in Seattle. Each unit is custom-made by hand. The transformers are made in the USA and they are huge. The circuit is wired point-to-point. The mechanical construction is aircraft quality. The heavy gauge metal chassis is machined to tight tolerances. It uses quality fasteners and sports high-quality paint and plate finishes. But it's not just beautiful, it is quality throughout. 

The best part is the sound. My unit uses four KT-120 tubes that provide plenty of power for my power-hungry vintage JBL L-250ti speakers. (Lower power tubes can be used as well with slight mod by Kevin Elliott.) Tube bias is easily adjustable with controls on the top and a built-in meter.

The amp comes with a 5-year warranty plus complimentary minor upgrades if circuit improvements become available. Kevin is easy to talk to, builds a great product, and stands squarely behind it. And the price is much lower than many of the other quality amps of the day. I highly recommend it.