A Wytech Rubt STD just hit Audiogon. No affilitation. http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-wyetech-ruby-std-preamp-mint-customer-trade-in-2014-01-08-preamplifiers-06801-bethel-ct |
Hovland Company was done in by a combination of low cash reserves and the extremely high cost of manufacturing its hand-built products. See the link below for the full story. http://www.stereophile.com/content/hovland-calls-it-quits |
I will have a chance to listen to the new Ruby STD next week. I came real close to purchasing an Opal but could not get my mind around the cosmetics, lack of remote, and the very industrial looking design. If the Ruby STD is that much better than the Opal, I just might get over my former reservations. I just wish Roger would give us a remote option, a non-purple option, and cleaner less homemade look. At a minimum, bring back the gold plated knobs |
