Tube amplifiers represent a unique category of audio equipment, known for their rich and velvety sound quality. These systems typically require high sensitivity and minimal resistance dips, which are essential for optimal performance. The smooth delivery of power from these amplifiers enables extended listening sessions without any signs of fatigue. As tube power amplifiers continue to advance, they are increasingly competitive with transistor models. With a wide variety of options available in the market, we present a ranking of the top tube power amplifiers for the summer season of 2024.
8. Trettitre TrePower1
The Trettitre TrePower1 tube amplifier showcases an exceptional design that distinctly sets it apart from its more affordable competitors. Encased in precision-milled aluminum, the internal components are impressive, featuring Rubycon capacitors, carbon resistors, and high-quality wiring. However, it is worth noting that the eight primary Aurora 6P1 vacuum tubes deliver a modest output of only nine watts per channel. Nevertheless, with careful pairing with compatible equipment, this amplifier can provide a clear and dependable sound experience.
Class – A | – 6P1 x 6, 6N x 2 | Output power – 2 x 9 W | Frequency response – 15 – 35,000 Hz | Signal-to-noise ratio – 90 dB | Weight – 14 kg
Pros – with careful selection of speakers, it can surprise with a reliable timbre picture
Cons: lack of transparency, low power
Verdict: Good value for money
7. Fezz Audio Mira Ceti 300b mono
The Fezz Audio Mira Ceti 300b monoblocks are equipped with the renowned 300b tubes, delivering a mere 15 watts of power, yet the impact is remarkable. The audio experience is nothing short of enchanting, rich in soul and infused with a spectrum of emotions. This model features a unique parallel single-circuit design (PSE) and functions in pure class A, achieving distortion levels below 0.1% – an impressive feat.
Class – A | Lamps – 300B x 2, 6SN7 x 2 | Output power – 1 x 15 W | Frequency response – 12 – 60,000 Hz | Signal-to-noise ratio – n/a | Weight – 13 kg
Pros: Gorgeous design, impressive sound
Cons – I want a higher resolution on the bass
Verdict: Excellent device
6. Cayin 9084D MK2
The newly revised Cayin 9084D MK2 tube power amplifiers are available for purchase in pairs, delivering up to 28 W in pure class A operation. A distortion level of 2% is typical for this type of circuit configuration, which utilizes 300B tubes in conjunction with 845 output tubes. Notably, these amplifiers feature proprietary toroidal transformers designed with multilayer windings and high inductance at low resistance. The outcome is remarkable, as it is uncommon to achieve such responsiveness, deep bass, and speaker control from 300B configurations.
Class – A | Tubes – 300B, 6SL7, 6СН7, 845, 22ED4 | Output power – 1 x 28 W | Frequency response – 15 – 33,000 Hz | Signal-to-noise ratio – 85 dB | Weight – 32.5 kg
Pros – decent speaker control, powerful bass
Cons – not always ideal timbres, slightly dark sound
Verdict: “Armor-piercing” amplifier
5. Luxman MQ-88uC
The Luxman MQ-88uC amplifier carries on the esteemed legacy of the CL-35 and MQ-60 models from 1970 and 1969. This unit features a traditional tube architecture paired with proprietary precision output transformers OY15, all housed in a sleek aluminum chassis. The engineers at Luxman have successfully attained an impressive signal-to-noise ratio of 105 dB, a remarkable achievement for a KT88-based solution, resulting in sound that is remarkably clear and detailed.
Class – A | Tubes – ECC83S × 2, ECC82 × 2, KT88 × 4 | Output power – 2 x 25 W | Frequency response – 10 – 100,000 Hz | Signal-to-noise ratio – 105 dB | Weight – 16.1 kg
Pros – classic, ultra-transparent sound with lots of detail
Cons – nothing significant
Verdict: Brilliant performance characteristics backed up by solid sound
4. Manley Neo-Classic 250W
The Manley Neo-Classic 250W monoblocks made a significant impact in the 1990s and have undergone several modernizations since then, maintaining a striking presence among top competitors today. A hallmark of the brand is its remarkably rich, bass-driven, and genre-neutral sound that leaves a lasting impression. These units feature the ability to switch between triode and pentode modes, utilize large capacitor power banks, and ensure an extended lifespan for the tubes (10 x EL34EH) through an innovative operating scheme that incorporates higher anode voltage and lower quiescent current.
Class – AB | Tubes – 10 x EL34EH, 12BH7A, 12AT7WA | Output power – 1 x 250 W | Frequency response – 10 – 30,000 Hz | Signal-to-noise ratio – 90 dB | Weight – 33.1 kg
Pros: stunning naturalness of presentation, genre neutrality
Cons – adjusted for price – nothing
Verdict: Classics never get old
3. Miyajima Laboratory OTL Poweramp
The Miyajima Laboratory OTL Poweramp amplifier is crafted by a specialized boutique company in Japan. This device utilizes a circuit design that eliminates the need for output transformers. It features an overpowered power supply, with throttle and capacitors sourced from Black Cat 18 NOS. Consequently, the amplifier employs eight 6080WC tubes, delivering 7 watts per channel, creating an auditory experience that captivates with its rhythm, speed, and layered soundscapes.
Class – A | Tubes – 6080WC x 8 | Output power – 2 x 13 W | Frequency response – 10 – 250,000 Hz | Signal-to-noise ratio – n/a | Weight – 18.5 kg
Pros: incredible speed, great rhythm
Cons – low output power, especially at 4 Ohm load (2 x 7 W)
Verdict: The amplifier combines the best of a tube and a transistor
2. McIntosh MC3500 MK II
The McIntosh MC3500 MK II draws its design inspiration from the MC3500 amplifier introduced in 1968. This monoblock amplifier delivers 350 watts of power and is capable of effortlessly driving electrostatic speakers while ensuring a clear and natural sound reproduction, complete with lifelike imaging and intricate handling of the full frequency range. Its unique output transformer allows for a load tolerance of up to 2 Ohms, and the eight EL509S tubes provide reliable performance in any scenario.
Class – AB | Tubes – 12AX7A, 12AT7, EL509S | Output power – 1 x 350 W | Frequency response – 10 – 70,000 Hz | Signal-to-noise ratio – 120 dB | Weight – 55 kg
Pros: Sounds like an open window
Cons – with such a price tag you would like slightly better microdynamics
Verdict: A real mastodon that can handle any acoustic system
1. Air Tight ATM-2211
The revised version of the Air Tight ATM-2211 tube monoblocks employs a push-pull configuration, enabling the generation of 32 W of power from the 211 tube, utilizing separate Hashimoto choke power transformers for both high and low voltages. Notably, negative feedback is not utilized, resulting in a sound that is remarkably refined and evokes the experience of live musicians performing in the listening space.
Class – A | Tubes – 211, 12AX7, 12BH7 | Output power – 1 x 32 W | Frequency response – 20 – 20,000 Hz | Signal-to-noise ratio – n/a | Weight – 25.5 kg
Pros – combination of relatively high power and High End brilliance
Cons – very high price tag
Verdict: The purists’ choice
