I owned this amp for like a year, so I'll respond where I can.
1) What is its sonic signature? Is it relaxed, laid back, forward?
I felt that this amplifier is slightly forward. In my system it did not sound relaxed or laid back, but it was also not an offensive 'forward'. I felt that this amplifier draws vocals out a little and makes them easier to hear. It had a dry-ish sounding signature in my system, and I eventually sold it because of that. I felt the (dry) sound was a sonic signature that I coudn't live long term with, even though it was quite appealing for about a month.
2) How hot does this amplifier get?
It gets fairly hot right beside it, but it won't warm your room.
3) How audible is the fan noise from about 7-8 feet away at low volume listening?
I found the fan to be audible from a listening distance of 9 feet. It never was inaudible during silence. However, once the music plays you do not hear it.
5)Any issues such as reliability aside from re-tubing?
I never had a problem, but when I sold the amplifier the next owner said a cap or something went bad and took a whole circuit board. I would guess that isn't typical.
1) What is its sonic signature? Is it relaxed, laid back, forward?
I felt that this amplifier is slightly forward. In my system it did not sound relaxed or laid back, but it was also not an offensive 'forward'. I felt that this amplifier draws vocals out a little and makes them easier to hear. It had a dry-ish sounding signature in my system, and I eventually sold it because of that. I felt the (dry) sound was a sonic signature that I coudn't live long term with, even though it was quite appealing for about a month.
2) How hot does this amplifier get?
It gets fairly hot right beside it, but it won't warm your room.
3) How audible is the fan noise from about 7-8 feet away at low volume listening?
I found the fan to be audible from a listening distance of 9 feet. It never was inaudible during silence. However, once the music plays you do not hear it.
5)Any issues such as reliability aside from re-tubing?
I never had a problem, but when I sold the amplifier the next owner said a cap or something went bad and took a whole circuit board. I would guess that isn't typical.