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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 3 responses by arafiq

arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,595 posts
 
If QS was as good as VAC or ARC at one fourth the price, both companies would have been out of business by now. 

Having said that, QS offers great value and excellent sound within its respective price bracket. 
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,595 posts
 
@ghdprentice

No, the big boys are not there because VAC and ARC buyers are stupid and susceptible to marketing and biased reviewers

+1

So very true. Marketing and biased reviewers can only take you so far. Companies like VAC and ARC have built their reputations over a very long period of time by consistently providing high levels of performance year after year, while many flash-in-the-pan companies fizzled out after their 15 minutes of fame.

arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,595 posts
 
Sorry folks, I didn't mean to imply that QS is one of those 'flash-in-the-pan' companies. It is undoubtedly a great company with a value-focused, no frills approach. I've owned two of their products in the past -- Quicksilver headphone amp and integrated amp. Like I said, excellent products "within their respective price brackets."


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