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.
ihcho

Showing 1 response by johnsonwu

@donvito The HD220 is entirely fixable. It’s loosely based on On Semi’s reference design for thermaltrak devices.
The old production non DG designated output devices are End of Lifed but new ones are available on Mouser or Digikey.
Unless your friends tech was the one who replaced the bridge while the output stage clearly had a thermal runaway and fried the whole board, an HD220 amp that pulls standby after warm up is absolutely fixable. It’s just a bit of work and Audio research just doesn’t want to go through the trouble.