Review: Quicksilver 8417 Tube amp

Category: Amplifiers

I have been in the tube arena for only a year now, but have had the chance to listen to some noteable stuff. It is easy to take a lot of pride in recent purchases and over-rate them, you know how it is getting something new and something that is obviously quality equipment - it sounds soooo good, the best of all no doubt. Well, that's what my quicksilver mono blocks sound like - the best ever. Sure, 8417's are hard to find brand new (luckily I have 4 matched pairs on top of what's in there now - funny thing is, people think tubes are like gasoline, you have to have a constant steady source or the amps are not worth anything - well I don't agree. I'm an electrical engineer, and although I don't work in audio nor am I intimately familiar with tube type circuits, I can stand behind the fact that while tubes do age in their own way, it's not like you have to re-tube all the time. I've listened to old Heath W5M monoblocks with original tubes and they sounded pretty good to me, but not excellent.) The 8417's sound great to me, and quicksilver builds a really quality product. I drive 2 pair of klipsch heresy speakers in parallel, so I drive 4 ohm loads, and I like how the system sounds in this configuration, and my intuition tells me that the amp is a better performer this way as well. The highs are crisp and clear, with smooth and solid lows throughout the frequency band. I just love the way it sounds. Tube type systems with good, efficient horn loaded speakers are just outstanding in my opinion. I couldn't be happier...of course until I get my next piece of equipment I'm sure.

Associated gear
Klipsch Heresy speakers, modified PAS pre-amp - also with solid state pre's. mmf 2.1 turntable also with dual ortofon cartridge.