When were the best tube amps made?


And what were they?

1980's Audio Research need not apply. 

erik_squires

Showing 1 response by lloydc

the best tube amps are being made now.

modern power tubes are in some important ways “better”, i.e. kt-120, Kt-150 and Kt-170 have greater plate dissipation.  So amps using those tubes can be designed which exceed past efforts, in a more compact form factor.

modern biasing controls have advanced, yielding better sound see, e.g., VAC.

even transformers have advanced; amps can be designed are quieter toroids with wider bandwidth.  Capacitors and other parts are improved. 

I loved my Mesa Baron, but 12 power tubes was too much to deal with.  Keeping an old tube amp going is like having an old sports car - more ongoing maintenance is required than a modern design.  To send it back to the factory cost over $500, round trip. 

the build quality of my Rogers integrated is Nasa-satellite level, way better than anything from ”back in the day”