2. amps-preamps
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Who makes the highest quality tube amps?

One scale of 1-10, 10 being best designed and constructed technically, personal sound preferences aside, who are the 8s, 9s, and 10s?

VAC, ARC, Atmasphere would seem like likely candidates I can think of. Are they ?

Where does Decware rank? Rogue? How about others?

SOme technical facts to help support any claims is appreciated please.

Durability and reliability matters to me here as much as anything. I would want my tube gear to continue to work as reliably as designed years down the road as well as up front.

THanks.

Thanks.
mapman

Showing 2 responses by jetter

jetter
3,118 posts
 
Lets go with highest quality being equated to longevity.  Without any way of providing proof, I have to think that the Dynaco ST-70's have the most longest lived tube amps still in circulation.  I still think they sound passable.
jetter
3,118 posts
 

Hi Ralph,

I have to sheepishly admit that I bought two of them used many years ago, one with cloth leads on what I believe is a U.S. built transformer and one with what I have read is a Japanese produced transformer. I took them to my tech upon purchase and he said everything was within spec and I have used them extensively without problem, although as of this time they are no longer being used, to be sold one of these days when I have the energy. Maybe the prior owners serviced them.

George

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