In its price range, the Willsenton R8 is competitive and offers considerable audio value for money. I have done some of the modifications/upgrades shown on the Youtube "Skunkie Designs Electronics" series on the web, and they do further improve the amp and make it more reliable (mostly resistor and capacitor upgrades.) it is also possible to upgrade the stock tubes which also improves the sound. For about the same money there are other China-made KT88 push-pull designs putting out the same power and which do not need upgrades at least of the resistors and caps (Muzishare X7). So, the R8 is a good value, but not the only good value model. If you are interested in exploring tube sound and don't want to commit the kind of money that tube amps made elsewhere cost, it is a good place to start. If I were to move up from there, I might look at Margules or McIntosh, or used AR or VAC.
Willsenton R8 - how good?
I had a chance to listen to a Willsenton R8 (with KT88 tubes, both in 'linear' and the'other' mode) after previously extensive listening to McIntosh MC2125.
It was my first real experience with a tube amp.
In 'experts' opinion, how good is the Willsenton R8 (in relative terms, i.e. in its competive bracket of other tube amps and solid state amps).
How do experts describe its 'sound'? How does the MC2125 sound?
I am trying to improve (or better, 'get back after 40 years') my 'listening skills'.