Idea Book |
Tube Amplifiers
Radically different in almost every way, these three tube amplifiers can power virtually any speaker you mate them with
by Tom Methans
October 25, 2022
With all the amazing concealed surround-sound systems, it’s a wonder anyone still buys speakers that take up half of the room. But there are good reasons to still savor two-channel listening. First-rate speakers are marvels of sound engineering that fully engage you with music. They can also be exquisitely designed pieces of functioning art that share your space and allow you to shut out other distractions and focus on the unrealized depth, nuance, and complexity of your favorite recordings. To set you on the path to building a musical sanctuary/dedicated listening room, we’ve compiled a selection from ultra-traditional to sleekly modern in different sizes and designs. The only way to know which is right for your musical tastes and space is by auditioning as many as you can.
Manley Neo-Classic 250 Monoblock
Are you one of those people who doesn’t want to be limited by their tube amp? Maybe you have a beloved set of power-hungry speakers that certainly need more than 20 watts for orchestral and rock music. Manley Laboratories has the answer. Based in Chino, California, Manley crafts no-nonsense pro-audio equipment and hi-fi gear like the Neo-Classic 250-watt monoblocks. Lest there be any confusion about this pair of amplifiers: Each 69-pound amp produces 250 watts from 10 power tubes to drive one speaker. If that still isn’t enough juice, they also make 500-watt monoblocks. Both models exude industrial flair and confidence.
“Once you hear this muscular vacuum-tube amplifier, you’ll become addicted to the three-dimensionality and attack of transients in its sonic presentation. Huge energy storage in high-voltage rails provides visceral impact, massive headroom, and punch to any style of music.”
—EveAnna Manley, President, Manley Laboratories
19 x 9 x 13″ (w x h x d) | 69 lb. ea. | $16,599 a pair | manley.com
Treehaus Audiolab 6.5 Watt 300B
Treehaus Audiolab is a small boutique company that builds unique speakers and electronics at a workshop in Connecticut. It may appear intimidating and complex for those who have never seen a tube amp like this, but the architecture is based on historical designs by master Japanese amp builder Susumu Sakuma. There are no extraneous parts and every design decision aims for the best performance and sound while maintaining elegant Mid Century accents. Crowned with a pair of legendary Western Electric 300B power tubes, the amp can easily drive a set of efficient speakers at ample volume.
“Using some of the best Japanese signal transformers and a separate power supply to keep noise out, this amplifier embodies one of the purest expressions of what vacuum tubes offer with just several watts of pristine power.”
—Rich Pinto, Principal, Treehaus Audiolab
amp 21 x 8.75 x 16.5″ (w x h x d) | 40 lb.
power supply 16.5 x 8.75 x 16.5″ (w x h x d) | 50 lb.
$17,500 | treehausaudiolab.com
Idea Book |
Tube Amplifiers
Radically different in almost every way, these three tube amplifiers can power virtually any speaker you mate them with
by Tom Methans
October 25, 2022
Luxman LX-380 Integrated
Luxman is approaching its 100th anniversary, and it’s no surprise this Japanese heritage brand is still making high-end audio into the 21st century. Hearkening back to the golden era of stereo with its switches and knobs, the LX-380 is the epitome of convenience, value, and flexibility. It is entirely plug & play with a headphone stage, versatile phono stage, tape loop, bass and treble controls, and four line inputs. Add a separate power amplifier in the future and the LX-380 functions as a superb preamplifier with a flick of a switch. On top of that, it can run two pairs of speakers simultaneously and accommodate a subwoofer.
“The Luxman LX-380 vacuum-tube stereo integrated amplifier is a full-featured and beautifully built updated homage to our classic 1960s “38-Series” amplifiers. Immaculately finished and encased in an exquisite mahogany wood cabinet, LX-380 comes with a hefty curved aluminum IR remote control handset. The LX-380 combines cutting-edge technology and traditional know-how, delivering a sublime listening experience.”
— Jeff Sigmund, President, Luxman America.
17.3 x 7.75 x 15″ (w x h x d) | 39 lb. | $7,995 | luxman.com
Tom Methans is a writer based in New York. As a Fulbright Scholar, he traveled all over Germany to see heavy metal bands before receiving his Master’s in Library and Information Science. He followed that with a 20-year career in the wine industry and now writes about music and audio equipment for Copper Magazine. When not watching 1970s movies, Tom listens to records on his vintage Japanese turntable.
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