Valve amp reviews

[Deanmlee]

Hi
I have been a subscriber to What Hi-Fi since I can’t remember! Love the reviews and content.
I recently posted on the forum about Valve amps and realised that I asked because there was very little information / content in the magazine. I would love to see a Valve amp special and maybe some more content going forwards.
On a slightly different subject but related to the slightly retro theme.. would love to see more comparisons on older equipment. I have an old Cambridge Audio P55 intega how would something of this vintage compare to a new similar amp? You did run some features, so more please.
Thanks
Dean

 

[Al ears]

You'll need to read other publications for valve amp reviews I found.

 

[Deanmlee]

You'll need to read other publications for valve amp reviews I found.

Yeah I have read some in the past, but can’t ever remember seeing a super test or valve special issue

 

[Al ears]

The issue with valve amps is they are so changeable and flexible with the ability in most cases to change valve type so when comparing to other amps its a bit like comparing apple's and pears

 

[Tinman1952]

You'll need to read other publications for valve amp reviews I found.

Yeah. Ken Kessler at Hi Fi News is a fan and does some reviews…but they are always Uber expensive!
Some complementary reviews on YouTube of cheaper Chinese valve amps.
Ive been tempted by a few…..🤔

 

[Deanmlee]

Yeah. Ken Kessler at Hi Fi News is a fan and does some reviews…but they are always Uber expensive!
Some complementary reviews on YouTube of cheaper Chinese valve amps.
Ive been tempted by a few…..🤔

I’ve checked out some reviews I am tempted with the Willsenton R8 for the money and would use it as an alternative to my main system. Would love to see a super test or similar in a future issue

 

[Gray]

HFN reviewed this one for you today Dean:

Audio Research Reference 80S Tube Power Amplifier

Since last year's management buyout, Audio Research has been very busy reimagining its ranges of the future – the Reference 80S (REF80S) is just the first step on the road If life is a journey, rather than a destination, then some brands, Audio Research included, have rather more air miles under...

www.hifinews.com

On a brief scan, I didn't see the price - which is probably just as well.

 

[Tinman1952]

HFN reviewed this one for you today Dean:

Audio Research Reference 80S Tube Power Amplifier

Since last year's management buyout, Audio Research has been very busy reimagining its ranges of the future – the Reference 80S (REF80S) is just the first step on the road If life is a journey, rather than a destination, then some brands, Audio Research included, have rather more air miles under...

www.hifinews.com

On a brief scan, I didn't see the price - which is probably just as well.

£14,998 I think….😳 Too rich for me….

 

[Al ears]

I’ve checked out some reviews I am tempted with the Willsenton R8 for the money and would use it as an alternative to my main system. Would love to see a super test or similar in a future issue

seems to have good reviews as do some by Ming Da but I know little about Chinese amps so tend to stick to home grown varieties

 

[TrevC]

Valve amplifiers are best avoided IMO. They just don't do the job as well as an SS amp.