I love my Unison Research S8 Valve Amp. There. I’ve said it.
It runs very hot, weighs around 30Kg, probably guzzles leccy and needs it’s valves replacing every two years or so.
But I don’t care. It sounds incredible, looks amazing (an orgy of solid wood and metal only the Italians could put together with such visual acuity) and it’s build quality is superb.
The point of this is that I really don’t understand the lack of love for valves in these forums. Yes, the measured performance of valves is poor compared to many SS designs, but no worse than most speakers exhibit. And besides, despite poor measurements, most valve Amps simply sound fantastic.
I guess what I’m saying is: If you’ve never taken the opportunity to listen to a good Valve set-up, I would encourage you to do so.
You really don’t know what you might be missing.
It runs very hot, weighs around 30Kg, probably guzzles leccy and needs it’s valves replacing every two years or so.
But I don’t care. It sounds incredible, looks amazing (an orgy of solid wood and metal only the Italians could put together with such visual acuity) and it’s build quality is superb.
The point of this is that I really don’t understand the lack of love for valves in these forums. Yes, the measured performance of valves is poor compared to many SS designs, but no worse than most speakers exhibit. And besides, despite poor measurements, most valve Amps simply sound fantastic.
I guess what I’m saying is: If you’ve never taken the opportunity to listen to a good Valve set-up, I would encourage you to do so.
You really don’t know what you might be missing.