2. amps-preamps
  3. 143597-10803

Highest BUILD quality tube amps?

Not so much with sound...lots of ways to fine tune thru tube rolling, etc. I'm just curious which tube amps are built to last for many years with the least amount of repairs. I know Mcintosh comes to mind for longevity. I was snooping around on the web and Air Tight seems to be built like a tank and I've never read any poor repair histories. Luxman same thing. Any others come to mind?
aberyclark
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
ARC power amps blow resistors and bias circuits frequently when a tube fails, causing a return to the factory.

I had a D125 power amp burst into flames with the bias circuit board ruined one time.

Very costly repair.......sold the ARC and never went back to their tube power amps.

ARC preamps have very good reliability though.
audiothesis
168 posts
 
Per Jolida amplifiers, I used to have an SJ302a prior to being a dealer and it failed on me.  It turned out to be the leads on the circuit board lifting up, which apparently was a common issue.  I haven't heard of any similar issues with their newer gear but I would avoid their earlier models at all costs.  
ianrodger
164 posts
 
Check out Weston Acoustics amplifiers. Australian made in a Melbourne suburb and very highly regarded within the Stereonet community. Earle even winds his own transformers and does all the cabinetry as well. I have owned the Troubadour which is a 20-30 watt integrated amp, depending on what valves are in it, for 8 years now and have had no issues at all. He also makes mono-blocks.
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
Does Jolida have their business in order as far as a single entity? I could have sworn there were two versions of Jolida amps floating around at one time due to unsettled grievances who the real owner was. 
aberyclark OP
1,355 posts
 
I really wish I could swing two MC275’s, Atma-sphere monos, or Carver Monos. All have great sound ( although I have not heard Carver) and look wonderful. I like Rogue monoblocks as well, however, I hate that their tubes are somewhat hidden
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