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Are Quicksilver power tube amps in the same league as VAC, VTL, BAT, ARC, ...?

I see that VAC, VTL, BAT, ACR power tube amps are almost twice or more expensive than Quicksilver power tube amps at the same power ratings.
Are Quicksilver power amps as good as twice or more expensive brands?
I am considering power tube amps with 80, 100, or 120Watts power ratings and I just wonder.
I don't have much budget (under 5K) and my choice is either new QS or those other brands used.
If not QS, which brands are best bang for the buck for power tube amps?
I need to drive 87dB speaker, so the power has to be at least 80Watts.
Thanks for your input.
128x128ihcho
paullb
110 posts
 
About five years ago I compared the mono 120s with the ARC 150 and I thought it was a tossup. The Quicksilver’s weren’t just good for the money, they were just as good.
jweilers1
53 posts
 
yes.  and no

jimmyblues
50 posts
 
Purchased my Quicksilver Minimite Monoblocks  new and have owned them since 2006. I consider them to be some of the best sounding power amplifiers I have ever heard.  

Regarding their design, they are simplicity itself, using point to point wiring and quality transformers. Mike Sanders is also one of the most honest people in this business, and stands by his products.


seikosha
218 posts
 
I love my Horn Monos.  Quicksilver doesn’t play the “review game”, so he’s not sending out amps for free in return for good press.  Instead he relies on word of mouth.  I will say this; back in the day, Quicksilver was a darling of both TAS and Stereophile and reviewed very favorably against all the “giants” of the industry.
pinotnoir's avatar
pinotnoir
22 posts
 
Hi ihcho
I´m a happy owner of a pair of 80W mono QuicSilver amplifiers for more than 25 years driving the Melior One speakers - in my secong equipment- and the sound and pleasure playing a Mozart Quartet or Kid Ory Blues is charming.
Power election it will depend on your speakers, but QS is an absolute bargain. 
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