2. amps-preamps
  3. 169708-1009

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
jimmyblues
56 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. 
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,992 posts
 
+1 @ knotscott

VTA is very good w/ great customer service. The VTA ST70 replaced a highly regarded high power amp. I am surprised at how good it sounds especially for the $$$. It is a bargain and a helluvan amp. I've had the 70 & 120 The 125 monos should have the same rich sound.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,970 posts
 
It appears that I can't be wrong with QS monoblocks and I need to get at least 100 WPC amps.
@i

Yes you can go wrong but not due to the quality. Again, unless you are nearfield or in a smaller room, 100 watts on a speaker that's only 87dB in an average room won't be enough power. I would seriously consider replacing the speakers with something more efficient if you plan to work with an amp of only 100 watts. Otherwise if you try to push things a bit, if you want to rock out, you'll run the amps out of gas.
More to discover