When were the best tube amps made?


And what were they?

1980's Audio Research need not apply. 

erik_squires

How I used to lust for a pair of VT 150 SE’s when I was young. Never heard a pair, but they were all the talk in Stereophile and TAS in the early 90’s. I bet today with a LS5 they still sing. Remember around 1990 or so going to Audio Perfection and listening to a pair of Jadis with dedicated power supplies, four full size chassy’s on maybe Wilson WP 5’s and was floored. By far that was the first system I heard that had me chasing that sound to this day. My opinion, today tubes are a pain in the ass and I’m fine with my Pass. I also own a Cary tube amp that’s magical but right now she’s being difficult…

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Unobtanium like vintage Western Electric aside, there has never been a better time for tube amps  than NOW. !!!!     

There's a tube Renaissance and it's right now.   So many great independent builders and large mainstream companies offering more tube gear than ever .   

Probably from 1998 or so to present by Wavac. Not a good value, but taking things to the extreme, no one else has done or attempted to do what Wavac has been doing. 

@fsonicsmith Don’t mind fan boys/fan girls, but tell us a little of why you think they are exceptional, please!

P.S. - Are they still in business?  Their website hasn't been updated in years.

Another version of "back in the good old days".  I suspect with tube amps or anything else, it's hard to say that advancements in design and technology haven't improved todays products over things being built in the past.  Politicians being the exception to the rule.