Dear fellow audio enthusiasts,
I’m relatively new to the world of high-fidelity audio and am excited to continue exploring and refining my system. My journey began with my father’s old Sansui AU-9500 (recently serviced and sounding wonderful) and a pair of Audio Note AN-J/D speakers. My turntable is a custom-built, hand-made rosewood model, equipped with a rewired SME 3012and a Denon 103R on a Jelco HS-30.
I’m now considering some major upgrades, starting with new speakers (likely Audio Note AN-E SPe/HE) and then moving toward tube-based amplification. I’m particularly interested in Yamamoto Sound Craft—their amplifiers seem to be meticulously built, using high-quality components with a sophisticated yet simple circuit design (no negative feedback, etc.). Their pricing also appears reasonable compared to other high-end manufacturers.
I’ve been researching different tube types extensively—reading reviews, gathering online opinions, and attending listening demonstrations to understand their sound characteristics. Below are my personal impressions of the tubes I’ve heard so far (please forgive my amateur descriptions—I’m still learning and trying to be as honest as possible):
- 300B – A classic and highly regarded tube. I enjoy its immediacy, but sometimes feel it has a certain "chunkiness" and "punchy" bass. Still, it offers a full-bodied and very engaging sound.
- 211 – I’ve heard it in some of the most expensive amplifiers I’ve encountered. The sound is pure, liquid, and incredibly well-resolved, though at times I feel it can lack a bit of body. Its high power output also makes it flexible in terms of speaker pairing.
- 45 – Probably my favorite so far. It has an effortless musicality, an intimate and natural soundstage, and a beautifully romantic character. However, my concern is its low power output—I'm unsure if it would pair well with my current or future speakers.
- 2A3 – I haven’t had the opportunity to hear this tube yet, so I’d love to hear your thoughts!
- VT-52 – This one intrigues me. It seems to have the magical qualities of the 45 but with more power, which could provide better speaker compatibility. Does anyone have experience with this tube?
- ADM-1 – Yamamoto makes an amplifier with these tubes, but I know very little about them. I find the design visually appealing, but I'm unsure about the availability and quality of these tubes. Are they too rare or impractical to consider?
My goal is to build a system around Yamamoto Sound Craft, potentially with the VT-52. I’m looking for an intimate, natural listening experience with live-like dynamics. My primary genres are jazz (from solo and trio works to larger ensembles) and classical music (ranging from solo pieces to full orchestral performances). I want to feel the texture of a double bass, hear the subtle brushes on a drum kit, and appreciate the clarity of a piano solo (for example, while listening to Bill Evans).
I currently listen to vinyl and stream from Qobuz via an Apple Airport.
I would love to hear your recommendations, experiences, and reflections on the following:
- How does the VT-52 compare to other tubes?
- What are its strengths and weaknesses?
- Should I play it safe and go with a 300B instead?
- Does anyone have insights into the ADM-1 and its practicality?
I truly appreciate any guidance you can provide. Thanks in advance for your help!
Best regards
