Audiophile's Guide to the Galaxy
The Catalog of All Known High-End Audio Amplifiers

Collected & Compiled by
Audio Federation
The Best and Nothing but the Best
For the Music Lover in All of Us

Our ever-evolving list, in order, of recommended
TUBED AMPLIFIERS
SOLID STATE AMPLIFIERS
     
 
Lamm Industries
ML2 Single-ended Monoblocks $29,290.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 18 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 18 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms 36 watts
Continuous current/channel 2.12 amperes
Maximum peak current/channel 2.24 amperes
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output tube type Two 6C33C-B
Slew rate 15 Volts per microsecond
Other Class A
ML1.1 Push-pullMonoblocks $22,690.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 90 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 90 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms 90 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms 160 watts
Continuous curren/channel 4.47 amperes
Maximum peak current/channel 4.74 amperes
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output tube type Two 6C33C-B
Slew rate 10 volts per microsecond
Other Class A/AB
 
 
 

COMPANY SOUND:
The Lamm amplifiers have a very natural, real, true-to-life sound. Their naturalness cannot be emphasized enough - music just sounds 'right' through these amplifiers. The right tonality, the right delicacy, the right soundstage.

These amplifiers like the application of plenty of vibration control tweaks. We have had great success with the use of the Acoustic Dreams amps stands, and, especially, the rather more expensive HRS isolation platforms. These help reduce distortions caused by vibrations and reveal that these amps are quite capable of deep, controlled bass and will not collapse into a wall of sound under the onslaught of large numbers of instruments playing all at once.

These amps use the same 6C33C-B tube that top-flight amps like most OTL (output transformer-less) amps use. These amps have a very high-quality output transformer that not only helps them drive many varieties of speakers - but which as so good they can fool many listeners into thinking that they have no transformer at all (especially when good vibration control is in place).

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed 90
Detail 95
Smoothness 90
Clarity 95
Agility 95
Solidity 95
Air 80
Slam 90
Naturalness 100
Enjoyability 100
Microdynamics 95
Macrodynamics 90
Glareless 90
Power 90
Drive 95
Ergonomics 90
Hours spent with amplifiers: >300 Systems heard with amplifiers: 5 1480
Recommended Speakers: Kharma speakers. Wilson Watt Puppy, X1 Grand Slam. All but the most inefficient speakers (for example MBL speakers rated at 80 db efficiency).
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
Stereophile ML1
The Absolute Sound Issue #118 / June - July 1999 ML2
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Audio Note U.K.
Kegon Monoblocks $50,000.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 22 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output tube type N/A
Slew rate N/A
Other Class A
 
 
 

COMPANY SOUND:
The Audio Note 300B amplifiers have a very dramatic, articulate sound with an amazing amount of bass control. For most reasonably easy to drive speakers, they produce enough power to provide real, powerful, instantaneous macro-dynamics that few if any other amplifiers are capable of. It is this capability, to provide the strength and power of natural dynamic swings (which is missing in most audio-reproduction systems) that really helps to make Audio Note amplified music so engrossing, so filled with emotion. There is the slightest amount of bloom, which also may be more true than not, and their tonality is spot-on.

The separation between the various instruments in the soundstage is first class with the Kegon amps and helps keep the music from collapsing into a morass of noise during large crescendos and/or with music with large numbers of instruments.

This is the way music sounded when I was young and less cynical. These days most music sounds cold, as the ears are seemingly unwilling or unable to fill in the emotions and nuances that are usually stripped from the music by the reproduction component chain. These amps reveal the emotion, the romance, the drama that the musicians put into the music. This is the way music is supposed to sound - like music.

This scoring below is based on the Audio Note Kegon

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed 90
Detail 95
Smoothness 90
Clarity 95
Agility 100
Solidity 95
Air 95
Slam 100
Naturalness 90
Enjoyability 100
Microdynamics 95
Macrodynamics 100
Glareless 100
Power 90
Drive 90
Ergonomics 90
Hours spent with amplifiers: 36 Systems heard with amplifiers: 2 1515
Recommended Speakers: Acapella, Marten Coltrane, other high-quality speakers with an efficiency above about 88 dB and impedance above 2 - 3 ohms or so
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
   
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Tenor
300Hp Monoblocks $30,000.00
? Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 300 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 600 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms >1000 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output tube type Six 6C33C-B
Slew rate N/A
Other  
75wp OTL Monoblocks $20,000.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 75 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 55 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel 2 x 750 VA
Output tube type Four 6C33C-B
Slew rate N/A
Other 40 watts class A
15wp OTL Monoblocks $15,000.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 15 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 12 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel 2 x 750 VA
Output tube type Two 6C33C-B
Slew rate N/A
Other Class A
 
 
 

COMPANY SOUND:
These OTL (output transformer-less) amplifiers excel in the reproduction of the details, micro-dynamics and tonality of the music, lending to a very exciting listening experience.

The 75wp and 15wp amps, by eliminating the output transformer, eliminate one a part that otherwise lies in the path the music signal takes through the amplifier robbing the signal of a little of its purity. But, because the output transformer is traditionally used to help match the amplifiers output impedance and voltage to typical speaker loads, amps without this transformer are usually only able to drive very easy-to-drive speakers - the Tenors being no exception. The 75wp and 15wp are not designed for speakers with large impedance swings or impedances that go below 4 ohms.

These amps use the same 6C33C-B tube that top-flight amps like the Lamm amps and almost all other OTL amps use.

The 300Hp is not yet released.

This scoring below is based on the Tenor 75wp on Kharma speakers

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed 100
Detail 95
Smoothness 90
Clarity 95
Agility 90
Solidity 90
Air 90
Slam 90
Naturalness 85
Enjoyability 100
Microdynamics 100
Macrodynamics 90
Glareless 90
Power 75
Drive 60
Ergonomics 80
Hours spent with amplifiers: 5 Systems heard with amplifiers: 6 1420
Recommended Speakers: Most Kharma speakers.
 
OTHER TAKES
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Convergent Audio Technology (CAT)
JL-1 Limited (Signature) Triode Monoblocks $29,500.00 ($49,500.00?)
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 100 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output tube type N/A
Slew rate N/A
Other Class A
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: N/A

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with amplifiers: 0 Systems heard with amplifiers: 0 TBD
Recommended Speakers:
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
   
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Audio Note Kondo
GAKU-ON MK11 Monoblocks $60,000.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 55 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output tube type N/A
Slew rate N/A
Other Class A
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: N/A

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with amplifiers: 0 Systems heard with amplifiers: 0 TBD
Recommended Speakers:
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
Inner Ear Volume 12 #2 Golden Triode 200
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Tube Research Labs
GOLDEN TRIODE REFERENCE 800 MONO TUBE PUSH-PULL Monoblocks $90,000.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output tube type N/A
Slew rate N/A
Other  
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: N/A

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with amplifiers: 0 Systems heard with amplifiers: 0 TBD
Recommended Speakers:
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
Inner Ear Volume 12 #2 Golden Triode 200
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
KR Enterprises
VT 8000 Monoblocks $25,000.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 70 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms 180 watts
Continuous current/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output transistor type N/A
Slew rate N/A
Other No negative feedback
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: N/A

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with amplifiers: 0 Systems heard with amplifiers: 0 TBD
Recommended Speakers:
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
   
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Jadis
JA-500 Monoblocks $35,000.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 400 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 400 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms 400 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms 400 watts
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output tube type 12 x 6550A
Slew rate N/A
Other  
SE-845 Single-ended Monoblocks $20,000.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 20 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 20 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms 20 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms 20 watts
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output transistor type One 845
Slew rate N/A
Other Class A
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: N/A

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with amplifiers: 0 Systems heard with amplifiers: 0 TBD
Recommended Speakers:
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
   
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Joule Electra
VZN-160 Grand Marquis OTL Monoblocks $12,000.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 160 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 100 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output tube type Eight 6C33C-B
Slew rate N/A
Other Class A
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: N/A

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with amplifiers: 1/2 Systems heard with amplifiers: 1 TBD
Recommended Speakers:
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
AudioReview.com 29.4
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Audio Research Corporation (ARC)
Reference 600MKIII Monoblocks $40,000.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A (500 watts into 16 ohms)
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A (600 watts into 16 ohms)
Continuous current/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output tube type Eight 6550C
Slew rate N/A
Other  
Reference 300MKII Monoblocks $30,000.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A (280 watts into 16 ohms)
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A (300 watts into 16 ohms)
Continuous current/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output tube type Four 6550C
Slew rate N/A
Other  
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: N/A

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with amplifiers: 1/2 Systems heard with amplifiers: 1 TBD
Recommended Speakers:
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
   
Stereophile REF300
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Wolcott
P-220m Monoblocks $10,000.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 170 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 220 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms 220 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current draw/channel N/A
Maximum peak current draw/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output tube type Eight EL34
Slew rate Same as rise time
Other  
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: N/A

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with amplifiers: 1/2 Systems heard with amplifiers: 1 TBD
Recommended Speakers: Electrostatics (Magnepan, SoundLab). Not conventional cone speakers.
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
SoundStage! V-5x
   
 
     
     
     
     
     

 

*Glossary/Legend
Company Sound* Most company's amplifiers have a sound that is similar to each other. This is what we are referring to as the 'Company Sound'.
Speed This refers to the amplifier's ability to respond immediately to a signal from the preamplifier. The faster the better - the notes are all produced when they are supposed to be, regardless of their frequency in addition to the beginning of the formation of each note proceeds similarly, as dictated by the input signal from the preamplifier.
Detail This refers to both the ability to produce all the notes, even the very quiet ones, as dictated by the input signal, as well how accurate the change in timbre of each note, while the note is playing, is rendered - i.e. the details inside each note.
Smoothness This refers to the ability of the amplifier to transition from note to note. This combined with speed is often call PRaT (pacing, rhythm, and timing)
Clarity This refers to both the lack of background noise, as well as the ability of the amplifier to stop and start each note on time - i.e. to not smear them together (often done in the pursuit of smoothness)
Agility This refers to the ability to play large number of notes simultaneously, for example orchestral scores, while keeping each note as distinct and accurate as it would be if it was all by itself.
Solidity This refers to the imaging and soundstaging abilities of the amplifier - how well it makes instruments sound solid enough to touch and 'see'.
Air This refers to the quality of the treble rendered by the amplifier.
Slam This refers to the quality of the bass rendered by the amplifier.
Naturalness This refers to how 'real' the music sounds. This, combined with 'enjoyability' are often referred to as 'musicality'.
Enjoyability This refers to the very subjective interpretation by a listener of how enjoyable the amplifier is. We try to score this one not only based on our ears, but how enthusiastic the owners of the amplifier are about its positive qualities.
Microdynamics This refers to the ability of the amplifier to accurately render the dynamic envelope of a single note correctly - note that this includes dynamic (loudness) changes that occur inside the note while it is being played.
Macrodynamics This refers to the ability of the amplifier to accurately render the large scale dynamics of many notes playing at once.
Glareless This refers to the ability of the amplifier to avoid sounding harsh, brittle, tizzy, bright and all the other negative aspects associated with most solidstate amplifiers over the last 40 years.
Power This refers to the ease and authority the amplifier has when rendering notes and music.
Drive This refers to how well the speaker can drive a nominally hard to drive speaker.
Ergonomics This refers to the ease of use and attractiveness of the amplifier - is it nice on the eyes, is it easy to position and fit in a rack, does it run cool enough to use in the summer in a non-air-conditioned house.

Copyright (c) Audio Federation
May 1, 2003