Chinese OTL valve monoblock power amps

I bought these on eBay from a small UK dealer/manufacturer who specialises in exotic horn speakers.

Here's an example of his work ....



When I got the amps they clearly had a problem with hum, so I sent them back and they had a substantial re-build by Champ Audio (http://www.chambonino.com/) including a totally revamped PS. They have behaved perfectly ever since.

They are rated at 40watts each and do give this into 8 ohm speakers, but like all OTLs they are not happy into low impedance loads. They could drive my Thiel CS2.3 speakers (a notoriously difficult 4 ohm load), but only at moderate levels, they soon ran out of steam. Into 8 ohms and higher they are perfectly happy - and sound pretty powerful actually.

The sound quality, into an 8 ohm speaker, is sublime. Real purity and fantastic resolution. You think you've heard a 3D soundstage? Heh, heh, wait 'til you hear these babies . Some folks here may recall my enthusiasm for the NVA A80 solid state monoblocks - truly excellent amps but the OTLs are definitely a level up in terms of sound quality.

A few words on speaker compatibility ...

There is still a little residual hum (everything hums a little) ... so I wouldn't recommend these amps with speakers of, say, 90-92dB/W sensitivity or above.

They have worked excellently with my old Jim Rogers JR149 and 150 speakers, my ProAc Future Point Five, my Yamaha NS1000M, my Celef PA1 (?), my Rega Juras, my Rogers Export Monitors (sort of a Spendor BC1), my Spendor SP1/2 ... and probably quite a few more. I don't want to give the impression that the amps are difficult to partner, because they aren't! But just avoid the higher effiiency designs that are often partnered with valve amps - you don't need that with these amps - they are pretty powerful beasts into a nornal 8 ohm speaker and would probably be fine into 6 ohms too.

They are in great condition, and look sublimely wonderful .

Speaker outputs are standard 5-way posts (single wired) and RCA inputs. Standard IEC mains input socket. They are auto-biasing - so when tube replacement time comes along, quite a long time from now, just slip the new ones in and power the amps up!

OTL amps are legendary in some parts for their amazingly open, detailed and transparent sound. Hear these and understand why!

These are stunning amps. Really!


Anyway ...... what with one thing and another (one thing being my box-swapping habit, another being my fab new vintage Krell power amp ) these are now just sitting on the shelf (well, two shelves actually!) ... so, is anyone interested? If you are within a reasonably sensible driving distance (which is quite a long way, for me!) I'd be happy to bring them to you to try in your own system.

On the forums, I sell stuff for what it cost me. These cost me £680, so ....