Neuhaus T-2 vacuum tube amplifier turns heretic, offers USB input

We're more used to seeing vacuum tubes on iPod speaker docks, but the Neuhaus T-2 brings some of that analog action to your computer by serving as a USB amplifier. Those among us who think MP3 compression is just a-okay will find this new device boils down to a handsome-looking external sound card, with perhaps a bit of extra oomph. For the audiophiles, already cringing in distress at the preceding sentence, we have specs: the T-2 pumps out 20W each to two channels, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 85dB and a frequency response between 10Hz and 30KHz. If you find any of that attractive, hold your racing heart in check, as the asking price is $795. We suppose it's more affordable than the Magma, but then again so is a new car.

[Via Switched]

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 28th 2009 11:55PM]

Tubes distort sound, please don't tell Jimmy Page or any other legendary guitar players, they all use tube amps and will not be caught dead using solid state. No matter how much they try solid sate amps will never give you the sound of tubes. I have heard both and tubes sound better period. This amp for $795 seems like a great price. Tube amps are hand produced not like solid state. MacIntosh the great U.S. manufacturer of high end tube amps start at about $5k.

[appsman Posted Jul 29th 2009 2:52AM]

You need to see the new Movie, "It Might Get Loud". Jimmy Page is featured prominently. Most of the sound he goes for is in the effects. Effect are, by definition, distortion. Tube use in guitar amps has nothing to do with fidelity. I own classic McIntosh tube amps, so I too like their sound, but tube use in guitar amps can't be used to justify their use in audio.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 10:29AM]

lens42 thanks for the Page info, but I must disagree with you on the tube sound. The goal in any home audio system is to duplicate the live performance sound as close as possible. In live concerts the guitar and vocal amps are vacuum tube based. Vacuum tubes deliver a very unique sound so if you are trying to duplicate that in a home environment, you should use similar technology. Solid state just can't duplicate it, that is why McIntosh who is considered state of the art in home audio system still uses tubes. I am amazed that nuehaus labs has a tube amp for $795. It must be made in the Far East which is where most stuff is made. I am going to try and get one and especially test it with digital audio on my Mac.