tubeamp
Latest
Engadget giveaway: Win a stereo tube amp system courtesy of Monoprice!
Tube amplifiers have long been a passion for audio purists and musicians who have cash to support the pricey habit. There's also the bonus of steampunk-esque styling that these exposed-component devices exude. This week, three lucky readers will get to warm up the sound of their digital tunes courtesy of Monoprice, an online bastion for affordable alternatives to costly electronics and cabling. This stereo tube amp system is a hybrid including vacuum tubes and solid state in one package. It offers an RCA line-in along with a toggle switch for playing tunes over Bluetooth 4.0. On top of the classic tube amp style and 25 watts-per-channel peak output, you get a pair of 5-inch 2-way bookshelf speakers and braided banana clip cables to complete the setup. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning one of these complete audio packages courtesy of Monoprice. Winners: Congratulations to Eric M. of East Aurora, NY; Jerry F. of Cincinnati, OH and Matt A. of Georgetown, KY!
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]
Lars & Ivan's PA-40Ti Hybrid power amplifier / iPod dock
We've no qualms with a manufacturer thinking outside of the box in order to differentiate its iPod docking station from the myriad competitors, but Lars & Ivan's PA-40Ti takes it one step beyond customization. This Hybrid power amplifier / iPod dock sports a design that SNL's Nuni and Noony are sure to adore, and features a total output of 40-watts RMS, a frequency response of 22Hz - 22kHz, signal-to-noise ratio of 67dB, four-channel input selector (phono / CD / aux / iPod), a headphone jack and a dedicated subwoofer output. Additionally, this thing includes video out and a remote control, and while it will run you a stiff €233 ($341), your collection of industrial metal will be totally in love.[Via Technabob]
NAT Audio's Magma is one beastly tube amplifier
We've seen all sorts of fanciful tube amplifiers over the years, but none have intimidated us quite like NAT Audio's Magma. This brute is the self-proclaimed "most powerful single-ended tube amplifier on the market," and it can churn out 160-watts at 4- and 8-ohms with a frequency response of 10Hz to 100kHz. Additionally, this thing weighs in at 88-pounds, measures 11.8- x 25.2- x 14.2-inches and relies on a 6N1P-EV, a 6N30P-DR and a Eimac 450TH tube to get the job done. If you're craving more specs on this Class A monster, we've got 'em: an input impedance of 100-kohms, input sensitivity of 2.7V RMS for full power output, gain of 22.5 dB at 8-ohms and a pricetag of $55,000 per pair. Check out a few more angles after the jump, won'tcha?[Via AudioJunkies, thanks Lukas]
