Price Paid:  $250.00 from audiowaves

Summary:
I'm glad that they finally added this space to critique this nifty little sonic wonder "AKA, the Wave". When it initially came out, everyone thought it was merely an advertising ploy because who in the world would market a pair of tube-powered monoblock amplifiers at a little over $200 a pair! Well, if you haven't bought a pair now, you've missed out on one of a handful of true underachievers in the audiophile industry(discontinued after only a few year). Remarkably, it has a detachable iec cord that begs to be upgraded in a heartbeat. Output posts are remarkable for the price. A tube change of the 6bm8 triode/pentode improves the mids and a future upgrade to the evasive Telefunken variety is said to be simply heaven. Furthermore, the schematic is straightforward and if you scan the forums, you;ll find discussions for capacitor circuit upgrading that includes comments from the manufacturer. That is remarkable.

A local audiophile owner, Chris at Audio Gallery in Sacramento, suggested part modifications that would enhance the sounds and it was easily worth the price with much better highs. I initially compared the sound qualities with another underachiever, the SE-40 single-ended amplifier, from the now defunct Golden Tube company, and the little "Wave" did not disappoint! NOW, it is very close! Vocals are excellent especially female and overall transient are speed is excellent. While it can't be the last word in bass and detail, it puts to shame may amplifiers that are offered at up to five or ten times its cost. A true keeper.

Strengths:
midrange, vocals.

Weaknesses:
upper range in original form. Not an issue if modified.

Similar Products Used:
Golden Tube SE-40
Quicksilver Mini-mono