I have a great sounding system nowadays. It's all solid state, but I have been thinking about getting a tube amp for a while. I owned 2 tube amps years ago and then recently I had the Supratek tube preamp as well. I really liked that preamp, but ended up selling it when I got my Hattor Big preamp which is beautifully built, sounds great and has a lot of flexibility with dual mono readouts and an excellent attenuator and remote control. The Supratek also had a cheap Alps pot in it which I did not care for. My purpose isn't simply to get a tube amp and try it out. It is to get a tube preamp that uses very high-quality parts and is very low noise. Another criteria is simply the weight. I really don't want to deal with 60+ lb amps.
My main interest has been the modified Dynaco ST 70 amps. They put out about 35 W per channel or a bit more and weigh about 35 pounds. I have looked at many different versions as I can and I believe the best one is the Miller Audio version. It was Dave who first made me aware of this version. I then checked out the website and gave Bryan Miller a call. He was very gracious with his time and I called him again recently. His prices are very good and he will do custom orders. I've looked at a couple of utube videos again yesterday and today and I think all things considered, Bryan's is the best version for me. I prefer a preamp that uses the 6NS7 tubes like I had on my Supratek. It also has a solid state rectifier which I prefer over a tube. I can also choose the type of chassis that I want, various colors and cosmetic options. I also may request some different parts than what Bryan offers.
I'm attaching a couple of utube videos if anyone is interested. Dave previously told me that the 35 W per channel that the Miller version puts out is plenty to drive my JM Reynaud Voce Grande speakers. They are rated at 88.5dB. Bryan Miller also told me that his version comes close to putting out 40 W per channel.
There were a couple of other tube amp options available to me recently. One was an Underwood HiFi integrated that a member here suggested. Apparently the parts quality is good and the price was right at about $1300. I called the owner Walter who told me that he would not accept an order. It appears he's in the process of selling his business, or if that doesn't work out, then closing it down completely. He told me he is 73 and wants to retire and enjoy the beaches of Hawaii where he lives.
I was also told about a Willsenton R8 integrated that has been highly modified. But that was some days ago and I still don't have any photos of the amp or any details about what mods were done. So the best candidate for me at the moment would be the Miller ST 70. It will run me around $2500, but I am fine spending the money as the amp would be put together exactly how I like.
Any comments or suggestions are still appreciated and I'm not sure yet when I would put in an order for the Miller amp.
Skunkie Designs tests new vs old
https://youtu.be/mloj0S-hris?si=Ol3nqcdDvgzIZQZ5
Novalux tests regarding negative feedback, a solid state rectifier etc.
https://youtu.be/flnI_e_u1dw?si=PrG8TUdqEBLG4Pmt
Skunkie Designs comments about the Willsenton R8
https://youtu.be/LD10RvhKNP4?si=YS4zmgdXnRyTPZ0u
Nick
Regarding the R8. Willsenton has put out an mk2 version of the R8 but not admitting to it that corrects some faults that caused failures that Skunkie found. You would have to watch the whole series on youtube as I dont remember which episode.
Quote from: ejk on January 17, 2026, 02:22:28 AMRegarding the R8. Willsenton has put out an mk2 version of the R8 but not admitting to it that corrects some faults that caused failures that Skunkie found. You would have to watch the whole series on youtube as I dont remember which episode.
I was just on the Skunkie website and there are a lot of videos including on the Willsenton. Don't think I want to go thru the whole series to find out all that was modded. Next issue is who would do the work. So far a modded ST 70 and the Miller version seems to be the best choice.
Quote from: Nick B on January 17, 2026, 08:45:00 AMQuote from: ejk on January 17, 2026, 02:22:28 AMRegarding the R8. Willsenton has put out an mk2 version of the R8 but not admitting to it that corrects some faults that caused failures that Skunkie found. You would have to watch the whole series on youtube as I dont remember which episode.
I was just on the Skunkie website and there are a lot of videos including on the Willsenton. Don't think I want to go thru the whole series to find out all that was modded. Next issue is who would do the work. So far a modded ST 70 and the Miller version seems to be the best choice.
In this video she compares Original ST-70 to the Tubes4Hifi version. FWIW she really likes the latter. At 21 minute mark says in no uncertain terms to forget about the R8 and Musicshare X7. Apparently, in her opinion, they are significantly defeated by the ST-70. And she has much experience with all of them. Again, FWIW.
Also, at the 22:25 mark she says she might be willing to build kits for customers if it is shipped to her. I'm sure she can build or mod just about anything, not just the ST-70. Might be something to keep in mind, and maybe reach out if you have a kit or mods in mind?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mloj0S-hris
Quote from: Nick B on January 17, 2026, 08:45:00 AMQuote from: ejk on January 17, 2026, 02:22:28 AMRegarding the R8. Willsenton has put out an mk2 version of the R8 but not admitting to it that corrects some faults that caused failures that Skunkie found. You would have to watch the whole series on youtube as I dont remember which episode.
I was just on the Skunkie website and there are a lot of videos including on the Willsenton. Don't think I want to go thru the whole series to find out all that was modded. Next issue is who would do the work. So far a modded ST 70 and the Miller version seems to be the best choice.
check your email i sent u a link
Quote from: toobluvr on January 17, 2026, 10:54:44 AMQuote from: Nick B on January 17, 2026, 08:45:00 AMQuote from: ejk on January 17, 2026, 02:22:28 AMRegarding the R8. Willsenton has put out an mk2 version of the R8 but not admitting to it that corrects some faults that caused failures that Skunkie found. You would have to watch the whole series on youtube as I dont remember which episode.
Thanks for all the information. I took a look at the video and she did a nice job on the comparison.
Quote from: toobluvr on January 17, 2026, 10:54:44 AMQuote from: Nick B on January 17, 2026, 08:45:00 AMQuote from: ejk on January 17, 2026, 02:22:28 AMRegarding the R8. Willsenton has put out an mk2 version of the R8 but not admitting to it that corrects some faults that caused failures that Skunkie found. You would have to watch the whole series on youtube as I dont remember which episode.
I was just on the Skunkie website and there are a lot of videos including on the Willsenton. Don't think I want to go thru the whole series to find out all that was modded. Next issue is who would do the work. So far a modded ST 70 and the Miller version seems to be the best choice.
In this video she compares Original ST-70 to the Tubes4Hifi version. FWIW she really likes the latter. At 21 minute mark says in no uncertain terms to forget about the R8 and Musicshare X7. Apparently, in her opinion, they are significantly defeated by the ST-70. And she has much experience with all of them. Again, FWIW.
Also, at the 22:25 mark she says she might be willing to build kits for customers if it is shipped to her. I'm sure she can build or mod just about anything, not just the ST-70. Might be something to keep in mind, and maybe reach out if you have a kit or mods in mind?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mloj0S-hris
I was just on the Skunkie website and there are a lot of videos including on the Willsenton. Don't think I want to go thru the whole series to find out all that was modded. Next issue is who would do the work. So far a modded ST 70 and the Miller version seems to be the best choice.
In this video she compares Original ST-70 to the Tubes4Hifi version. FWIW she really likes the latter. At 21 minute mark says in no uncertain terms to forget about the R8 and Musicshare X7. Apparently, in her opinion, they are significantly defeated by the ST-70. And she has much experience with all of them. Again, FWIW.
Also, at the 22:25 mark she says she might be willing to build kits for customers if it is shipped to her. I'm sure she can build or mod just about anything, not just the ST-70. Might be something to keep in mind, and maybe reach out if you have a kit or mods in mind?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mloj0S-hris
Thanks for all the information. She's got a nice channel and does a good job of explaining all the measurements and results.
A couple of things about the various kits. On occasion, I appreciate a vintage look. With the original ST 70, I really don't care for the stainless steel and the way it looks in the front. So I would definitely be opting for a different looking chassis and I like what Miller offers. I'm also a big fan of the 6NS7 tubes. Miller does offer an auto bias option, but I'm not sure I want it as that bias needs to be set internally. The modded Willsenton R8 isn't being considered anymore.
I will take a look at the parts on Miller's site and see what it all adds up to. I don't think Bryan's labor would be that much more of this lady. I think her name is Stephanie
Quote from: ejk on January 17, 2026, 12:36:41 PMQuote from: Nick B on January 17, 2026, 08:45:00 AMQuote from: ejk on January 17, 2026, 02:22:28 AMRegarding the R8. Willsenton has put out an mk2 version of the R8 but not admitting to it that corrects some faults that caused failures that Skunkie found. You would have to watch the whole series on youtube as I dont remember which episode.
I was just on the Skunkie website and there are a lot of videos including on the Willsenton. Don't think I want to go thru the whole series to find out all that was modded. Next issue is who would do the work. So far a modded ST 70 and the Miller version seems to be the best choice.
check your email i sent u a link
I did get it and thanks for that. Thought I answered you here last night, but looks like I didn't tap on Post to save it.
Evan saw a post over at AC about the ST 70. At the bottom of the page, there are a couple of links that a member posted that indicate that Erhard Audio was the first to come out with the auto bias board and 6NS7 version. Miller Audio then bought out Erhard Audio in 2024.
Here's a link to the brief thread over at AC.
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=189900.msg2031036#new
An update on the amp search. I've been in touch with Bryan from Miller Audio a few times and he's a pleasure to deal with. Very responsive. I asked if the inputs on the front of the amp can be moved to the rear and he said he can do whatever I want, but doesn't recommend it due to the potential noise issues. His ST 70 version is one of two amps I am considering right now. The other is the Erhard Audio Elvis MkII. I read the link that Evan sent me from AC about Miller Audio apparently buying the rights to the ST 70 kit from Erhard as well as the auto bias board which Miller now is the distributor for. Jack then found a listing on USAM for an Erhard Elvis Mk II amp that had been briefly listed for sale. As I wasn't able to contact the owner because he had taken it off of the active listings, I simply put a want ad for that specific amp and the owner contacted me that same evening via email. It has a left channel issue but will be repaired under warranty within a week or two. The price is under $2000 and that is very appealing to me. It has 60 W per channel and looks to be very well built with good parts quality. I'll be discussing it soon with the owner. This would be a very nice option for me to have a good quality amp and at a very reasonable price to see how I like a tube amp.
Quote from: Nick B on January 22, 2026, 12:46:18 PMAn update on the amp search. I've been in touch with Bryan from Miller Audio a few times and he's a pleasure to deal with. Very responsive. I asked if the inputs on the front of the amp can be moved to the rear and he said he can do whatever I want, but doesn't recommend it due to the potential noise issues. His ST 70 version is one of two amps I am considering right now. The other is the Erhard Audio Elvis MkII. I read the link that Evan sent me from AC about Miller Audio apparently buying the rights to the ST 70 kit from Erhard as well as the auto bias board which Miller now is the distributor for. Jack then found a listing on USAM for an Erhard Elvis Mk II amp that had been briefly listed for sale. As I wasn't able to contact the owner because he had taken it off of the active listings, I simply put a want add for that specific amp and the owner contacted me that same evening via email. It has a left channel issue but will be repaired under warranty within a week or two. The price is under $2000 and that is very appealing to me. It has 60 W per channel and looks to be very well built with good parts quality. I'll be discussing it soon with the owner. This would be a very nice option for me to have a good quality amp and at a very reasonable price to see how I like a tube amp.
I figured due to noise issues was the reason for the AC to be on the opposite side of the inputs.
Quote from: ejk on January 22, 2026, 02:39:21 PMQuote from: Nick B on January 22, 2026, 12:46:18 PMAn update on the amp search. I've been in touch with Bryan from Miller Audio a few times and he's a pleasure to deal with. Very responsive. I asked if the inputs on the front of the amp can be moved to the rear and he said he can do whatever I want, but doesn't recommend it due to the potential noise issues. His ST 70 version is one of two amps I am considering right now. The other is the Erhard Audio Elvis MkII. I read the link that Evan sent me from AC about Miller Audio apparently buying the rights to the ST 70 kit from Erhard as well as the auto bias board which Miller now is the distributor for. Jack then found a listing on USAM for an Erhard Elvis Mk II amp that had been briefly listed for sale. As I wasn't able to contact the owner because he had taken it off of the active listings, I simply put a want add for that specific amp and the owner contacted me that same evening via email. It has a left channel issue but will be repaired under warranty within a week or two. The price is under $2000 and that is very appealing to me. It has 60 W per channel and looks to be very well built with good parts quality. I'll be discussing it soon with the owner. This would be a very nice option for me to have a good quality amp and at a very reasonable price to see how I like a tube amp.
I figured due to noise issues was the reason for the AC to be on the opposite side of the inputs.
Miller is familiar with the Will Vincent amps and some hum and some don't. He has one now on a trade in. I spoke with the owner of the Erhard Elvis Mk 2 and he said the amp is very nice cosmetically, that he has owned a Will Vincent ST 70 and felt the Elvis Mk 2 was a much better amp. He has a Cary SL 80 integrated that he really likes and just got in a Pass 25 integrated which he's going to try out and see which one he likes better. I'm just not interested in an integrated and the price of admission to try out the Elvis is very reasonable.
Watch the first 2 minutes-ish about the Miller amp Danny is having built.
https://youtu.be/W2lJ0Wu1l2w?si=N_o_c91s72i6NAA8
Quote from: P.I. on January 23, 2026, 06:55:48 PMWatch the first 2 minutes-ish about the Miller amp Danny is having built.
https://youtu.be/W2lJ0Wu1l2w?si=N_o_c91s72i6NAA8
Thanks much, Dave. I had not seen that video and it does affect my thinking quite a bit. My main concern with a tube amp is that it rolls off the top end. Danny and Ron really liked Bryan's amp and especially after the terminal strips were replaced. I'll contact Bryan and discuss this some more. The deal I have regarding the Erhard is quite good, but I'm willing to spend more to achieve the best sound quality I can for the money.
Really nice job by Danny with his videos. He is so straightforward and has his clients best interests in mind. Having over 50 parts in that Polk crossover was surprising.
Quote from: P.I. on January 23, 2026, 06:55:48 PMWatch the first 2 minutes-ish about the Miller amp Danny is having built.
https://youtu.be/W2lJ0Wu1l2w?si=N_o_c91s72i6NAA8
Beat me to the punch. Was gonna forward you that same video. Been watching Danny for years. Find him to be very direct, honest and sincere. He's very experienced and has heard VG stuff. Just my gut but I implicitly trust his opinions, and would not hesitate to buy what he recommends. To me, just the fact he is going with that Miller amp says an awful lot, is high praise, and IMO it most probably is a reliable recommendation.
Quote from: toobluvr on January 24, 2026, 04:58:54 AMQuote from: P.I. on January 23, 2026, 06:55:48 PMWatch the first 2 minutes-ish about the Miller amp Danny is having built.
https://youtu.be/W2lJ0Wu1l2w?si=N_o_c91s72i6NAA8
Beat me to the punch. Was gonna forward you that same video. Been watching Danny for years. Find him to be very direct, honest and sincere. He's very experienced and has heard VG stuff. Just my gut but I implicitly trust his opinions, and would not hesitate to buy what he recommends. To me, just the fact he is going with that Miller amp says an awful lot, is high praise, and IMO it most probably is a reliable recommendation.
If I was going to buy performance per dollar Miller's KT88 version without bias would be my jam.
Quote from: toobluvr on January 24, 2026, 04:58:54 AMQuote from: P.I. on January 23, 2026, 06:55:48 PMWatch the first 2 minutes-ish about the Miller amp Danny is having built.
https://youtu.be/W2lJ0Wu1l2w?si=N_o_c91s72i6NAA8
Beat me to the punch. Was gonna forward you that same video. Been watching Danny for years. Find him to be very direct, honest and sincere. He's very experienced and has heard VG stuff. Just my gut but I implicitly trust his opinions, and would not hesitate to buy what he recommends. To me, just the fact he is going with that Miller amp says an awful lot, is high praise, and IMO it most probably is a reliable recommendation.
Well, we sure think alike regarding Danny. It's already quite an achievement for the Miller amp to be praised by Danny and then to have a custom version built really puts it over the top.
Quote from: P.I. on January 24, 2026, 09:42:42 AMQuote from: toobluvr on January 24, 2026, 04:58:54 AMQuote from: P.I. on January 23, 2026, 06:55:48 PMWatch the first 2 minutes-ish about the Miller amp Danny is having built.
https://youtu.be/W2lJ0Wu1l2w?si=N_o_c91s72i6NAA8
Beat me to the punch. Was gonna forward you that same video. Been watching Danny for years. Find him to be very direct, honest and sincere. He's very experienced and has heard VG stuff. Just my gut but I implicitly trust his opinions, and would not hesitate to buy what he recommends. To me, just the fact he is going with that Miller amp says an awful lot, is high praise, and IMO it most probably is a reliable recommendation.
If I was going to buy performance per dollar Miller's KT88 version without bias would be my jam.
I appreciate your unbiased view on this. I'm sending Bryan an email and want to talk more about a maxxed out version like what Danny is getting. From my limited experience with connectors, I'd prefer using ETI, AECO and WBT. Not sure about internal wiring. I've had cables made using the silver gold wire and also using the square copper wire, both from neotech as I recall. Don't know if those would be suitable for wiring in an amp.
Quote from: Nick B on January 24, 2026, 11:07:51 AMQuote from: P.I. on January 24, 2026, 09:42:42 AMQuote from: toobluvr on January 24, 2026, 04:58:54 AMQuote from: P.I. on January 23, 2026, 06:55:48 PMWatch the first 2 minutes-ish about the Miller amp Danny is having built.
https://youtu.be/W2lJ0Wu1l2w?si=N_o_c91s72i6NAA8
Beat me to the punch. Was gonna forward you that same video. Been watching Danny for years. Find him to be very direct, honest and sincere. He's very experienced and has heard VG stuff. Just my gut but I implicitly trust his opinions, and would not hesitate to buy what he recommends. To me, just the fact he is going with that Miller amp says an awful lot, is high praise, and IMO it most probably is a reliable recommendation.
If I was going to buy performance per dollar Miller's KT88 version without bias would be my jam.
I appreciate your unbiased view on this. I'm sending Bryan an email and want to talk more about a maxxed out version like what Danny is getting. From my limited experience with connectors, I'd prefer using ETI, AECO and WBT. Not sure about internal wiring. I've had cables made using the silver gold wire and also using the square copper wire, both from neotech as I recall. Don't know if those would be suitable for wiring in an amp.
I know someone who put 2 silver caps in their Aric Audio preamp which cost 3000.00 a pair. Aric thought the guy was nuts until after Aric installed them and gave it a listen and was amazed at the sound. He said he wouldn't offer the upgrade on his website but if someone would ask he would do it again.
Quote from: ejk on January 24, 2026, 01:14:00 PMQuote from: Nick B on January 24, 2026, 11:07:51 AMQuote from: P.I. on January 24, 2026, 09:42:42 AMQuote from: toobluvr on January 24, 2026, 04:58:54 AMQuote from: P.I. on January 23, 2026, 06:55:48 PMWatch the first 2 minutes-ish about the Miller amp Danny is having built.
https://youtu.be/W2lJ0Wu1l2w?si=N_o_c91s72i6NAA8
Beat me to the punch. Was gonna forward you that same video. Been watching Danny for years. Find him to be very direct, honest and sincere. He's very experienced and has heard VG stuff. Just my gut but I implicitly trust his opinions, and would not hesitate to buy what he recommends. To me, just the fact he is going with that Miller amp says an awful lot, is high praise, and IMO it most probably is a reliable recommendation.
If I was going to buy performance per dollar Miller's KT88 version without bias would be my jam.
I appreciate your unbiased view on this. I'm sending Bryan an email and want to talk more about a maxxed out version like what Danny is getting. From my limited experience with connectors, I'd prefer using ETI, AECO and WBT. Not sure about internal wiring. I've had cables made using the silver gold wire and also using the square copper wire, both from neotech as I recall. Don't know if those would be suitable for wiring in an amp.
I know someone who put 2 silver caps in their Aric Audio preamp which cost 3000.00 a pair. Aric thought the guy was nuts until after Aric installed them and gave it a listen and was amazed at the sound. He said he wouldn't offer the upgrade on his website but if someone would ask he would do it again.
Huh?? Three grand for two caps? Any idea what company made those?
Quote from: Nick B on January 24, 2026, 03:55:47 PMQuote from: ejk on January 24, 2026, 01:14:00 PMQuote from: Nick B on January 24, 2026, 11:07:51 AMQuote from: P.I. on January 24, 2026, 09:42:42 AMQuote from: toobluvr on January 24, 2026, 04:58:54 AMQuote from: P.I. on January 23, 2026, 06:55:48 PMWatch the first 2 minutes-ish about the Miller amp Danny is having built.
https://youtu.be/W2lJ0Wu1l2w?si=N_o_c91s72i6NAA8
Beat me to the punch. Was gonna forward you that same video. Been watching Danny for years. Find him to be very direct, honest and sincere. He's very experienced and has heard VG stuff. Just my gut but I implicitly trust his opinions, and would not hesitate to buy what he recommends. To me, just the fact he is going with that Miller amp says an awful lot, is high praise, and IMO it most probably is a reliable recommendation.
If I was going to buy performance per dollar Miller's KT88 version without bias would be my jam.
I appreciate your unbiased view on this. I'm sending Bryan an email and want to talk more about a maxxed out version like what Danny is getting. From my limited experience with connectors, I'd prefer using ETI, AECO and WBT. Not sure about internal wiring. I've had cables made using the silver gold wire and also using the square copper wire, both from neotech as I recall. Don't know if those would be suitable for wiring in an amp.
I know someone who put 2 silver caps in their Aric Audio preamp which cost 3000.00 a pair. Aric thought the guy was nuts until after Aric installed them and gave it a listen and was amazed at the sound. He said he wouldn't offer the upgrade on his website but if someone would ask he would do it again.
Huh?? Three grand for two caps? Any idea what company made those?
Maybe Jupiter I dont remember.
Quote from: ejk on January 24, 2026, 04:19:10 PMQuote from: Nick B on January 24, 2026, 03:55:47 PMQuote from: ejk on January 24, 2026, 01:14:00 PMQuote from: Nick B on January 24, 2026, 11:07:51 AMQuote from: P.I. on January 24, 2026, 09:42:42 AMQuote from: toobluvr on January 24, 2026, 04:58:54 AMQuote from: P.I. on January 23, 2026, 06:55:48 PMWatch the first 2 minutes-ish about the Miller amp Danny is having built.
https://youtu.be/W2lJ0Wu1l2w?si=N_o_c91s72i6NAA8
Beat me to the punch. Was gonna forward you that same video. Been watching Danny for years. Find him to be very direct, honest and sincere. He's very experienced and has heard VG stuff. Just my gut but I implicitly trust his opinions, and would not hesitate to buy what he recommends. To me, just the fact he is going with that Miller amp says an awful lot, is high praise, and IMO it most probably is a reliable recommendation.
If I was going to buy performance per dollar Miller's KT88 version without bias would be my jam.
I appreciate your unbiased view on this. I'm sending Bryan an email and want to talk more about a maxxed out version like what Danny is getting. From my limited experience with connectors, I'd prefer using ETI, AECO and WBT. Not sure about internal wiring. I've had cables made using the silver gold wire and also using the square copper wire, both from neotech as I recall. Don't know if those would be suitable for wiring in an amp.
I know someone who put 2 silver caps in their Aric Audio preamp which cost 3000.00 a pair. Aric thought the guy was nuts until after Aric installed them and gave it a listen and was amazed at the sound. He said he wouldn't offer the upgrade on his website but if someone would ask he would do it again.
Huh?? Three grand for two caps? Any idea what company made those?
Maybe Jupiter I dont remember.
Just confirmed
Jupiter silver foils vitamin q and cosmos
Quote from: ejk on January 24, 2026, 04:21:42 PMQuote from: ejk on January 24, 2026, 04:19:10 PMQuote from: Nick B on January 24, 2026, 03:55:47 PMQuote from: ejk on January 24, 2026, 01:14:00 PMQuote from: Nick B on January 24, 2026, 11:07:51 AMQuote from: P.I. on January 24, 2026, 09:42:42 AMQuote from: toobluvr on January 24, 2026, 04:58:54 AMQuote from: P.I. on January 23, 2026, 06:55:48 PMWatch the first 2 minutes-ish about the Miller amp Danny is having built.
https://youtu.be/W2lJ0Wu1l2w?si=N_o_c91s72i6NAA8
Beat me to the punch. Was gonna forward you that same video. Been watching Danny for years. Find him to be very direct, honest and sincere. He's very experienced and has heard VG stuff. Just my gut but I implicitly trust his opinions, and would not hesitate to buy what he recommends. To me, just the fact he is going with that Miller amp says an awful lot, is high praise, and IMO it most probably is a reliable recommendation.
If I was going to buy performance per dollar Miller's KT88 version without bias would be my jam.
I appreciate your unbiased view on this. I'm sending Bryan an email and want to talk more about a maxxed out version like what Danny is getting. From my limited experience with connectors, I'd prefer using ETI, AECO and WBT. Not sure about internal wiring. I've had cables made using the silver gold wire and also using the square copper wire, both from neotech as I recall. Don't know if those would be suitable for wiring in an amp.
I know someone who put 2 silver caps in their Aric Audio preamp which cost 3000.00 a pair. Aric thought the guy was nuts until after Aric installed them and gave it a listen and was amazed at the sound. He said he wouldn't offer the upgrade on his website but if someone would ask he would do it again.
Huh?? Three grand for two caps? Any idea what company made those?
Maybe Jupiter I dont remember.
Just confirmed
Jupiter silver foils vitamin q and cosmos
Thanks for confirming. I had copper Jupiter caps in my Border Patrol dac. I will let the WBF guys buy the $3k caps
Aric includeds the Jupiter Vitaman Q silver caps as an upgrade to the Motherlode XL for $770 and the combination of the Comet/Vitamin Q for $4800. If you want something like that in an upgrade and the money they can be provided if the builder has a source for them.
Quote from: Jack on January 24, 2026, 06:25:43 PMAric includeds the Jupiter Vitaman Q silver caps as an upgrade to the Motherlode XL for $770 and the combination of the Comet/Vitamin Q for $4800. If you want something like that in an upgrade and the money they can be provided if the builder has a source for them.
I guess he decided to add it as an option.I haven't checked his website in awhile.
I included the Vitamin Q cap option in my XL order which is still months out before delivery.
I spoke with Bryan Miller about the Danny custom ST 70 build. Bryan said there are different parts that will be tested and he will use different boards. Once I heard that, I didn't ask for a timeframe and decided to go with the Erhard Elvis amp. The Danny custom could take quite a while and that is the version I would want based on Danny's videos and his discussion of his likes and dislikes.
The Erhard should end up being very good and it will give me a good idea if I want to have a tube amp in my system or not. It is used and the price is good. The seller shipped it back to Erhard to fix a left channel issue and that will likely be done in a week. I never did hear back on the Willsenton amp and that's fine as it wasn't my first or second choice anyway.
The Erhard amp arrived in Montana and is being repaired. I might have it within a week, but there's no hurry.
I finally heard from the Willsenton owner and that was a very interesting conversation. The R8 is heavily modded and with some circuit modifications to simplify things. The owner is a very knowledgeable DIY guy and followed the videos of Steph at Skunk Works on utube and also an extensive thread on the stereonet forum. I wasn't aware Steph had gone into extensive mods on this unit nor was I aware of DIY thread. The owner said he has the best transformers and best parts for that circuit. Apparently the transformers are Japanese, but I can't recall the name.
So if the Erhard doesn't work out, I may get that Willsenton and try it out.
Quote from: Jack on January 25, 2026, 08:30:56 AMI included the Vitamin Q cap option in my XL order which is still months out before delivery.
Cool. Another Aric convert.
Evan
He just released another new model using 12 volt tubes instead of 6SN7's. Can be ordered either SE or Balanced. One piece unit like yours.
Quote from: Jack on February 15, 2026, 07:47:03 AMEvan
He just released another new model using 12 volt tubes instead of 6SN7's. Can be ordered either SE or Balanced. One piece unit like yours.
Yes I saw it. I just cant give up the 6sn7 tube
It's been a while since I posted on the tube amp situation. The Erhard arrived a few weeks ago. It was repaired by the manufacturer, Holger, and he sent it to me. It was nicely packaged and arrived in perfect condition. It is a beautiful piece and very well built. Has 4 KT 88 tubes and 3 6NS7 tubes and only weighs 45 lbs. I remember my McCormack amp weighed 60 lbs, so I appreciate the lighter weight.
I have just been playing music on JPLAY. Was repeating some songs, but mostly letting the software pick my favorites and other songs. The amp needed a lot of time to really sound good. Not sure how many hours are on it or if any tubes have been replaced. But it has enough hours on it now to draw some conclusions...
Let me start by saying that I've put in a lot of effort in noise reduction via cables, Dave's UberBUSS and some noise reduction devices by iFi. My system is quiet and resolves beautifully. I am using very good equipment including Leo's Starkrimson Ultra amp that I've had for a couple of years. I enjoyed my solid state sound.... fast, powerful, clean, detailed, layered, wide and deep soundstage, expansive and holographic. I have some silver cabling and that contributes to some of those attributes.
So since I've raved about solid state, what about a tube amp?? Well, it's been 30 years or so since I owned the VAC 90 monos and Modjeski RM 9. Both very nice amps. I will say I am really enjoying the Erhard Elvis Mk II. The midrange is very nice with an increased presence, warmth and oomph. The soundstage width and depth is similar to the solid state, but the layering isn't as detailed and structured like solid state and with silver wires. The top end isn't as resolving or maybe it's a bit hidden by a stronger midrange. The Erhard 60 w per side is plenty of power for my 88.5 db JMR Voce Grande speakers.
I will be using the Erhard for the foreseeable future. Generating some heat with summer approaching isn't a concern. In reflecting on the differences between solid state and a tube amp in my system, one isn't really better than the other. Just different flavors presented according to the designers visions. If I were backed against a wall and had to make a decision, I would lean toward the solid state presentation 🎶
Just an update on that Erhard Elvis Mk II amp. I have concluded that a good tube amp can be quite an addicting sound. Am quite happy with it.
I would be curious how the max modded Willsenton R8 and Miller Dynaco ST 70 tube amps would compare. But don't think I want to buy more amps and have to sell... at least for a while 🎶
I have lived with the Erhard for a while now and it's a great amp. I have used the Raytheon, Sylvania and RCA nos versions of the 6NS7. It's a close call between the Sylvania VT 231 and RCA 6NS7GTB and I slightly prefer the RCA. I am surprised by the detail retrieval, layering and improved texture on voices and instruments. If Evan reads this, I will bet him a (cheap) NY steak that he'd like the Erhard better than his Quicksilver amps...
Jack also has and likes the Erhard Elvis Mk II as well.
He might even be able to sell the Quikies for enough to cover the cost of the Erhard.
Quote from: Jack on June 28, 2026, 10:40:40 PMHe might even be able to sell the Quikies for enough to cover the cost of the Erhard.
Yes, indeed and even enough to buy me that steak dinner 🤤
I took my Elvis out of the system a couple of days ago and replaced it with the 25s. While the 25s are really good amps that do nothing wrong there is still something missing in the presentation that the Elvis delivers. I suspect it is the emotional element to the music that you get from a good tube amp and my new Verity's seem to love tubes.