my search for a tube amp

Nick B · January 16, 2026, 06:20:27 PM

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

ejk · January 17, 2026, 02:22:28 AM

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.

Nick B · January 17, 2026, 08:45:00 AM

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.

toobluvr · January 17, 2026, 10:54:44 AM

Quote from: Nick B on January 17, 2026, 08:45:00 AM
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.

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

ejk · January 17, 2026, 12:36:41 PM

Quote from: Nick B on January 17, 2026, 08:45:00 AM
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.

check your email i sent u a link

Nick B · January 17, 2026, 06:37:14 PM

Quote from: toobluvr on January 17, 2026, 10:54:44 AM
Quote from: Nick B on January 17, 2026, 08:45:00 AM
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.

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 AM
Quote from: Nick B on January 17, 2026, 08:45:00 AM
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.

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

Nick B · January 18, 2026, 10:38:07 AM

Quote from: ejk on January 17, 2026, 12:36:41 PM
Quote from: Nick B on January 17, 2026, 08:45:00 AM
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.

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

Nick B · January 22, 2026, 12:46:18 PM

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.

ejk · January 22, 2026, 02:39:21 PM

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.

Nick B · January 22, 2026, 06:38:21 PM

Quote from: ejk on January 22, 2026, 02:39:21 PM
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.

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.

P.I. · January 23, 2026, 06:55:48 PM

Watch the first 2 minutes-ish about the Miller amp Danny is having built.

https://youtu.be/W2lJ0Wu1l2w?si=N_o_c91s72i6NAA8

Nick B · January 23, 2026, 09:19:19 PM

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.

toobluvr · January 24, 2026, 04:58:54 AM

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.

P.I. · January 24, 2026, 09:42:42 AM

Quote from: toobluvr on January 24, 2026, 04:58:54 AM
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.

If I was going to buy performance per dollar Miller's KT88 version without bias would be my jam.

Nick B · January 24, 2026, 11:00:44 AM

Quote from: toobluvr on January 24, 2026, 04:58:54 AM
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.

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.