my search for a tube amp

Nick B · June 30, 2026, 09:14:47 PM

Quote from: ejk on June 30, 2026, 09:50:08 AM
Quote from: Nick B on June 28, 2026, 09:38:08 PMI 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.

I'm reading but not biting yet. This is my go to place

https://www.deesteakhouse.com/

Saw this earlier but not for me

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650336294-erhard-audio-aretha-tube-preamplifier-ray-single-ended-tube-amplifier-black-finish-original-packagin/

That's a nice place. Sure hope I don't need to pay up... 😔 The Erhard sounds super and I am wondering if getting rid of the router with the coax connection and going fiber optic has something to do with it. Jack has much more experience with tube amps, so his liking the amp means more than my opinion. The Aric Audio line is very appealing and especially his preamp, single or dual chassis. But my Hattor really does a great job. I'm lucky the previous owner didn't break it in enough.

Nick B · June 30, 2026, 09:20:02 PM

Quote from: ejk on June 30, 2026, 09:54:51 AMJust got back from Barbados last night and my 2 new bass traps from GIK were waiting for me. I ordered them with the 50 hz range limiters and results are positive. I was dealing with some overload in the lower regions on some music like Patricia Barber and this cleans ups the vocals and piano very well.

Glad you are enjoying nice travels. I have no acoustic treatments and am fortunate that there are no apparent room anomaly issues.... I think. Oh, are you using the Quicksilvers occasionally or sticking with the 25 monos? I still like Leo's amp a lot.

ejk · June 30, 2026, 11:33:40 PM

Quote from: Nick B on June 30, 2026, 09:20:02 PM
Quote from: ejk on June 30, 2026, 09:54:51 AMJust got back from Barbados last night and my 2 new bass traps from GIK were waiting for me. I ordered them with the 50 hz range limiters and results are positive. I was dealing with some overload in the lower regions on some music like Patricia Barber and this cleans ups the vocals and piano very well.

Glad you are enjoying nice travels. I have no acoustic treatments and am fortunate that there are no apparent room anomaly issues.... I think. Oh, are you using the Quicksilvers occasionally or sticking with the 25 monos? I still like Leo's amp a lot.

This week I am listening to the Ultra.

Nick B · June 30, 2026, 11:43:50 PM

Quote from: ejk on June 30, 2026, 11:33:40 PM
Quote from: Nick B on June 30, 2026, 09:20:02 PM
Quote from: ejk on June 30, 2026, 09:54:51 AMJust got back from Barbados last night and my 2 new bass traps from GIK were waiting for me. I ordered them with the 50 hz range limiters and results are positive. I was dealing with some overload in the lower regions on some music like Patricia Barber and this cleans ups the vocals and piano very well.

Glad you are enjoying nice travels. I have no acoustic treatments and am fortunate that there are no apparent room anomaly issues.... I think. Oh, are you using the Quicksilvers occasionally or sticking with the 25 monos? I still like Leo's amp a lot.

This week I am listening to the Ultra.

👍 🎶