Frequently asked questions

It can be, with the right loudspeaker. Sensitivity decides it: as a rule of thumb, loudspeakers of about 98 dB (1 W / 1 m) and above suit a 2 W amplifier in a medium room of 20–30 m² at normal listening levels. A high, flat impedance curve and a simple crossover, or none, help too. Solaria (45 triodes) and Eurybia (2A3 triodes) give 2 W per channel, and the three-way Orpheus is rated at 103 dB. More in our guide to loudspeakers for single-ended amplifiers.

Fewer than most people expect, if the loudspeaker is sensitive. Every 10 dB of sensitivity is worth ten times the power: 2 W into a 98 dB loudspeaker plays as loud as 20 W into an 88 dB one. As a rough guide for a medium room, loudspeakers from about 93 dB suit a 300B amplifier such as Atlas (5 W), while those from about 88 dB need the 15–25 W of the transmitting triodes in Endymion or Ether. Our tube amplifiers range from 2 W to 30 W per channel; the arithmetic is in our power triode guide.

It depends on the type, how hard the circuit runs it and how often the amplifier is switched on. Figures commonly reported by technicians and owners are approximately 3,000–10,000 hours for power triodes such as the 45, 2A3 and 300B, and approximately 4,000–10,000 hours for transmitting tubes such as the 845 and GM-70; small-signal tubes often last longer. Three hours a day adds up to roughly 1,100 hours a year, so most tubes last several years. Replace them when listening or measurement shows wear, not on a schedule. See our guide to tube life and care.

Yes. Every tube amplifier in the range has a 6.3 mm and a 4-pin XLR headphone output beside its loudspeaker terminals, and on most models other connectors, such as 4.4 mm Pentaconn, can be fitted to order. For electrostatic headphones, Tantal has a STAX-type output as standard, and an electrostatic output is an option on several other models. The solid-state Hades and Bellerophon add a built-in DAC. Every model is listed on the headphone amplifiers page.

Every piece is built by hand to order. The build takes 6 months or longer from the queue deposit, depending on the model and the queue. Delivery then takes from one month after completion, depending on the destination, the transport method and customs clearance. When your unit enters the queue you receive its number and an estimated month of completion, and it ships with its own measurement report. The steps are set out on How to order.

There is no cart: every order starts with a conversation. Write to us by e-mail, WhatsApp, Telegram or WeChat with the model you are considering and the system it will serve; we answer within two working days. After a consultation you receive a written quotation. A 50% queue deposit reserves your build slot, and the balance is due after you receive the measurement report, before shipping. Once we confirm the configuration, we send you an invoice for the deposit; Payment is made to our business in Kazakhstan (a sole proprietorship). Accepted methods: PayPal and SWIFT bank transfer. Other payment methods on request. Details: How to order.

Each model page shows an indicative “from” price in your currency, converted from the US-dollar base price at the daily exchange rate. The final price depends on the configuration (tubes, inputs, headphone connectors and other options) and is fixed in your written quotation. Shipping and insurance are paid by the buyer and shown as a separate line in your quotation. Import duties and local taxes are paid by the buyer. To see where a model starts, open its page, for example Atlas or Endymion, or browse the amplifiers for loudspeakers.

Yes, when it is ordered for it. Every piece of gear can be built for 100 V, 120 V or 230 V mains, with the matching plug (NEMA, Schuko or BS 1363 / Type G). Voltage and plug are fixed in your quotation, so tell us where the gear will be used. Connecting it to the wrong mains voltage can damage it, and such damage is not covered by the warranty. The stock passive version of the Hector preamplifier needs no mains power at all. More on How to order.

Every piece of gear carries a one-year warranty on materials and workmanship from the date of delivery; extra warranty is available: +1 or +2 years. It does not limit the legal guarantee of conformity in the European Union and the United Kingdom. Warranty repair is carried out at our service centre in Kazakhstan, and shipping to and from it is paid by you. Please write to us before sending anything back: we issue an RMA number, the address and packing instructions. For mainland China, the repair route is agreed when you contact us. After the warranty, paid repair is available for as long as parts exist. Full terms: Warranty & service.

We ship to any country, from our atelier directly or through our hubs in Germany and China, in heavy-duty flight cases and a wooden crate, by express courier or freight on DAP terms, so import duties, taxes and brokerage fees are paid by the buyer. Shipping and insurance are paid by the buyer and shown as a separate line in your quotation. Report any transport damage within 72 hours of delivery. Made to order: no returns except a defect we confirm. Gear is built to your specification, so it cannot be returned or exchanged in any country; a defect we confirm is repaired or replaced under the warranty, with shipping both ways paid by the buyer. This does not affect any mandatory rights you have under the law of your country of residence. See also ordering from the Gulf and ordering from mainland China.