CES 2009

Vincent was showing a room full of well-built, good-sounding, surprisingly affordable tube gear.The first thing that caught my eye (ear) was the 60Wpc V-60 ($3995). The V-60 sports four EL-34s per channel for that classic themionic caramel color (but just the teensiest bit). Pairs of 69273 and 6FQ7s complete the complement. Another sweet spot I never wanted to leave.

Across the room was the 150Wpc hybrid SV-236 mk. II ($1995). That 'un sports two 6N4s and a 12AX. It looked tasty, but it wasn't in an active system.