It's not just hype that a lot of audiophiles sold their beloved McIntosh (and similar) amps once they heard the R8. Three inputs, a choice of output tubes (KT88 or EL34). change tube output from Triode to Ultra-liniar from the remote while you listen. I found out that Amy Winehouse had a very bony arse because she was sitting on my knee when I listened in Ultra-linier.
The remote is all metal and it can rattle but you could drive a truck over it with out doing damage. A rattle could be cured with some carefully place blu-tac
You can still buy the standard R8 from China landed in Ireland for about €1500 including delivery, taxes and whatever other duties are involved.
My experience was buy/order in May. Daily contact from June onwards as to why my amp hadn't arrived when I knew it was in the country.
and then finally on July 5th I got it home once I found out a Customs Officer made several assumptions (all wrong) I received the amp and an apology almost simultaneously.
I'm looking for a straight €1600 to include upgraded PSVANE preamp tubes and and upgraded voltage regulator tube. I will also throw in four Tesla/JJ EL34 tubes as they work well in this amp. The KT88 tubes are Willsenton's own as they are really very good and the choice of those tubes is easy.
Comes with original double boxed packaging.
Incidentally EL34s are considered more musical, KT88s more 'punchy' - it all depends on your equipment, type of music and mood.
