Here are eight of our favorite Chi-Fi amps and speakers. Although it’s difficult to speculate about the MC5S’s performance, the ten KT90s, five ECC83s, and five ECC82s can almost certainly create one of the hottest home theater amps ever. We’ve seen this tube, or one similar to it, used in high-end amps before, but those types of amps can carry a cost in the low five figures. The Audioromy model here is rated at 30 W per channel of pure Class A. From the photos, the 9-inch-high speaker appears to have a 1-inch dome tweeter mounted inside a horn, with a 2-inch high-excursion woofer below it. You can choose between military green (shown) or bright red. We had the opportunity to check out the Qinpu’s Q-2 hybrid tube/transistor amp, and we were impressed with the sound it mustered from a mere 2 watts. You can grab a pair for around $200. To be fair, the MC-08PPA’s build quality looks better than most Chi-Fi products, even if the design is a little cheesy, but it’s definitely fun to look at. The DL-2000 also has a winning design that would look right at home in any sci-fi movie. Sadly, though, it’s priced more like a typical preamp from an American or European manufacturer. One thing you certainly expect of the WVT2015 that you can’t of most audio gear: People will ask you what the heck it is.
