Unbranded Chinese Firebottle Valve amp.

[struth]

I don't think it is so much to do with it being valves as just upping the quality of the amplification. Sony ES amps are okay but they are getting a bit over-rated IMO.

People like a safe bet brand-wise even if it isn't the best they could do for the money. Look at how that Avondale amp lingered in the classifieds for so long despite the price being a giveaway for the sound quality.

Or the 'F27's ugly sister, the FB 'Dulci', which no-one seems to want even for just £200 when quality-wise you could comfortably stick a zero on that:

thought you sold that ages ago.

[Macca]

Someone was going to buy it and build it into a fancy case but they backed out for unrelated reasons so I decided to keep it.

I'm mentioned it because Alan said the F27 is essentially the same topography, with a bit more power. So I can guess what it sounds like.

[Firebottle]

You guys, Marco and Macca crack me up (could make a double act).

The FB Dulci is what it is Marco, fugly maybe but SE smoothness in droves.
It just needs a case to hide it.

[Jimbo]

Looks ugly but sounds sweet.

[Macca]

Better than that IMO. Used within its power limits it is astonishingly transparent. Up there with the best. Beyond that it still sounds sweet but it loses the transparency. In my room 96db speakers were not enough, would need to go to horn loading and well over 100dB sensitivity to get the levels I want plus the transparency.

[nthall]

I actually like the look of The Dulci better. It looks like it was built to do a job other than look cool in the dark.

[Macca]

I actually like the look of The Dulci better. It looks like it was built to do a job other than look cool in the dark.

Exactly. No concessions to those who listen with their eyes. Its purity is uncontaminated.

[Marco]

You guys, Marco and Macca crack me up (could make a double act).

We aim to please!

It just needs a case to hide it.

Aye, mind you it'd do a good job of scaring the kids away from the fire!

Marco.