Originally Posted by
Marco
Lol, as ever the best things in hi-fi are never quite so straightforward!
"Freely available", however, you've got no chance. The best valve amps I've heard have always been 'no compromise' (within a given budget) bespoke designs, built by experienced specialists [unhindered by commercial demands], who fundamentally understand the technology (its limitations as well as its strengths) and how to get the best out of it.
That usually results in the production of a valve amp which sounds "as it should", i.e. where its strengths outweigh its limitations, and where it's not trying to be something it isn't (nor ever will be)! :)
Incidentally, the same also applies to solid-state designs, particularly those that try to sound 'valvey'.
Marco.