Reviews

I'm super satisfied with the amp. It was fun to build and it sounds just great (absolutely zero noise also). Having built some Dumble clone guitar amps I can recognize good component choice, and Perry's was top notch.
The amp was fun to build and the instruction book was very clear and easy to follow. I have some experience building guitar amps and pedals, but I can totally see this could be a doable, albeit challenging, first build for someone entering this space. I'm already planning to build a Legendarium...

I recently completed the AE1-C build.  It was my first kit and I had virtually no difficulties making my way through the process.  The directions were incredibly detailed.  Between the photos and text there were no points at which I couldn't determine what needed to be done.  I assumed there would be moments of frustration, but this turned out not to be the case.

In terms of fit and finish, the amplifier looks great and feels solid.  Everything is tight and lines up properly.  The transformers are substantial and the more important capacitors are exceptional.  The amplifier looks professionally built once completed. 

The sound of the amplifier is the most important aspect and it excels.  I have a handful of other tube amplifiers and another handful of solid state.  I have three other SET amps.  This has instantly become my go-to amp for situations in which I don't need 20+ amps to drive inefficient speakers.  I have used the AE1-C to run a pair of DIY 95db 3-way large speakers with 15" woofers.  The amp had depth and power to provide ample bass while still delivering the sweet sound you desire in the mid range.  I'm currently using it to power 2" compression driven horns from 600hz to 6000khz.  These horns are so sensitive that only the quietest amps are satisfying.  The AE1-C is nearly silent.  Without a doubt this is the best amp I've heard on these drivers.  It is incredibly musical and it presents instruments and voices precisely while drawing out details that I usually don't hear.  The silent backdrop certainly helps with this, but at times I'm still surprised at how deep into the soundstage I can hear.  I'm really impressed and happy with what this amp can do.  I'm perfectly happy with the TAD EL34s, but I do have a pair of vintage tubes on order to do a bit of rolling.  This is my first EL34 amp, so I don't have any go-to tubes at hand.

Finally, one of the reasons I chose to order from Analog Ethos was the stellar reviews of the instruction book.  I agree with the other reviews that it is exceptional.  In particular, I appreciate the way in which the book integrates the decision-making of the design, audio-engineering theory, and hands-on directions.  I learned a great deal building the amp and reading the book.  I'm certainly not ready to design my own amplifier, but using the book as a resource, I can imagine starting down that path and learning more and more in subsequent builds.  

All in all, I highly recommend this amp and Analog Ethos.  I had a blast building it and am so very satisfied with the end product.

This was my first vacuum tube amplifier kit. I am a low-experience hobbyist, yet I  was able to assemble and confirm the amplifier in about 12 hours total. Design, instructions, and photographs in manual are very clear and helpful.

I first learned of Analog Ethos while reading a thread on the Klipsch Forum about tube amplifiers and DIY kits. When I visited the website, I was immediately impressed by the photos, text, blog, DIY build manuals, and Perry's Design Ethos. Perry built an AE1-C for me, and it has exceeded all of my expectations. It drives my Klipsch RP-160M and Forte II speakers to loud levels with room to spare, and reveals details in the music that previously went unnoticed. I am glad that I found Analog Ethos and appreciate Perry's willingness to share his time, energy, and knowledge so that other audio enthusiasts can enjoy the sound of quality tube amplification. I look forward to many years of happy listening with the AE1-C.

Analog Ethos has really got something amazing with the AE1-C. The kit arrived promptly and was extremely well packed and organized. The documentation was clear and concise so I had no problems putting it together over a few evenings after dinner. My amp worked on the first try and the final product looks great and sounds amazing. I immediately noticed great detail and imaging. Extremely pleased with the value I got out of this project. Go get one!

I was looking for an amp kit and found the A1C…I was hooked by the appearance, and ordered right away. Perry responded quickly, and I had my kit in just over a week! The assembly/technical manual is outstanding! Assembly was fun and fairly easy. Worked perfectly on first try! Even sounded great with no burn in. I was not familiar with the output tubes supplied with the kit, but they are great sounding tubes. I am very ‘picky’ about noise, no worries here, the amps are essentially dead quiet on my 97dB horns!! Highly recommended! I am considering another kit!

I bought the assembled AE1-C. I am very impressed with the amplifier, and the change in sound from our old solid state box is remarkable. Separation between instruments is very clear, soundstage is well defined, and volume is all I could ask for. I keep having to remind myself that it's only 7wpc! We listen to classic jazz from the 50s-60s, classical music, and some singer/songwriter/folk music. Listening levels are low to moderate. The music is very lifelike and warm, and it’s a pleasure to play favorite recordings with this amp and discover new details in the music. The AE1-C is well put-together and solidly built. In addition to the great sound, it's very cool looking. Perry is a pleasure to work with, and when I've asked questions his answers are informative and prompt.

This kit is impeccably put together. Packaging is superb.  Each component type is supplied in a separate, clearly labeled bag. The instructions are very clear, detailed and informative. Just follow them carefully and you can't go wrong. The amp will work first time!

And what a gorgeous sound! The bass is fully extended but tightly controlled, wonderful. The midrange is warm and real, especially with vinyl recordings. The highs are extended and really smooth, just outstanding.

And the amp is SO good looking! I went with a white finish and white transformers to match my white turntable. It's a really great refreshing, modern look to a gorgeous vintage tube amp. Amazing!

Do yourself a favor and build one of these beauties!  - Tom, San Diego, CA

This kit was a lot of fun to build and is a gorgeous design. Perry was great in responding to questions I had as I never built anything like this before. The amp sounds amazing. The music sounds like it’s reaching out and wants to give you a hug. Very rich and warm soundstage.

Don't be afraid to ask questions about the amp. Perry knows his circuit inside and out and provides thoughtful answers. I felt like he wasn't trying to sell me his amp kit. I felt like, instead, he was trying to explain his amp's strengths and where those strengths may serve me best. In other words, I made an informed choice, rather than feeling hustled.

Fantastic comprehensive kit with detailed instructions of how to build and how it works of top quality components that sound phenomenal. I've soldered very little previously and it was a fantastic learning experience and so satisfying to now sit back and listen to the creation.

The AE1-C amplifier is exceptionally detailed and handles jazz, particularly horns and vocals with an amazing amount of detail and clarity. The imaging and instrument placements on the soundstage are quite remarkable and life like. I'm hearing new details in familiar recordings I've not heard before. Love the amp... Sonically, the AE1-C is a 5. I would give it an overall rating of 4.5 due to some of the detail I thought could have been a little better.