Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Quicksilver Audio V4 Amplifier (Tube) by DRJJP

Model:	V4
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$3995/pr
Description:	120 wpc ultralinear Tube monoblocks
Manufacturer URL:	Quicksilver Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by DRJJP on November 20, 2012 at 19:06:22
IP Address: 71.188.52.150 Add Your Review
for the V4

I cannot believe that no one has ever reviewed these amps. I have had my pair around 5 years and have no desire to change them. They are simply wonderful. I am not an engineer but they have plenty of power at the low end. The upper frequencies sing and are very musical and open. Of course with tubes you expect the mids to sing and they do. Pull out all your vocal (men and women) software as well as strings and small combo jazz. Don't let me give you the impression that orchestral stuff is left wanting, because it certainly is not. I know this review is kind of general but I can't give you a lot more except for the fact that if you are looking for a pair of tube monoblocks in the $5000 category, go and listen to these.

Also if you are not a real tube nut with all the idiosyncracies that are involved with that characterization, these are for you. They have bias meters where they belong - up front! And the adjustment screws are right behind the KT-88 tubes, easily adjusted with a long screwdriver. Plus let's talk tube life. Mike Sanders (Quicksilver's quietly brilliant owner) values functionality over fussiness. The bias current for the KT-88's is 40 ma. Let me say that I have had my original quartet on each amp! Plus my favorite music is orchestral and pipe organ played loudly so I have not been very gentle with them. The only tubes I replaced were the small driver and input tubes and I replaced them with some NOS Sylvania and RCA's for not a lot of bucks.

Product Weakness:	None
Product Strengths:	Functionality, power and musicality!

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: None
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Audible Illusions M3A
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Pioneer PD-65 Elite CDP; Clearaudio Concept with MicroBenz Wood high Output Cart.
Speakers: Sforzando JL-1
Cables/Interconnects: Harmonic Technologies
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Everything
Room Size (LxWxH): 30 x 15 x 7
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Tice Power Block
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	None
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Audible Illusions M3A
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Pioneer PD-65 Elite CDP; Clearaudio Concept with MicroBenz Wood high Output Cart.
Speakers:	Sforzando JL-1
Cables/Interconnects:	Harmonic Technologies
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Everything
Room Size (LxWxH):	30 x 15 x 7
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Tice Power Block
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner