GemTune X-1 Vacuum Tube Amplifier, Hi-Fi Tube Amp, 100% Handmade, Ideal for Small Rooms

The item arrived on time and was well packed. Opening the valves had to be unpacked separately and plugged in. No diagram, only a picture. I had a lot of trouble due to poor quality valve sockets. Initially one of the output valve heaters did not come on. On wiggling the valve in its socket the heater came on and the valve worked. Also two resistors inside the unit overheated and emitted smoke. I replaced these and the Amplifier now operates correctly. I suspect the resistors overheated because the connection to the valve control grid went open circuit for a moment, causing the anode current to rise substantially. These problems would be caused by poor connections to the valve bases, as mentioned earlier.On test the amplifier is now operating correctly.I am now retired, but when I was an apprentice in an electronic engineering firm at age 20 I regularly had to maintain and service valve equipment, so I do have experience of working with valves.

The media could not be loaded. Superb Quality! -- Please note that I was supplied this amplifier in exchange for my honest review. All my reviews are 100% honest and unbiased and all comments and thoughts are mine. Your opinion on this product may differ however this should help you out.The X-1 came well protected nestled in some Styrofoam in a massive cardboard box. In the box you'll find:- The GemTune X-1- 4 Valves - [Two Pysvane EL34-B; One 6N9P pre-amp valve and One 5Z4P rectifier valve- 2 Power cords [One European 220V and One UK 230V]- Thank you card from GrandviewEverything is packaged really nicely so that nothing breaks whilst it is in transit. Note that no interconnect cables are included with the amplifier, meaning that you'll have to source you own. I'm sure that you have some expensive cables at your house that you always use, but I wish that they had included interconnects.I really like the design of the X-1 because it's totally black and looks very professional. It certainly doesn't look cheap and it almost looks like something an audio professional would have in their Hi-Fi setup. It doesn't look cheap in any way and the black paint job is really smart. There is 'GemTune' branding on the front of the amplifier which you may love or hate, I like it because the white colour works well with the matte black. Also on the front in a power switch and a volume knob. I like how there isn't too much on the front and so it looks very tidy and well designed. Once you have put the valves in, you'll see some 'Pysvane' branding which is front-facing on the main power valves. I really like this branding because it's it makes it look much more professional and expensive. It's very high quality font and the writing isn't wonky; the image on the valves looks really interesting and adds to the overall look of the amplifier. On the rear of the amplifier, there are:- 0,4,8 ohm speaker outputs x2- CD inputs- Power input - I got 220V 50Hz input power but the voltage is different for each region.I like how everything is so neat and how all the inputs are in a perfect straight line. It just shows how much this company think about quality and design. There are some rubber feet on the bottom of the amplifier to protect it from getting scratched or damaged when on a surface. Behind the valves is a massive power transformer. Overall, I really like the design of this amplifier because of how neutral, tidy and professional it looks.The X-1 is totally made out of metal meaning that it is VERY robust. It is cold to the touch and you can just feel the quality; definitely worth £300 going by the build quality. The amplifier is screwed together perfectly and there are no imperfections when it comes to build, their QC really shows here. Although it is painted black, the paint hasn't scratched or chipped, this shows that it was sprayed with care and with a high quality paint. The power switch has a very positive 'click' to it and I like this because you know when it's definitely on. The volume knob is a bit too loose for my liking however it is VERY smooth and it feels like it always been freshly oiled! I have one complaint when it comes to build quality though; The speaker cable input plugs are loose!! This makes it feel quite cheap and I really hate it when this happens, they need better plugs for the cables to plug into. They are gold connectors but if it's not put together properly then what's the point in using high quality connectors? Also, the valves are quite hard to get in the valve sockets, but that's not too much of a problem. Overall I have to give the build quality an 8.5/10; although it is all metal and it feels really solid, the cable plugs let it down for me.Now for the sound quality! That's want you want this for and that's what I'm going to * rate it on.BASS- Maybe a bit too light and airy however it's certainly still packs a good punch. It's deep, quite detailed and nicely controlled. It's definitely not bass orientated sound and I don't mind about that, however a little more punch would have been nice. But hey, this is a £30 valve amplifier, it's amazing for £300 ad I'm just being picky.MIDS- Sooooooo clear, crystal clear and so clean sounding. I think that this amplifier is perceived to produce such clear sound because it's rather bright sounding. Detailing is amazing and with a quality pair of speakers, you're in for a treat. Vocals are so crisp that they can sound life-like. I can't say how great this amplifier performs because I will never be able to praise it enough.TREBLE- Very well extended, a bit too extended. It can be harsh and sibilant at times meaning that to some the sound will be unpleasant. High pitched notes and 's' sounds can sometimes sound likes snakes hissing. The highs are emphasised and so this amplifier is not for all. The bright sound can improve it's perceived crispness in the sound and detailing. I am actually a fan of this sound because I think it sounds life-like.Overall sound quality: 9.5/10 - Absolutely stunning for £300, highly recommended.Overall rating: 9/10Don't hesitate, just buy! What a quality amplifier at such an affordable price, I can't praise it enough.I hope that you liked this review, if you did, please vote it helpful. Have a nice day, 'ReviewingGlobaly4U'!