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MICHAELSON AND AUSTIN TVA-1- This amplifier came out more than 30 years ago. It is stereo, large, well built and heavy (80 lbs). It uses two KT-88 output tubes per channel and has a rating of 75 watts per channel.

It has a number of strengths; it is clean, powerful, natural, very dynamic and has excellent bass, with both impact and control. This amplifier has more "guts" than many 200 watt per channel amplifiers I've since heard, and it will work with an unusually large variety of speakers. It is a little "crude" sounding compared to some of the best contemporary designs.

This amplifier has always had an excellent reputation, and it's somewhat rare, so the used price is still virtually the same as when it was new. This steady demand, and its ultra rare price stability, confirms to me what I have long felt about the TVA-1: It is a "Classic".

Further- A reader sent me some information which may help the owners of this very fine amplifier optimize its performance. With some minor editing:

"I own the M & A TVA-1. It is as you describe: very dynamic, fabulous bass and enough valve musicality to make it very satisfying. In my humble opinion, music ain’t music without appropriate drive, impact and slam. For the money I paid - $1000AUD, the TVA-1 was a great buy.

I might add that the 12AX7 input valves are absolutely critical in the TVA-1 circuit. With 1950’s Mullard 17mm long plate ECC83’s in the input, and similar Mullard’s as drivers + GEC KT88’s, the TVA-1 is very special, and much of the “crudeness” to which you refer is eliminated.

With new production valves as input and drivers, the sound is bright and forward. The same applies for the KT88’s. Unfortunately, the cost of my NOS valves is more than I paid for the amp! Ah, but who cares. I have great music and that’s what counts." (7/04)

Personal Note- While I do have a lot of experience with the TVA-1 (in my former store during the 1980's), I only experimented with the output tubes and never with the input tubes. Accordingly, it's possible that successful input "tube rolling" may provide superior sonic performance, as this reader claims.