Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
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EL34plus RC Push Pull
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Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Power output: 2* 40W RMS (8 Ohm)
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 60kHz (-2dB)
- S/N response: ≥85 dB
- Input sensitivity: 0.3V
- Tubes: 4 EL34 4 12AT7
- Dimensions: 325mm x 215mm x 430mm
- Gross weight: 21 kg
Description
Our most successful amplifier is back! Almost exactly eleven years after introducing the EL34 Classic Plus with a remote control we did another update in autumn 2022. We developed and replaced the sheet metal housing against a high quality aluminum enclosure and fix vulnerabilities at the circuit board. The new housing structure guarantees a significantly higher stability and significant less vibration. The overall appearance is now also significantly higher quality.
Our most successful amplifier is back! Almost exactly eleven years after introducing the EL34 Classic Plus with a remote control we did another update in autumn 2022. We developed and replaced the sheet metal housing against a high quality aluminum enclosure and fix vulnerabilities at the circuit board. The new housing structure guarantees a significantly higher stability and significant less vibration. The overall appearance is now also significantly higher quality. Also the design of the remote control was updated and feels more handy now. The all-black version is also new.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
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DESTINY EL34PLUS RC:
- Positioning: An entry-level tube amplifier offering warm sound with a refreshed, solid build.
- Description: Uses updated aluminum housing that minimizes vibration while preserving the tube's natural warmth, making it a practical choice for smaller rooms and budget setups. Compared to later models like the KT120SE or hybrids, it maintains essential tube characteristics without extra modern features, serving buyers who want classic tube sound at an affordable price.
DESTINY DC-222T MKII HYBRID AMPLIFIER:
- Positioning: A hybrid amplifier that blends tube preamplification with solid-state strength at a modest price.
- Description: Uses dual transformers with a tube-based preamplifier to deliver clear, direct sound similar to solid-state performance but with tube warmth. Compared to the simpler EL34PLUS RC, it introduces hybrid circuitry for improved accuracy and reliability.
ORIGINAL OPA 3A - 300B SINGLE ENDED TUBE AMPLIFIER:
- Positioning: A classic single-ended design that embodies timeless tube simplicity and sonic purity.
- Description: Uses premium 300B and 2AU7 tubes in a design that emphasizes traditional tube warmth and minimal processing. In contrast to more modern models like the KT120SE, it offers a straightforward, time-tested approach.
DESTINY KT120SE SINGLE ENDED TUBE AMPLIFIER:
- Positioning: A modern tube amplifier that integrates advanced features while preserving a traditional tube tone.
- Description: Features powerful KT120 tubes with selectable triode or ultra-linear modes and separate rectification for a precise power supply. Unlike the Original OPA 3A, it adds modern options such as Bluetooth connectivity and flexible operating modes.
DESTINY PURER 3.8 30TH ANNIVERSARY HYBRID AMPLIFIER:
- Positioning: A flagship hybrid amplifier that combines tube preamplification with high-power transistor output for ultimate flexibility.
- Description: Incorporates a monoblock design featuring a tube preamplifier paired with a transistor power section that automatically switches between Class A, A2, and AB modes to suit varying listening conditions. Compared to all other models in the lineup, it stands out by offering superior output power, advanced versatility, and robust performance.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
1
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
555
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
52
Founding Year
Our take on the brand
Destiny Audio creates amplifiers that deliver pristine, extended high frequencies and organic low-level dynamics reminiscent of high-end tube gear, often matching the performance of much more expensive equipment.
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What if you spend more?
Black Ice
The Aries
2500
2500
/
2
Reviews
Black Ice Audio is distinguished by its Odyssey Circuit, which allows preamp tubes to automatically balance when power tubes are biased, and its Exact Bias System with top panel terminals for easy adjustments. The brand uses custom-wound transformers with German grain-oriented silicon steel cores, and their F35 model is known for exceptionally quiet operation with rich midrange and tight bass that rivals solid-state amps.
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Product Strengths
- Great for headphones, providing a lot of gain
- The DAC section uses the ESS 9038 Pro chip
- Can be used as a preamp in a regular system
- Has independent left and right tone controls
- Features a surround mode that enhances two-channel listening, making the walls disappear
- Connectivity options in the back are single-ended RCA
Product Considerations
- The balance knob has no detent
- The unit resets to analog input one every time it is turned off
- Some find the slope switches unclear
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The DAC section is quite close in sound quality to PS Audio DAC
- The surround mode is preferred over the Black Ice F360
Takeaway: The recgviNbkfbno9pQR offers great sound and many ways to tweak it, so it can change the sound to be exactly how the listener likes it. It works well with both headphones and speakers, so it is a good choice for people who like to listen in different ways.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Black Ice Audio is distinguished by its Odyssey Circuit, which allows preamp tubes to automatically balance when power tubes are biased, and its Exact Bias System with top panel terminals for easy adjustments. The brand uses custom-wound transformers with German grain-oriented silicon steel cores, and their F35 model is known for exceptionally quiet operation with rich midrange and tight bass that rivals solid-state amps.
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Line Magnetic
LM-84IA
1995
1995
/
1
Reviews
Line Magnetic builds their vacuum tube amplifiers by hand, using custom-matched components and a unique transformer design that produces balanced, low-distortion sound. Their ultra-linear amplifier topology and precise magnetic field control in the circuitry have earned praise in audiophile reviews for delivering exceptionally transparent audio reproduction.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Appealing aesthetics and a very positive initial impression
- Full and warm sound is enjoyable for headphone listening without causing stress
- Exceptional build quality and workmanship
Product Considerations
- 200-300 hours of burn-in time is needed before definitive statements about sound quality
- Sound is a bit closed and small initially, suggesting it might need time to open up
- High-gloss finish might attract fingerprints
Takeaway: The Line Magnetic LM-84IA is a cute and well-made little amplifier that seems to produce a full, warm sound. It could be a very enjoyable amplifier for someone who wants an amplifier with appealing aesthetics.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Line Magnetic builds their vacuum tube amplifiers by hand, using custom-matched components and a unique transformer design that produces balanced, low-distortion sound. Their ultra-linear amplifier topology and precise magnetic field control in the circuitry have earned praise in audiophile reviews for delivering exceptionally transparent audio reproduction.
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What competes at this price?
Feliks Audio
ECHO 2
943
/
Released
2022
Your introduction to tube sound – even entry level means high quality at Feliks Audio
Feliks Audio is a Polish brand that handcrafts tube amplifiers, including their flagship Envy model which features single-crystal copper wiring and 300B tubes known for their linearity and low distortion. Their amplifiers stand out for their ability to drive both high-impedance dynamic and planar magnetic headphones, which is uncommon among tube amplifiers, while maintaining a low noise floor and delivering natural, warm sound.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Unique and engaging musical experience, even with some hard-to-drive headphones
- Natural, fluid, musical sound with a bit of warmth, superb soundstage, and resolution
- Exceptional detail for the price category and low distortion
- Great build quality and a pleasing aesthetic, being hand-built
- Also works as a preamplifier for stereo setups
Product Considerations
- Not designed for planar magnetic headphones or for low impedance headphones
- May sound brighter, with lower bass quantity and precision, with low impedance headphones
- Tubes are consumables and will burn out after a couple thousand hours of use
- The power switch is located on the back, which some may find inconvenient
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SPL Audio Phonitor 2 amp—Echo 2 provides a more refined experience
- Vs Hagerman Tuba—Echo 2 has better driving power and clarity for high impedance headphones
- Vs Audio-gd Master 19—Echo 2 has a more natural tonality and deeper soundstage for high impedance headphones
- Vs Violectric HPA V340—Echo 2 has a more magical musicality and a smoother presentation for high impedance headphones
- Vs Burson Soloist 3X Performance—Echo MKII leans towards a slightly more relaxed sound, while Soloist leans into a more forward aggressive one, and the Soloist has stronger treble extension
Takeaway: The Feliks Audio Echo 2/MKII is a great tube amplifier for those who appreciate engaging and emotionally rich listening sessions, especially with high-impedance dynamic headphones. This hand-built amplifier offers a unique musicality and adds warmth and depth to music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Feliks Audio is a Polish brand that handcrafts tube amplifiers, including their flagship Envy model which features single-crystal copper wiring and 300B tubes known for their linearity and low distortion. Their amplifiers stand out for their ability to drive both high-impedance dynamic and planar magnetic headphones, which is uncommon among tube amplifiers, while maintaining a low noise floor and delivering natural, warm sound.
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