LUXMAN SQ-N100

The SQ-N100 has UL-connected EL84s—one of the cheapest but best-sounding audio power tubes extant—and one-box integration. It has an ECC83 predriver and two ECC82 phase inverters, a properly buffered volume control with remote control and an equally proper 2H filter choke to not be a toy despite being really cute as sin. To make a complete system, Luxman offers the matching €1,200 D-N100 CD player with top-suspended transport.

The SQ-N100 has low power but not only does that go with the turf, it's higher than standard 300B SETs and leaves 45 and 2A3 SETs completely in the dust. It also flaunts a very long-lived famous brand name going back to 1925. Inspecting the machine without knowing any of this history communicates exceptional build quality without fail. The finish, the compact 25lbs mass, the feel and operation of the controls - it's all top drawer and as such, self-authenticating. The logo merely explains it, then adds perspective, market value, engineering maturity and customer support confidence.