Home » Audio » Thermionic Emissions » Will there be a time when tube amps are rarely used?
Re: Will there be a time when tube amps are rarely used? [message #99816 is a reply to message #99815] Tue, 22 September 2026 20:27 Go to previous messageGo to next message
gofar99 is currently offline  gofar99
Messages: 2058
Registered: May 2010
Location: Southern Arizona
Illuminati (5th Degree)
Hi, unfortunately I know all too well of the problem of kits. Oddwatt Audio inc still exists,but is dormant.  We have been unable to find any business model that makes a profit.  All our fabricators and suppliers have either gone away or raised the prices to us so much we can't see a way to continue at present.  As I said we are dormant now, but retain hope for the future.

Good Listening
Bruce
Re: Will there be a time when tube amps are rarely used? [message #99863 is a reply to message #99816] Tue, 13 October 2026 23:20 Go to previous messageGo to next message
positron is currently offline  positron
Messages: 164
Registered: May 2020
Master
I hope not. Seems, on other audio forums, so many
are pushing average quality as ok. I tried to help
with a tip, and responders rejected even a tip.  
Amazingly, some/many are against improving naturalness.

Vacuum tube amps are the only type that can be designed to
perfection (through specialized listening tests to verify).
SS, especially, have inherent flaws and/or restrictions.


cheers
pos
Re: Will there be a time when tube amps are rarely used? [message #99864 is a reply to message #71911] Wed, 14 October 2026 02:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Kurt is currently offline  Kurt
Messages: 38
Registered: December 2025
Baron
I am so sorry to hear that.

It is painful to see a company with a lot of passion, having to go dormant as a result of increasing coats and suppliers not responding.

I know how tough it can be to keep moving a business when the figures no longer make any sense. I really want things to improve for Oddwatt Audio, and you figure a way to make it work better in the future.

I'm just asking. How about trying to sell kits in smaller batches to reduce the upfront costs?
Re: Will there be a time when tube amps are rarely used? [message #99867 is a reply to message #99864] Thu, 15 October 2026 20:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
gofar99 is currently offline  gofar99
Messages: 2058
Registered: May 2010
Location: Southern Arizona
Illuminati (5th Degree)
Hi,  That is where the economy fails the worst.  Suppliers and fabricators want large quantities and not the modest ones we needed.  In the beginning we could get lots of 25 powder coated, punched out and labeled chassis or PCBs.  Now the same companies want a minimum of 100s.   The only way we could function was to out source the builds and such to Asia.  Not what we desired.  We keep looking at alternatives, but nothing has surfaced yet.  

Good Listening
Bruce
Re: Will there be a time when tube amps are rarely used? [message #99868 is a reply to message #99867] Fri, 16 October 2026 08:36 Go to previous message
Wayne Parham is currently offline  Wayne Parham
Messages: 19102
Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)

I will discuss this with some of the LSAF regulars.  Seems some cooperative ventures might be in order.
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