Welcome to the
world of tubes

We build variety of classic and customized vacuum tube amplifiers and preamplifiers in Ottawa, ON, Canada

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Who We Are and What We Do

We are passionate about creating affordable custom built HiFi vacuum tube amplifiers, preamplifiers, buffers ant tube based DAC output stages for audio enthusiasts.
You pay for the parts, and we handle the rest, delivering custom gear tailored to your exact needs — at a fraction of what big stores charge.

Our objective is to assist audio enthusiasts in accessing high quality equipment without breaking the bank. By offering our help, we strive to empower them to acquire the best audio gear while staying within their budget constraints. All our amplifiers are built to order in accordance with customer specifications and component choices. We also may offer a balanced trade-off between cost and performance. While quality components are clearly important, most makers agree that you need to know why you’re using a part in any given position because simply stringing together the most expensive components you can acquire doesn’t always yield the best results. Sometimes "less perfect" components, when married together correctly, give a better output than "top of the line" incredibly expensive components.

Vacuum Tubes

Interest in new amps and maintaining old amps is keeping tube factories operating in several countries. The tubes choice is usually up to the customer, however, our tubes of choice are New Sensor Corporation (including Electro-Harmonix, Genalex, Mullard, Sovtek, Svetlana, Tung-Sol) and Slovak JJ Electronic. We also using lots of NOS tubes (especially old Soviet era military stock).

Output Transformers

The importance of quality power and output transformers is well known in the tube’s world. Output transformers made with high-quality materials and construction techniques can produce a more detailed, dynamic, and balanced sound, with better bass response, smoother midrange, and extended high frequencies. Most of our transformers are built to order by Edcor USA or Hammond Canada.

Coupling Capacitors

The coupling capacitors are very important components. There is great reward in voicing your electronics with coupling capacitors that suit your taste. We are using Jantzen Audio Denmark, Audience's Auricap , Audyn , Mundorf's MCap as well as multiple NOS PIO audio capacitors such as K40Y-9, K75-10 etc.

PSU components

The power supply components are also important to the amplifier's sound and power output capabilities. We are using only high quality Electrolytic capacitors mostly manufactured in Japan by Nichicon, Elna and Rubycon as well as TDK-EPCOS Metallized Polypropylene MKP Capacitors (for power supply stability).

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Typical Price Range

There are several factors that can influence the price of a tube amplifier, including:

    1. Power Tubes. In general, high-quality power tubes made by reputable brands can range from around $50 to $200 or more per tube. The most common types of vacuum tubes used in power amplifier circuits include EL34, EL84, 6L6, 6V6, KT66, KT88, and 6550. Some less common types, such as the KT120 or the 300B, may be even more expensive due to their rarity and unique characteristics. The price of vacuum tubes can also be influenced by the condition of the tube, with new or "NOS" (new old stock) tubes generally commanding a higher price than used or refurbished tubes. In addition, the origin of the tube can also impact the price, with tubes made in certain countries such as the USA or Europe often being more expensive than those made in China or Russia.
    2. Output Transformers. In general, mid-high range output transformers that strike a balance between cost and quality can be found in the $200 to $400 range each (take in account that pare of output transformers required for stereo application). These transformers may offer a good combination of sound quality, durability, and value for the price, and are often used in high-end boutique amplifiers. These transformers may be designed to handle high power levels and provide extended frequency response.
    3. Power Transformer. The cost of a power transformer for a tube amplifier can vary widely depending on the size and power handling capacity of the transformer, as well as the quality of the materials and construction. High quality power transformers made with high-grade materials and construction techniques can cost two-three hundred dollars. These transformers may be designed to handle high power levels and provide low noise and distortion.
    4. Coupling capacitors and Power supply filtering capacitors. In general, mid to high range capacitors that offer a good balance of quality and affordability can be found in the $15 to $100 range. These capacitors may be suitable for medium to high-wattage tube amplifiers and offer a good combination of performance, reliability, and affordability.
    5. Chassis/Case. In general, mid-range chassis that offer a good balance of quality and affordability can be found in the $50 to $150 range. These chassis may be designed to provide optimal shielding and noise reduction. Be ready to pay premium for aesthetic appeal.
    The bottom line is that the price of a tube amplifier will depend on the specific components and features chosen. Tube amplifier project with a small output power (e.g. 3-6 watts) and basic components could be completed for as low as $1000 CAD.On the other hand, a high-end tube amplifier with premium components and advanced features could cost several thousand dollars or more.

To experience the warm sound associated with vacuum tubes on a tight budget, consider a good quality tube buffer:

We can build for you affordable tube buffer or preamp that can be added to your existing audio setup. These devices incorporate vacuum tubes to introduce that characteristic warmth and saturation to your sound without the need for a full tube amplifier. And of course, they are more budget-friendly than complete tube amplifiers.

BYOP - Bring Your Own Parts!

You are welcome to bring your own parts to be incorporated in our customizable designs for you. We realize the impact of inflation on new parts cost. Tubes, transformers, capacitors (except of used electrolitic) even old chassis, everything may be reused to save more.

Featured Works

These are some of our design projects.

Set of Single-ended Power Amplifiers (Monoblocks)

Customized version of J.C. Morrison 300B Single-Ended Amplifier.

Set of 8 Watts single-ended class-A amplifiers using Electro Harmonix Gold Grid 300B power tubes, Audyn Reference coupling caps and Hammond transformers.

Integrated Power Amplifier

2x35W Class AB PP Amplifier

2x35 Watts Push-Pull amplifier using Electro Harmonix EL34 power tubes, Russian PIO coupling caps, Hammond transformers and Remote volume control.

Power Amplifier

Stereo single ended KT88 based amplifier

Single ended power amplifier using powerful KT88 Vacuum Tubes, russian 6Н1П-ЕВ driver and Hammond 1628SEA otput transformers.

Fully integrated Amplifier.

Fully integrated Single ended EL34 amplifier.

Popular EL34 based single ended power amplifier with integrated Preamplifier (6Ж38П-ЕВ buffers plus 6Н23П-ЕВ drivers)and USB DAC.

Single-Ended Triode Amplifier

Single-Ended 6B4G Amplifier.

Single-ended class-A amplifier using Russian 6C4C (6B4G equivalent also similar to 2A3) direct heated triods and amorphous C-core output transformers.

Power Amplifier

Parallel Single-Ended Amplifier

Parallel Single-Ended Class A amplifier using 6SN7 and EL34 or 6L6 power tubes (switchable) with bios voltage indicator.

Guitar Amplifier

Single-ended combo Guitar Amplifier

10 Watt, Single-ended Class A combo guitar amplifier using 12AX7 preamp tubes and 6L6GT beam tetrode.

6V6 PP Power Amplifier

Modification of 6V6 type Push-Pull power amplifier

Russian 6П6С (6P6S) based 10W per channel PP power amplifier using K40Y-9 PIO Caps and Hammond OPTs.

Single-Ended Triode (SET) Amplifier

Single-ended Class A 300B Power Amplifier

8 Watts stereo single-ended class-A amplifiers using Electro Harmonix Gold Grid 300B power tubes and Hammond transformers.

Single-Ended Amplifier

6L6 class A Power Amplifier

8 Watts 6L6/6N8S based stereo amplifier with 6SL7 input tubes and Hammond 1630SEA output transformers.

Integrated Amplifier

'Budget friendly' fully integrated ampplifier with embedded USB input and DAC.

NOS Quad TDA1543 DAC with USB input integrated with tone control and 6V6GT power amplifier.

Single ended integrated amplifier

EL34 SEA integrated amplifier with DAC

EL34 based SEA amplifier with premium 6Н23П-ЕВ preamp tubes and AK4490 based USB DAC.

Integrated Amplifier

Ultra compact 6V6 single ended amplifier.

3W compact 6V6 single ended amplifier with integrated USB Dac and tone control.

Integrated Power Amplifier

Tung-Sol's KT120 based Single-Ended amplifier

Fully integrated Single-ended amplifier using KT120 power tubes and Tesla E88CC drivers as well as AK4490 DAC and tone control

Tube Buffers

6DJ8/ECC88 tube buffers

Custom built PCB. Adjustable Plate and Filament voltages. Two versions available (tubes enclosed and exposed for easy tube rolling with 6DJ8, E88CC, 6N23P, 6922, PCC88, 7DG8 etc.)

Integrated Headphone Amplifier

Headphone amplifier built in the authentic Cognac wood box (perfect gift :-)

6Ж1П-ЕВ based OTL headphne (up to 600 ohm) amplifier with built in USB DAC and Tone Control

Integrated Amplifier

Another ultra compact single ended amplifier.

4W compact 6V6 single ended amplifier with integrated USB Dac and tone control

Integrated Amplifier with matching preamplifier

Тwo-tier compact size single ended amplifier with preamplifier.

6W Single-ended amplifier with built in RIAA preamp, USB DAC and Tone Control

Integrated Amplifier

Push-Pull amplifier with integrated USB DAC

6V6 based 10W per channel PP power amplifier using Hammond OPTs. Integrated USB DAC and Tone Control

Output transformerless (OTL) Headphone amplifier

To drive High Impedance (up to 600 ohm) Headphones

6N13S output triode based amplifier with 6Н23П-ЕВ driver tube.

Hi-Fi Phono Preamp with RIAA Equalisation

MM Phono Preamplifier with RIAA Equalisation

Phono Stage Amplifier using 6N2P and ECC88 tubes.

Contact Us

Get in touch and let's make something great together. Let's turn your idea on an great product.


Where we are

We are located in Ottawa
Ontario, Canada

Contact us by email

contact@alevaudio.com

Please, submit the following form for initial enquiries


Contact Information

Name (Required): E-Mail address for reply (Required): Specification / Requirements

Type: Stereo or Monoblock?    Stereo     Monoblock
Amplifier Type: Amplifier Class: Amplifier Power Rating (Clean Watts):
(into an 8 ohm load at full power until clipping occurs,
typically 7-15 watts for small to medium space is enought.
The "loudness" is heavily depends on Speakers sensitivity rating) Speakers impedance (when applicable)?    8 Ohm only     4 Ohm and 8 Ohm     4 Ohm, 8 Ohm and 16 Ohm
Approximate Budget $CAD: Additional requests or questions?