With so many valve amplifier kits available, it can be challenging to choose the best one for your needs. The range of prices varies widely, and some kits, particularly those from China, can be extremely cheap.

Here’s why a Red Roo amplifier kit stands out as a smart choice for your next project:

1. Durability and Heat Management
   We use a heavy-duty, 2mm thick printed circuit board (PCB) with 2oz copper tracks. This construction ensures the PCB is highly durable, especially when removing or inserting tubes. It also improves heat dissipation, preventing excess heat from affecting the tube sockets.

2. Top-Quality Components
   Every component is sourced from tier-1 suppliers, ensuring top-quality and reliability. Many of these components feature Digikey part numbers, so you can verify their origin and quality for yourself.

3. Premium Capacitors
   We use high-quality capacitors, including polypropylene film capacitors and 105°C-rated electrolytics. For cathode bypass, we use low-impedance aluminum polymer capacitors. Our audiophile-upgrade for the SE5 comes with Mundorf or Auricap capacitors for interstage coupling, taking your sound quality to the next level.

4. Efficient High-Frequency Bypass
   To ensure superior performance, all electrolytic capacitors are bypassed by a polypropylene capacitor, improving high-frequency bypass efficiency.

5. High-Power, Wire-Wound Cathode Resistors and SE5 Potentiometer
   All high-power cathode resistors in our amplifiers are wire-wound, providing optimal performance and durability. The SE5 amplifier comes with an Alps R27 volume control for precision channel tracking at all volume settings, and a great feel with its solid aluminium knob.

6. Premium Output Transformers
   The output transformers are the heart of any tube amplifier. At Red Roo, we use high-quality, potted output transformers encased in an attractive steel enclosure. These transformers are critical for determining the sound quality and are one of the most expensive components in the amplifier. Cheaper designs often compromise here, but we ensure you get the best.

7. Precision Engineered Chassis
   The chassis is made from durable, powder-coated 18-gauge steel and precision laser-cut for a perfect fit. It’s built to last a lifetime, ensuring long-term durability and a sleek, professional appearance.

8. Reliable and Noise-Free Switching
   Our amplifiers use telecommunications-grade, gold-contact surface relays to switch between inputs. These relays are virtually noise-free and incredibly reliable, offering a much better solution than traditional rotary or push-button switches.

9. Modern High-Voltage Power Supply
   Red Roo amplifiers feature a modern high-voltage power supply, making them smaller, lighter, and more affordable without compromising performance. This design ensures that the valve heaters run on DC, eliminating hum in your speakers, and allows the use of a computer-grade power supply module, eliminating the need for complicated mains wiring.

10. Quality Tubes from a Trusted Manufacturer
    The tubes supplied with our amplifiers are manufactured by the renowned Reflector plant in Russia. While cheaper alternatives exist, we avoid using China-sourced or new-old-stock (NOS) tubes, which offer unreliable future replacement stock.

We hope you’ll consider a Red Roo amplifier for your next project. With our superior components, thoughtful design, and attention to detail, it’s the perfect investment for audiophiles looking for the best of both performance and value. You wont find these inclusions on your typical cheap kitset.

Thanks for reading

Phil Wait