Pro Tube launches Malaysian-engineered range of vacuum tube amps

Malaysian-designed tube amps from Pro Tube

A local LED digital light and karaoke specialist outfit has just launched its own line of audiophile tube amplifiers. Pro Tube Sound & Light Technology rolled out its Malaysian-designed, China-made range of amplifiers (and other audio products), with the brief of making tube technology available at more affordable prices.



The line includes the PT-5T, PT-8T and PT-9T integrated vacuum tube amps priced respectively at RM2,999, RM4,999 and RM8,999. The entry-level PT-5T delivers 10 watts per channel in ultra-linear mode, and uses 5Z4 (x 1), EL43 (x 2) and 6N2 (x 2) tubes. The mid-level PT-8T, which is rated at 18wpc and 35wpc in triode and ultra-linear modes respectively, has a complement of a single 5Z4, four EL34 and three 6N1J tubes.

The flagship PT-9T outputs 28wpc and 55wpc in triode and ultra-linear modes respectively, and sports four KT88, a single 12 AT7, two 12AU7 and two 6E2 tubes. All three amps feature three line-level inputs each and have four- and eight-ohm impedance taps.



A fourth product is the Sound Filter or Crossover (RM2,599), placed between the amp and speakers. Pro Tube also launched a couple of solid-state power amps (P9500S / Pro 18, both priced at RM3,800) to cater to higher power demands, and a digital amp (KW320W, RM1,999).

Pro Tube says it hopes its valve amps will rival international brands available here, and also hopes to set up a distributorship in Jakarta soon. According to the company, the amps were already being sold directly to its network of clients here over the past two years, so setting up a proper showroom to cater to a wider market was the next step.

The launch was held on Sunday, September 7, but we didn't get to meet the designers behind the tube amps to shed more light on the products.



Packages that include speakers, cables and stands are also available, with prices starting at RM3,999. Call Pro Tube (03-9201 4222) to arrange a demo. The newly-opened showroom is located in Warisan Cityview, Jalan Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.