I absolutely love my new Unlimited II preamp! Its extremely well build and sounds better than anything Ive had in my system (even far more expensive gear). I love the simplicity of it, and it just makes everything sound right. Instruments sound like they are supposed to, and voices are right in the room with you. Highly recommended! And Aric is a great guy - excellent customer service, quick responses to emails, etc. Thanks so much!!

Aric Audio Transcend 6SN7 Line stage or as labeled special 6SN7!I am going to start with this. STOP LOOKING! Contact Aric!!!!This is admittedly my first tube component. I am just amazed at what I am now hearing. The life this unit has brought out of my rig is so impressive. Terms like separation, air and depth now have meaning. Vocals can be hauntingly lifelike, not to mention actually hearing a drumstick hit the skin or a cymbal, the guitar pick on the string. I swear you can tell how thick the pick is also! The breathe of a female vocalist, fingers sliding on strings, oh and the sound of the reed on a sax! Its as if everything has its place on stage. Live performances are amazing I now understand what people mean by hearing the venue. I can go on and on.Most importantly though, the master mind behind it all. Aric! I just can not say enough good about this man.I contacted Aric a few months back when I decided I was ready to invest in a tube preamp. I was asking around for guidance on forums. Someone posted a link to a used Unlimited II his entry level preamp. I hand not heard of the brand so started looking. There was not much info out there but what was, was all positive! So I contacted Aric with a few questions. I was amazed as I got an extremely prompt response. It was 9:00 his time on a Wednesday evening. All my questions were answered in a very professional yet easy to understand manner. In the end I missed out as that unit was gone in 24 hours. A week or two later Aric reached out to me. He had taken one of his Unlimited IIs in on trade. That started the questions again and again he was right there to answer every one of them. By the time it was said and done I stepped up to the Transcend.At my request Aric helped me choose some great upgrades (hence the label of Special 6SN7 Line I believe). Never once did he try and upsell or change my direction. He in the end provided me with an absolutely beautiful (looking and sounding) preamplifier hand made in U.S.A by a sole craftsman! The build quality and performance are second to none as far as I am concerned.If you are finding yourself on the fence or having trouble making that final decision. Just contact Aric and communicate with him. Hes a super great guy and will give you the time. In the end you will be very happy!!Thank you Aric!Cheers.Henry

I bought an Unlimited II and Transcend KT88/120 SE from Aric just recently and I am extremely happy with the purchase, they sound wonderful. Both are very well built look and sound great. Been playing it every day using different sources.

Aric is a customer of my tube business (BULLzTUBEz)... I asked Aric to build a KT66 amplifier for me with 6SN7 preamp tubes for my office system... The build quality is outstanding and the sound is fantastic. I will be asking Aric to build a pair of mono amps for my audiophile system. Thank you Aric, I couldnt be happier!!!

End game! Aric was completely hands-on with the whole process; order, build and completion. Couldnt be a better experience. My 300B Super Set arrived pristine, very high standard quality and better than expected fit-and-finish. Sounds breathtaking, and powerful! Stunning!

Pleasure to do business with Aric Audio. Very good communication and really comes up with the best products that will fit your needs. Im happy to say I never have to buy another amplifier, my 2A3 SET sounds terrific and the build quality is superb!

To anyone interested in heirloom quality, hi fi equipment, I can heartily recommend Aric Audio. I have purchased two pieces from Aric: the Motherlode II (Preamp) and the Super 211 SET (Power amp). They are drop-dead gorgeous. But beauty (as they say) is only skin deep. They also sound KILLER! They pair beautifully with my Klipsch Forte IIIs. I should add that Arics customer service is impeccable. He is responsive and shows a real passion for his hobby and craft. If you are in the market for hi fi tube gear (or even speakers or cables), drop Aric an email. I am a very happy customer and I have no doubt that you will be too.

I cant recommend Aric highly enough. Custom builds meticulous, point to point, bespoke tube products with high end internals. Solid construction and jacks. This 6SN7 line stage (with remote volume) is the second preamp I have from him and it sounds amazing (the other was a two unit custom tube preamp done w/second power supply about 8 years ago). He even included NOS RCA tubes!! Unit is super quiet and just makes digital and vinyl all sound so much better. I am using it in conjunction with my balanced, Nord NC500 MKII mono blocks and a pair of REL subs in a Magnepan system. Running my RME ADI-2 FS DAC thru it via XLR in jacks he installed, and a vintage Thorens turntable. (Even though the preamp is single ended - no issues with my other balanced/XLR gear). He even put an engraved label on the input switch. Beyond that, any questions I had he was literally responding within minutes of my emails. He also included highly detailed setup/operating instructions which were super helpful. Just a great guy and very glad to have found him years ago. Highly recommend. A truly gorgeous piece. Thank you again!

I was on the hunt for a 6SN7 based linestage to front my solid state Cherry amplifier. I had set a budget of $2500, but really wanted to stay under $2K. As I was researching on most of the popular audio websites, I kept coming across Aric Audio - a small one-man shop in Massachusetts which specializes in “Hand-built vacuum tube amplifiers and preamplifiers for the discriminating music lover”. “Made in the USA” was important to me so I visited their website, Aricaudio.com to check them out.Another of the recurring themes as I read the many positive product reviews was how accessible Aric Kimbell ( the principle of Aric Audio) was and how willing and responsive he was to discuss my requirements and offer suggestions.Aric had two linestage products which caught my interest: the “Unlimited II” was within my budget, but didn’t use 6SN7s and my heart was set on using that tube. There was also a “Special 6SN7 Linestage” but it was outside my budget.I contacted Aric Audio via email through their website, saying just that and asking for advice. I had a response from Aric himself within the hour stating that he could build the Unlimited II using 6SN7s and adding upgrades to the coupling capacitors and to the power supply and stay within my budget. That was a first for me, the very quick response and the willingness to accommodate my requirements and stay within my budget. We exchanged emails over the next week, discussing details. Once I committed to the Custom 6SN7 Linestage, build and burn-in testing took about 10 days (Aric had quoted me 3-4 weeks) and I was amazed and very happy.Within five days, I received the linestage and had it installed in my system and It has far exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend Aric Audio, it is the best experience that I have had in thirty plus years of purchasing audio equipment

I suppose after over five years and close to a dozen creations I should probably write a review of my experience with Aric Audio. In a different era Aric Kimball, the namesake, would have been considered a Renaissance Man. I checked the definition to make sure I wasnt selling him short and found that has acquired profound knowledge in a number of fields was right on target. A good example came after dealing with him for over 3 years. I already had a set of his magnificent mono blocks and the best sounding single ended amp Ive still ever heard, when conversationally he shared with me that he actually identified himself as a speaker builder. It didnt take long and I took delivery on a set of Dynaltos, floor-standing 3-ways with a ribbon tweeter that are so incredible I knew immediately that Id have to have a second set. That second set came a year later but were anything but identical. He called them his Animus Speakers still a 3-way design but boasting a 12 bass driver, a much larger ribbon tweeter, and no less than four 5-inch midrange drivers. These beasts dont leave any music behind, and are simply examples of his profound knowledge outside of building absolutely masterful tube amps. His work with wood is impeccable too. He hand crafts all of his own boxes for his Super and Special series amps with a fit and finish that is breathtaking. Over the years, Aric taught me the importance of the silence between songs, calling it a dead-black background and will settle for nothing short of just that in anything he creates. Ive watched his business grow steadily as recognition of the Aric Audio name is embraced more and more in product reviews, audio forums, and even Facebook. They all tend to blend the supreme satisfaction derived from his tube creations with the joy they experienced while working with him through the purchase cycle from choosing the right amp through upgrade decisions to delivery. In true Renaissance style, Aric Audio stands head and shoulders above competition no matter where you look. Everything he has built for me has gone so far past my expectations that I continually wonder why it took me so long to get something this right.

I’ve been listening to Aric’s Motherload 2 for about a month. I’ve been trying tube preamps lately to find the one for me. Pass XP12, LTA mZ3, Prima Luna Diologue, and now Aric. I’m done! All are great preamps for different reasons, but I was looking for something dynamic, alive, dead quiet, but smooth. The Motherload is everything I want.Aric is great to work with, patient, responsive, never let me know how frustrated he probably was with all my emails before and during construction.I’d love to try one of his tube amps, but I’m good for now. Ted

Aric Audio came highly recommended by audiophiles I trust. I ordered the Super KT-88/120 Single-Ended Amplifier. Aric was very responsive to all my emails and questions. The transaction was simple and the amp shipped relatively quickly considering it was built on demand. I had a problem with one tube and Aric promptly addressed the issue by sending me two new tubes of greater value than the original tubes. But the most important aspect of Aric’s amplifier is the sound. I currently have Chinese 845 SET monoblocs producing close to 20 watts per channel pared with efficient single driver speakers (>90 db). Aric’s Amp with KT-88s installed in triode mode producing about 10 watts per channel right out of the box just left my Chinese amps in the dust. Aric says his amps sound big and I can definitely confirm that. I am not talking about slight or subtle changes, the soundstage opened up in width and depth, imaging was much more solid, the base was more defined, and the treble was like silk to my ears. I love a good violin solo and the Super KT-88 delivered realistic but non fatiguing violin that I had not experienced before. The sound was just much bigger with a tonal quality/purity my Chinese amps could not match. Although Aric’s amp was more expensive than my Chinese monoblocs, I consider it money well spent and a major upgrade. My experience with Aric’s relatively low power KT-88 amp leaves me wondering what Aric’s Super 211/845 SET amp would sound like. Based on my experience so far, I would bet Aric’s Super 211/845 would also be money well spent. I just might have to find out and order one from Aric.

In one of those lucky coincidences I stumbled across Aric Audio on a website dedicated to audio equipment. I ended up ordering a preamp to audition in my home and was so taken with the preamp that I ordered it from Aric, the man behind the company. From the very beginning of my communication with him, it could not have been a better transaction. He is extremely professional and extremely easy to work with in my experience and I would not hesitate recommending him to anyone interested in superb sounding and beautifuly constructed audio gear of the highest caliber. I have a very high end system, but his gear is priced extremely fairly and he takes the time to build what you need, according to your desires. If you purchase from Aric, you get hand built audio gear that are true works of art, both visually and musically.

Without question, Aric makes some of the finest tube audio gear! And to compliment his superb sonic offerings, Aric is a joy to work with...his customer service and attention to your individual needs is easily what separates him apart in this esoteric, yet highly competitive world. Whether you choose one of his highly evolved amps or preamps, or work with him on a bespoke piece, your ears and music collection will be rewarded beyond expectation! Aric is a true gem in the audio community!

I purchased Super KT Push Pull mono blocks and a Motherlode ll preamp from Aric. I couldnt be happier. They are incredibly well built, look fantastic and sound even better. Aric was a pleasure to work with and was always cheerful and helpful. Highly recommended!

I have commissioned 2 custom pieces of audio equipment from Aric Audio over the past few years. The quality of his work and level of craftsmanship is second to none. Throughout the design and build process he answered every question I had and kept me updated with frequent progress reports. If you are looking for vacuum tube based audio equipment Aric Audio should be at the top of your list.

Aric Audio is a friendly, trustworthy, and talented audio designer. His hand-made designs work well, sound great, and are great values to boot. Highly recommended as a personal operation and audiophile company!

I’ve been using my Aric Audio Super 300B SET amplifier for several weeks now. I listen primarily on the weekends, as my heavy workload usually prevents me from doing so during the weekday.I purchased my amplifier from Aric on Audiogon as a “used” item. However, it looked brand new to me when it arrived. Regarding my purchase, let me emphasize a few things:1. Aric provides outstanding customer service which is, in my experience, very rare today. I’m old enough to remember the days last century when the customer was highly valued (no matter the amount of money involved) and a long-term positive relationship mattered. Examples include: great price/value, excellent communication, highly protective packing, and fast shipment.2. Craftsmanship is first rate—build quality for this price level is excellent.3. There were a few items that Aric was including in the sale that I didn’t need. He offered to reduce the price without hesitation.4. Aric also included an extra set of tubes free of charge, without my even asking. This was a nice surprise!Regarding the sound, following is what I’ve noticed so far:1. This amplifier is incredibly muscular for its rated wattage. I’ve not heard a single-ended 300B amplifier that sounds so powerful in my system. It punches way above its weight.2. Some recordings have a very three-dimensional soundstage.3. The sound isn’t warm, rather it is neutral.4. Great detail, no smearing.5. Bass is weighty and solid, not bloated or rolled-off.6. Treble is present throughout its frequency range.7. No audible hum or hiss with my ear next to the loudspeaker and no music playing.8. Did I mention that the sound is huge! I don’t know how Aric accomplishes this, but headroom is not a problem with this amplifier in my system.I am looking forward to my next purchase from Aric. Im thinking about the Motherload II preamplifier.

Have Aric’s Unlimited PreAmp and Transcend Amp. Been very happy with them the last 2 years. A lot more natural sound than the digital surround amp I have. When I ordered them, Aric worked with me to make sure I got what I wanted. Takes time since they are custom made but worth it.

Aric makes great equipment with excellent support. I purchased the “Ultimate” a few years ago, a tube preamp with some custom features, including a phono preamp that I paired with a McIntosh 275 tube amplifier. I could not be more satisfied with Aric’s preamp. It delivers clean and precise imagery without excess coloring. It is clear with the warm sound you’d expect from a tube system. The build quality is off the charts. I suggest to anyone who owns one to open it up and marvel at it. No shortcuts - and quality materials. No preprinted boards in this unit! All the switchgear and connections are top notch. Aric answers emails within minutes and is there to help anytime (even when you install the tubes improperly - sigh). I highly recommend Aric and Aric Audio! Your ears will thank you!!Steve Eckert

This is a review for the Aric Audio product known as the Custom 6SN7 line-stage or preamp, purchased in February 2021. I know Aric sells much more expensive preamp equipment that people have raved about, but when I sit and listen to Aric’s Custom 6SN7 line-stage at a cost of $1500, I hear substantial and tasty additions in bass rumble, punch and definition. With the four 12” woofer complement carried in the Tekton Moabs, I have never felt the need for a subwoofer, even on my eleven tube watts, nor with ten class A watts (and forty-five available) solid state. Nevertheless, the added sonic weight of this preamp has substantially and unexpectedly enriched the wealth and character of the bass landscape. The 6SN7 clarifies vocals within the broader instrumental mix, revealing delicate textures. It’s hard to pin one feature from the preamps full pallet as a favorite, but it’s quite an experience to now feel my way around most every nuance in each singer’s voice, without sonic strain or glare, and with a sense that I’m now hearing the fuller character of each voice. The top end is now more ‘live,’ with metal sounds floating in the room, along with clear soundstage impressions throughout each song. Finally, I have been repeatedly impressed and even surprised by the dynamic emphasis this preamp brings to life, as I hadn’t expected sound features to jump and splash into the room as OFTEN as they now do. I find myself caught off guard by the more fully lifelike dynamism of music coming through my system, which was less vibrant prior to the 6SN7. In sum, I have no need to search further for a preamp. Another audio enthusiast commented with respect to Aric’s offerings, “Go with Aric Audio, and don’t look back.” I couldn’t agree more. Its also worth noting that Aric himself has been highly responsive to a great many questions about his offerings and this piece in particular.

After years of solid state separates I finally decided it was time for a change & after lots of online research decided to give Aric Audio a try for my first foray into the world of tube audio gear.Aric Kimball turned out to be one of the nicest people I’ve dealt with (how often can you email back & forth with the owner of the company who’s actually building your product?) Two weeks after placing my order a beautiful new Unlimited II preamp showed up & Ive never been more pleased with an audio purchase. Aric said in time the preamp would open up & he wasn’t joking; gobs of wonderful midrange along with an airiness around instruments & vocals with a more 3 dimensional soundstage than I was accustomed to. I’ve never spent so much time going through my record collection listening to songs I’ve heard many times over and hearing things I’d missed before.If you’re in the market for some new stereo equipment I highly suggest you check out the Aric Audio website.

I purchased Arics Transcend Push Pull amp about 2 years ago. Right out of the box it sounded very good in both triode and UL. I eventually replaced the stock tubes with vintage RCA 5692s and Amperex Bugle Boy EL34s and .....wow, liquidity and organic reproduction that made me forget about trying 300B SETs! I prefer triode with no Negative Feedback settings.

With a couple weeks of the amp in my system, and a chance to get in extended listening impressions: Arics 6bq5 Push PullI have been rolling some tubes, I am not versed in the vernacular to put into words how tubes compare. Safe to say though The current setup is very pleasing to MY ear.Those new Production Tung-Sol 6bq5, Paired with a very nice pair of 60s Telefunken ladder plate 12ax7s, and a vintage Raytheon twin (opposing) side getter 5u4GB rectifier. The amp is ticking off all my boxes. A very nice sparkle up high without the dreaded cymbol sizzle or ear piercing screech. Liquid, and inviting Mids. Emotional At times causing ones hair on the back of the neck to stand up and run a chill down the spine. Realism can be surprising as well quite often I find myself rewinding a file to see if that was in the music or ? while I am sure it would do well in the bass arena, I will refrain from comment as I Bi-amp and I have a crown SS amp pulling duty below 150Hz. (No need to guild the lilly :) ).........................Over all just a fun & pleasing amp to listen to nightly.Sound stage is MASSIVE side to side and DEEP This is the forte of my preferred speaker (Open Baffle DiPole). I have had amps that affected that forte negatively, The Aric does none of that. The Aric adds a layer to the music that was not heard before, It has a way of bringing some of the nuances forward, Example Bruce Springsteens breath can be clearly heard on Ghost of Tom Joad, & Nebraska Albums a pair I considered favorites of mine for many years, I thought I knew them quite well.I was shocked when I installed a matched set of RCA vintage smooth Gray plates with the angled pan getter they seemed to really dull down the sound I had a marked loss to the sparkle, I so dearly love. Confusing to me because in other 6bq5 amps I have had those were my go to tube. Could it mean I will save $$$$ on tubes (I sure hope so)It really is a treat to set back and listen, the toes get to tapping spontaneously. I even break out my air drums, and occasional guitar for a solo. Wife rolls her eyes and boys just shake there heads as they walk away :P..............

I purchased the Super 300B amplifier from Aric & subsequently added Tak 300Bs and Sophia Blue 6SN7 tubes. This amplifier is magical! It blows away my old Radu Tarta 45 amp. Not only that, but Aric is incredible to work with - having that personal touch from the owner of your equipment is very special!

I own an Aric Audio Special preamplifier, which is a 6sn7 tube based preamp. Ive been an audiophile for a very long time (30 years or so), and this preamp is perhaps my favorite of all the preamps Ive owned in the past. It brings such an airy and 3-dimensional soundstage to my system, and a sublime midrange which makes voices magical! It matches my solid state Pass Labs XA25 wonderfully! I can confidently say this is an end-state preamp for me!

About 8 years ago I had Aric Audio build me three tube-based pre-amps (one mono and one stereo, both single-ended, and a stereo balanced) for an installation that I never got around to finishing. Having just moved to a new house and now installing systems in several rooms, I stumbled over the box with these units stored away, and yesterday put the two single-ended ones into service, using some nice RCA 12AU7 clear-tops. OMG Arics gear works flawlessly and sound terrific. Both are driving SS amps, and they bring some tube love to the music. Very impressive in this day of throw-away gear. Highly recommended. I am using a professional installer to help me, and with his highly-trained ears he agreed with my assessment of the SQ.

Very pleased with my Unlimited II preamp. Aric was great to work with. Very quick to respond to questions. Wonderful customer service. The preamp itself is easy to use and sounds great. I was nervous about having to set output gain but theres really nothing to it. I also think it looks really cool. The OD3 voltage regulators have a great light purple glow that looks super cool with the lights off. Thank you, Aric!