A pre-owned Tsakiridis Hermes valve integrated amplifier, hand built in Athens. Eight EL84 valves in double push pull give 25 watts per channel, with three line inputs, a USB input, relay switching and an aluminium remote. The most speaker friendly of the Tsakiridis integrated amplifiers. The Tsakiridis Hermes is a valve integrated amplifier hand built in Athens, using eight EL84 output valves in double push pull to produce 25 watts per channel. It is the most practical Tsakiridis integrated for anyone whose loudspeakers are not unusually sensitive, since 25 watts opens up a far wider choice than a low power single ended design. Offered pre-owned through Dreamcrest Audio. What it does The Hermes handles everything between your sources and your loudspeakers. Three line level RCA inputs take a streamer, a CD player or a DAC, and a USB input accepts a computer directly. Input selection uses high grade signal relays rather than a long wire run to a front panel switch, which keeps the signal path short. Volume is set by a blue Alps potentiometer, from the front or from an aluminium remote that also covers input and mute. The supply is dual mono with a handmade 250W transformer. How it sounds and where it fits Twenty five watts of class AB1 push pull power is a genuinely usable figure. This amplifier is comfortable with loudspeakers of about 88dB sensitivity or higher in a small to medium room, and happier still from 90dB upwards if you listen loudly. EL84 valves in push pull are known for a clean, quick midrange rather than brute force, so the natural partners are well behaved two way standmounts and moderate floorstanders. Tsakiridis quotes a single 6 ohm output impedance rather than selectable taps, so speakers dipping below 4 ohms are best avoided. Key features Double push pull output stage, eight EL84 valves, four per channel 25 watts per channel in class AB1, driver stage 1x 12AU7 and 2x 12AT7 Three gold plated RCA line inputs plus a USB DAC input Input switching by high grade signal relays Blue Alps volume with aluminium remote for volume, input and mute Dual mono supply, handmade 250W mains and output transformers Built in Greece by Tsakiridis Devices, hand soldered throughout Technical specifications Output power: 2x25W, class AB1 Power valves: 8x EL84. Driver valves: 1x 12AU7, 2x 12AT7 Inputs: 3 line RCA, 1 USB Input: 50 kohm impedance, 350mV sensitivity Output impedance: 6 ohms Frequency response: 10Hz to 47000Hz, -3dB Signal to noise: 81dB. Channel separation: 67dB Harmonic distortion: 0.48% at 10W, 1kHz Dimensions: 29 x 44 x 22 cm (W x D x H). Weight: 14kg Condition and what is included Sold pre-owned, without manufacturer warranty, but with a one year legal guarantee. As the goods are second hand, that shorter period is agreed with you at checkout, as the law allows. In excellent condition, with very little use. The original factory valves are fitted. The valves have approximately 50 to 70 hours of use. Supplied in the original packaging. Bought new in 2021. Frequently asked questions Is 25 watts enough for normal loudspeakers? For most sensible speakers, yes. Around 88dB and above, with an impedance that does not drop below 4 ohms, is the safe zone. Tell us your speakers and we will give you a straight answer. Does it have a phono input? No. The Hermes has three line inputs and a USB input, so a turntable needs an external phono stage. For built in phono, look at the Theseus instead. How expensive is a set of replacement valves? EL84 is a common current production type and cheap per valve, but this amplifier uses eight, so budget for a full matched set. The fitted set is noted above. For the condition report and the fitted valve set, use the enquiry button on this page.
Dreamcrest Audio Fidelity Ltd, Nicosia. Specialist hi-fi and high end audio, 20+ years in the audio business. Full details and photos: https://www.dreamcrestaudio.com/product/tsakiridis-hermes-integrated/
