BL-02 EL34*2 Vacuum Tube, Hi-end Tube Integrated Amplifier, Hi-Fi, Single Ended, 100% Handmade

Where to begin . Ive been listening and buying and selling all sorts of HIFI for 40 odd years . This review is based on my opinion of the Amp . Ive had loads of valve amps over the years including guitar amps for one simple reason I prefer the overall sound of valve to any other solid state etc. Things I look for in a Valve amp firstly are good quality quiet Transformers . Gem2 has very decent transformers with no more hum through the Speakers than most solid states . The Valves fitted are not a problem mainly because at this price you cannot expect Brimars what you do get is a set of PS VANE power tubes { either side of rectifier valve } which are pretty good but can be improved I have ordered KT77 JJ Tesla valves which are similar to the EL34 . { One of the benefits of valve/tube amps is the ability to change valves around to suit personal taste } The 6SL7 valves fitted {short end valves on amp }are ok , I changed them for Svetlana valves which actually helped reduce some of the noise through the speakers these are basically voltage amplifier . Lastly but certainly not least the middle valve the rectifier valve . A valve that should not be overlooked for its importance in rectifying the voltage from the transformers to dc voltage to power your valves so worth investing in a better one than the one fitted if you feel like it. So What does the amp sound like , firstly it has taken the place of a Musical Fidelity a3 amp . It has lost no detail to the A3, seems to project forwards and backwards of the speakers further than the A3 with certain types of music but most of all it just has me sitting down feeling more involved with the music which is what it should be about . How it will sound with e KT77 and 6SL7`s replaced time will tell but as it is for the £210 I paid , the GEMTUNE BL-02 is a superb little Single ended Valve amp that drives my 88db Wharfedale REVA 3 speakers to more than adequate levels for me and pushed through the front speakers of a surround system the amp is equally as capable as through my cd player of Michell Gyrodek . Stonking Value matched with a gorgeous detailed sound .

Fantastic little Amplifier! Very transparent, humfree, simply fantastic! Highly recommended!

I own this amplifier since June 14. Excellent value for money. Sound better than my Audio innovations 300B

Cheap,nasty and unreliable. ...take a chance if you dare! I bought mine from Douk store Germany on ebay, mine was badged.... Nobsound , but the circuits are all variations of a similar theme.... Not worth the trouble, buy a lava lamp! Sounded alright when it worked but I found it grainy harsh and mediocre. . Do some research for yourselves! Well it was always a gamble.