RRP: $1,399

The Shanling STP-80 is a great little amplifier. Produced by the Shanling Company, the chassis is brushed aluminium all around and looks great. The tubes themselves are housed in quirkily designed aluminium frames with four EL34’s and three 6N3P’s making up the full complement. There are four buttons placed along the top plate to the front which control inputs and volume. To the rear the output transformers and power supply are similarly silver clad. The fluorescent display centred on the front panel shows the input and volume levels when the amplifier is on. The whole setup is set off by blue lighting that looks amazing when the lights are down. On the rear panel, the amplifier supports three speaker cable attachment sockets which allow for both four and eight ohm connections. There are four line-in slots available to support a CD player, turntable or whatever else you wish to attach. If more power is required, the amplifier supports two line-out slots that allow you to connect to further amplification devices. The build quality of the whole unit is excellent and inspires confidence. The amplifier comes with a brushed aluminium encased remote control unit which will control both the amplifier and a Shanling CD player should you wish to pair one up. A nice addition that means you will never have to get off the couch!

Soundwise, the Shanling STP-80 also performs very well. The sound has great range with smooth treble, a full and satisfyingly lush midrange and a dynamic bass. The amplifier certainly has a personality and colours whatever it is playing with an unapologetic tube sound. It imparts a sound with impressive detail and depth that makes you feel close to the musical source. Vocals sound warm and musical with a richness and volume that draws the listener in. Altogether, the music just flows and

This is perhaps one of the best performances by a tube amplifier in this price range that we have come across. The amp looks great and is clearly a quality build. The looks, however, play second fiddle to the sound once you turn the amp on and let her rip. For those looking for an excellent tube amplifier and not wishing to break the bank, the STP-80 comes highly recommended.

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