Positive Feedback takes a peak at the Almarro A318B, something of an oddity coming out of Japan in that it only costs $1850. I don't know about you, but when I think of Japanese tubes, I think of Wavac, Shindo, Zanden, AirTight, Harmonix, and other more-expensive-than-sin heirloom products. Almarro has received a lot of attention from the new wave of publications for their $800 A205A integrated. Here's what PFO says of the A318B:

Beautiful in appearance, Almarro's A318B tube integrated amplifier represents a sonic miracle of sorts. Possessing the finely hewn texture and burnished midrange that is the purview of SET designs, the Almarro amp transcends their power and current delivery limitations.

A sonic miracle? That's what I like to hear. Power is 18 watts but, yeah, sounds like a lot more. I did have a chance to hear this amp paired with some Cain and Cain speakers at an audio show and it was really impressive. A number of people I talked to at the show were quite taken aback by this amp. Read the review for more.

Jon Acton of PFO also reviewed Almarro's $2300 M2A speakers not too long ago and gave them high marks. Check them out.