Who are the high-end audio equipment manufacturers that still produce vacuum tube amplifiers?

Yes. There is still a surprisingly strong high-end tube-amplifier market. If by high-end you mean manufacturers whose tube products are genuinely aimed at serious audiophile/reference systems—not merely inexpensive tube-flavored integrated amps—the notable names include:

Major high-end manufacturers

• Audio Research — One of the most important surviving tube specialists. Its current range includes the Reference 330M monoblocks, Reference 160M MkII, and Reference 160S, among others. Audio Research builds its amplifiers in Minnesota and remains heavily tube-oriented.
• Luxman — Probably the best-known major Japanese company that has never really abandoned tubes. Current examples include the MQ-88uC/CL-38uC and the flagship 300B-based MQ-300. Luxman says it has continued producing tube components without interruption since the 1960s.
• VTL — Long-established American tube specialist, particularly known for powerful tube monoblocks and preamps.
• VAC — Kevin Hayes' company is firmly in the ultra-high-end category, producing sophisticated tube integrated amplifiers, preamps and power amplifiers.
• Manley Laboratories — Particularly interesting if you like transformer-coupled tube designs; its Stingray and Neo-Classic lines are well regarded.
• Western Electric — Famous historically for the 300B and now producing modern 300B-based amplifiers as well as tubes. A particularly interesting choice for horn-speaker/SET systems.
• Air Tight — Japanese boutique manufacturer specializing in extremely refined tube electronics, including some exceptionally expensive monoblocks and integrated amplifiers.
• JADIS — Long-running French tube specialist, ranging from integrated amplifiers to very elaborate monoblocks.
• Octave Audio — German engineering-oriented tube specialist, notable for sophisticated KT-series amplifiers and extensive protection/control circuitry.
• Ayon Audio — Concentrates heavily on premium tube electronics, including integrated amplifiers, preamps and large monoblocks.
• Conrad-Johnson — A historic name in tube audio that continues to produce tube-based high-end electronics.
• PrimaLuna — More accessible than some of the names above, but its EVO series is genuinely serious tube equipment, with a strong emphasis on reliability and automatic biasing.
• Line Magnetic — Particularly compelling for enthusiasts of vintage-inspired designs, 300B/845/805 amplifiers and high-efficiency loudspeakers.
• Audio Note — One of the major proponents of single-ended triodes, especially 300B designs, and arguably one of the most distinctive tube-audio philosophies still operating.
• Shindo Laboratory — Ultra-boutique French tube equipment with an unusually strong following among SET and vintage-horn enthusiasts.

If you're looking specifically for the best of the current crop

I'd divide them roughly like this:

One particularly interesting distinction is power architecture. Audio Research, VTL, VAC, Luxman and Octave tend to make more conventional high-power push-pull amplifiers, whereas Audio Note, Western Electric and Line Magnetic have a much stronger emphasis on single-ended triodes (SET). The latter can be spectacular with high-sensitivity horn speakers but aren't automatically the better choice for conventional 85–90 dB/W speakers.

And Luxman is an especially safe answer to your question: its current catalog still contains multiple dedicated vacuum-tube products, including the MQ-88uC, CL-38uC and SQ-N150, while the MQ-300 is its flagship 300B amplifier.

If you're asking because you're shopping for a tube amplifier, I can also narrow this down to the 10 best currently available tube amplifiers by price tier (e.g. $5k, $10k, $20k, $50k+), including which ones are actually worth the money.

Many premier high-end audio brands still actively manufacture vacuum tube and hybrid amplifiers , catering to audiophiles who prefer a warm, natural sound.

Notable High-End Tube Amp Manufacturers

• Audio Research : Based in Minnesota, they are legendary pioneers of high-definition vacuum tube and hybrid audio gear.
• McIntosh Laboratory : Famous for their iconic blue power meters and chrome chassis, they produce both pure tube and hybrid integrated amplifiers like the MA252.
• Western Electric : Re-established to build iconic vacuum tubes and high-fidelity gear, famous for re-releasing legendary 300B tubes and related amplifiers.
• Jadis Electronics : A French luxury manufacturer renowned for hand-wired, gold-plated, pure class-A tube amplifiers.
• Cary Audio : Based in North Carolina, known for high-end vacuum tube monoblocks, stereo power amplifiers, and preamplifiers.
• PrimaLuna : A Dutch-engineered brand built in high-end facilities, famous for ultra-reliable, point-to-point wired tube integrated amplifiers.
• Audio Note UK : Specializes in no-compromise, vintage-inspired pure tube electronics and single-ended triode (SET) amplifiers.

If you'd like, let me know:

• Your budget range
• The speakers you plan to drive
• Whether you prefer integrated or separate components

I can recommend a specific model to fit your system.

Yes. Quite a few serious high-end manufacturers still build new-production vacuum-tube amplifiers, although the market is much smaller than it was in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Here are the manufacturers I'd put on a high-end shortlist, roughly grouped by their character and market position.

American manufacturers

• Audio Research — One of the most important names in modern tube audio. Their current range includes the Reference 330M monoblocks, Reference 160M MkII, Reference 160S, Reference 80S, D-80, VT80SE, and I/50/I/70/I/55 integrated amplifiers. The flagship 330M is an all-tube design using ECC83 and KT170 tubes.
• Valve Amplification Company (VAC) — Probably one of the most tube-focused companies in the entire high-end industry. VAC says it uses vacuum-tube technology "almost exclusively." Its current range goes from the Essence and Signature lines to extremely expensive Statement amplifiers such as the Statement 455 iQ Musicbloc.
• Western Electric — Particularly interesting if you're attracted to 300B single-ended triode designs. Its current 91E integrated amplifier is built around single-ended tube technology, and the company is also manufacturing 300B tubes.

European manufacturers

• Jadis — A long-established French specialist, famous for luxurious tube amplifiers and transformers. Its JA80/JA200 lineage is particularly well known among tube enthusiasts.
• Octave — A particularly sophisticated German approach to tubes. Octave combines tubes with extensive regulation, protection circuitry and modern engineering rather than pursuing a deliberately vintage topology.
• Ayon Audio — Makes some spectacularly ambitious tube integrated amplifiers and power amplifiers, including large SET and push-pull designs.
• Einstein Audio — Boutique German manufacturer with a strong emphasis on tube amplification and minimalist high-end systems.
• Audio Note UK — One of the great names for single-ended triode amplification. Their philosophy is quite different from Audio Research: relatively low power, often 300B/2A3-type tubes, highly efficient loudspeakers and extremely simple signal paths.

Japanese manufacturers

• Leben HiFi Stereo Company — Small Japanese manufacturer renowned for beautifully made, relatively compact tube amplifiers. Their designs are especially appealing if you want a traditional tube presentation without enormous monoblocks.
• Air Tight — Very high-end Japanese tube electronics, with an obsessive emphasis on transformers, component selection and build quality.
• Shindo Laboratory — Extremely boutique and distinctive. Shindo is particularly revered for its vintage-inspired tube circuits and matching loudspeakers/electronics.
• Kondo Audio Note — The ultra-luxury end of the tube world. Kondo is famous for hand-built electronics, silver conductors and very elaborate single-ended tube designs. Prices can become extraordinary.

Chinese manufacturers worth taking seriously

• Line Magnetic — One of the strongest modern choices if you want classic Western Electric/Altec-inspired tube engineering without going all the way to Western Electric or Kondo pricing. Their amplifiers include 300B SET designs as well as more powerful push-pull amplifiers.
• Audio Space — Established tube specialist with a broad range of integrated and power amplifiers.
• Cayin — More broad-based than some of the boutique brands, but has produced some very good tube integrated and power amplifiers.

If you're looking specifically for the "best" high-end tube manufacturers

I'd narrow the field considerably:

One important distinction

"Tube amplifier" covers very different engineering philosophies.

A 300B single-ended amplifier from Kondo, Audio Note or Western Electric might produce only a handful of watts, whereas an Audio Research or VAC tube monoblock can produce hundreds of watts. For example, Audio Research's Reference 330M is rated at 330 W and uses KT170 output tubes, while Western Electric's 91E is built around the much lower-power single-ended approach.

So if you're considering actually buying one, the loudspeakers matter enormously. A 5–10 W 300B amplifier can be extraordinary with a 95–100 dB efficient speaker and completely unsuitable for a difficult 85 dB/4-ohm speaker.

If you tell me your budget (e.g. $5k, $10k, $25k, $50k+) and speakers, I can narrow this down to the 5–10 tube amplifiers I'd seriously consider, including which are SET vs. push-pull, EL34/KT88/KT150/KT170/300B, new vs. used, and their relative sonic character.

Despite the dominance of solid-state and digital amplification, the high-end audiophile market features a robust group of elite manufacturers dedicated entirely or in large part to vacuum tube technology.

Renowned high-end audio manufacturers that continue to engineer and produce world-class vacuum tube amplifiers include:

• Audio Research Corporation (ARC): One of the most historically significant U.S. high-end audio companies, ARC has championed vacuum tube technology since its founding in 1970, producing iconic preamplifiers and power amplifiers (such as the Reference and I/Series lines).
• McIntosh Laboratory: Famed for their unmistakable green-lit logos and blue watt meters, McIntosh maintains a rich legacy of building hefty, transformer-coupled high-end tube power amps (like the MC1502 and MC2301 monoblocks) alongside their solid-state gear.
• Conrad-Johnson: A legendary American manufacturer founded in the late 1970s, renowned for their purist approach to vacuum tube preamplifiers and line-stage/power amplifiers known for an exceptionally natural, liquid midrange.
• Luxman: This historic Japanese audio brand balances advanced solid-state designs with exquisite, retro-classic vacuum tube integrated and power amplifiers (such as the MQ-88uC).
• PrimaLuna: Based in the Netherlands with global acclaim, PrimaLuna specializes heavily in high-value, ultra-reliable tube integrated amplifiers and power amps featuring point-to-point wiring and adaptive auto-bias circuits.
• Cayin: Originating from China and heavily respected internationally, Cayin builds everything from entry-level tube gear to breathtaking, high-end reference single-ended Class-A amplifiers (like the CS-845A).
• Rogue Audio: An American company dedicated to high-performance, high-value tube amplification, designing and manufacturing robust hybrid and pure-tube power and integrated amplifiers entirely in the USA.
• Line Magnetic: Celebrated for modern interpretations of vintage Western Electric designs, they manufacture ultra-high-end SET (Single-Ended Triode) tube amplifiers featuring heavy-duty custom output transformers.
• Jadis: A French high-end luxury audio manufacturer famous for their gleaming stainless steel chassis and golden faceplates, specializing in sublime, hand-wired tube amplifiers.
• Air Tight (A&M Limited): Another elite Japanese boutique manufacturer focusing on point-to-point wiring, minimalist circuit topologies, and legendary sonic purity via tube power amplification.

If you're looking to buy or compare a specific type of tube amp (like Single-Ended Triode vs. Push-Pull, or Integrated vs. Separate Components), let me know your budget or loudspeaker sensitivity , and I can help narrow down the best brand match.

Yes. There is still a surprisingly strong ultra-high-end vacuum-tube amplifier market, although the manufacturers tend to be specialists rather than mainstream electronics companies.

Here are the names I would put on the serious audiophile shortlist as of 2026:

The reference-level specialists

• Audio Research — Probably the quintessential American high-end tube brand. Its current lineup includes the Reference 330M, Reference 160M MkII, Reference 160S, Reference 80S, VT80SE and I/70 tube integrated. The 330M is a 330-watt all-tube monoblock with an all-tube signal path.
• VAC — One of the most tube-centric companies in the business. VAC says it uses vacuum-tube technology "almost exclusively," and its current range includes the cost-no-object Statement 455 iQ, Statement 452 iQ, Master 300 iQ and Signature 202 iQ.
• Conrad-Johnson — A legendary American tube house that is very much still active. Its current range includes the $52,000/pair ART108A tube amplifier and $22,000 ART27A, along with the ART150, ART300 and Classic series.
• VTL — Another major American tube specialist, particularly interesting if you want very high power from tubes. VTL has historically produced enormous-output monoblocks, including its famous 500-watt tube designs.
• Octave — One of the most technologically sophisticated modern tube companies. Rather than simply recreating classic tube circuits, Octave combines tubes with sophisticated semiconductor control circuitry. Its current flagship Jubilee Mono Ultimate uses eight KT170 tubes for 440 W per channel.

Other major high-end tube manufacturers

• McIntosh Laboratory — McIntosh continues to make serious tube equipment alongside its solid-state products. The MC3500 MkII and other current designs carry on the company's tube tradition; the MC901, for example, combines a 300-watt KT88 tube amplifier section with a 600-watt solid-state section.
• Western Electric — Particularly important if you're interested in 300B single-ended or low-power tube amplification. Its current 91E is a premium 300B integrated/power amplifier, and Western Electric manufactures its own 300B tubes in the USA.
• Manley Laboratories — A particularly interesting crossover between studio/professional and audiophile equipment. Manley continues to build tube power amplifiers, preamps, phono stages and headphone amplifiers; its designs include 300B and other tube technologies.
• Audio Note UK — One of the most tube-committed companies in the world, particularly famous for single-ended-triode (SET) amplifiers, 300B, 211 and 845 designs. It's a natural choice for highly efficient speakers.
• JADIS — Long-established French specialist known for beautifully built tube amplifiers and some extremely ambitious monoblocks.
• Allnic Audio — Particularly notable for sophisticated transformer and tube designs, with both preamplifiers and power amplifiers.
• Line Magnetic — Excellent choice if you're interested in vintage Western Electric/Western Electric-inspired circuitry, 300B/845/211 amplifiers and high-efficiency loudspeakers.
• Air Tight — A cult-level Japanese manufacturer specializing in beautifully engineered tube electronics.
• Leben HiFi — Smaller-scale Japanese manufacturer with a strong following for its tube integrated amplifiers and headphone equipment.
• Shindo Laboratory — Extremely boutique and expensive, with an almost artisanal approach to tube amplification. Particularly interesting for enthusiasts pursuing vintage-inspired SET systems.

If you're looking for the very best

I'd divide the field roughly like this:

One important distinction: "tube amplifier" doesn't necessarily mean a warm, low-powered amplifier anymore. The current top end includes designs such as Octave's 440 W KT170 monoblocks, VAC's massive Musicblocs, Audio Research's 330 W monoblocks, and VTL's high-powered designs.

If you're choosing one for an actual system, the loudspeaker you're driving matters enormously. A 98–105 dB efficient horn speaker opens up an entirely different universe of 8–30 W 300B/845/2A3 amplifiers, whereas a difficult 82–87 dB modern speaker can make a 200–400 W KT88/KT120/KT150/KT170 amplifier much more appropriate.

Despite the dominance of solid-state and digital amplification, the high-end audiophile market features a robust, dedicated group of manufacturers that continue to engineer and hand-craft state-of-the-art vacuum tube amplifiers.

The premier high-end audio manufacturers still actively producing vacuum tube amplifiers include:

• Audio Research: A legendary American high-end institution based in Minnesota, renowned for its reference-grade tube preamplifiers and massive power amplifiers (such as the Reference and I/70 series) that define high fidelity.
• McIntosh Laboratory: Famous for its iconic blue output meters and polished chassis , McIntosh continues to build legendary pure-tube and hybrid amplifiers like the timeless MC275 and the high-power MC1502.
• PrimaLuna: Based in the Netherlands and widely praised for build quality, PrimaLuna specializes in heavy-duty point-to-point wired tube integrated amplifiers and power amps featuring sophisticated adaptive auto-bias circuitry.
• Conrad-Johnson: Another foundational American name in tube audio , celebrated for its rich, liquid midrange reproduction and ultra-premium line-stage preamplifiers and power amplifiers.
• VTL (Vacuum Tube Logic): Founded by the Manley family, VTL creates robust, high-power vacuum tube monoblocks and integrated amplifiers designed to tackle difficult loudspeaker loads with authoritative bass and sparkling transparency.
• Manley Laboratories: Operating out of their historic facility in Chino, California, Manley builds distinctive pro-fi and audiophile tube electronics, ranging from the accessible Mahi monoblocks to heavy-duty reference line stages.
• Octave Audio: A German family-owned specialist known for meticulous engineering, electronic protection systems, and sophisticated Class-A tube push-pull designs like the Jubilee series.
• Cayin: A prominent high-end manufacturer offering everything from accessible integrated tube units to exquisite, heavy-chassis single-ended pure Class-A masterworks utilizing tubes like the 300B and 845.
• Unison Research: An Italian artisan brand that blends striking woodworking and aesthetic design with pure Class-A ultra-linear tube topologies , such as the acclaimed S6 Black Edition.
• Leben Hi-Fi / Luxman: Japanese masters of tube architecture —Leben builds point-to-point classic valve gear by hand, while Luxman maintains an uninterrupted legacy of high-end tube and hybrid component manufacturing stretching across nearly a century.

If you're exploring these options, let me know:

• Are you looking for an integrated amplifier or separate preamp/power amp components?
• What type of speakers (sensitivity/impedance) will the amplifier need to drive?
• Do you have a preferred tube type or power output level in mind?

The high-end audio market features a thriving sector of dedicated manufacturers that continue to engineer, handcraft, and refine pure vacuum tube and advanced hybrid amplifiers.

Prominent high-end audio manufacturers still actively producing reference-grade vacuum tube amplifiers include:

• Audio Research Corporation : Based in Minnesota, this legendary name has championed high-definition tube amplification for over 50 years. They produce iconic preamplifiers and reference monoblock/stereo power amplifiers (such as the Reference and I/50 series) known for transparency and massive soundstages.
• McIntosh Laboratory : Famous for their signature blue output meters and massive chrome/glass chassis, McIntosh still builds iconic all-tube powerhouses like the legendary MC275 and the heavy-hitting MC3500 Mk II.
• VAC (Valve Audio Components) : Masterminded by Kevin Hayes, VAC builds ultra-high-end, meticulously engineered tube electronics (like the Statement series) featuring proprietary designs and zero-compromise heirloom build quality.
• PrimaLuna : Famed for offering exceptional build quality and reliability via point-to-point wiring and adaptive auto-bias circuits, their Evo series (ranging from integrated amps to massive power monoblocks) delivers incredible dynamics without traditional tube colorations.
• Audio Note (UK) : A purist high-end manufacturer specializing in single-ended triode (SET) architecture and heavily investing in handmade, bespoke silver-wired components and custom output transformers.
• Octave Audio : A German specialist renowned for push-pull pentode and class-A tube amplifiers featuring sophisticated electronic protection and power management systems.
• VTL (Vacuum Tube Logic) : Celebrated for heavy-duty, high-power tube monoblocks and line-stage preamps that combine the musical bloom of tubes with the lower-register grip normally reserved for solid-state gear.
• Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) : Known for distinctive fully balanced, high-current tube circuit topologies found in their renowned line of VK-series line stages and multi-tube power amplifiers.
• Linear Tube Audio (LTA) : Operating out of Maryland, LTA utilizes patented ZOTL (David Berning's Zero Hysteresis Output Transformerless) technology to design modern tube amplifiers that eliminate traditional transformer limitations for unmatched neutrality.
• Unison Research : An Italian manufacturer crafting gorgeous wood-and-metal-accented single-ended and parallel Class-A tube amplifiers, such as the flagship Absolute 845.
• Manley Laboratories : Based in California, they bring pro-studio pedigree and high-end consumer hi-fi styling together in stellar tube preamplifiers and power amplifiers.

Are you looking for a specific type of tube topology (like Single-Ended Triode vs. Push-Pull), or do you have a particular budget and speaker sensitivity in mind that we should optimize recommendations for?

Yes. The high-end tube-amplifier market is actually quite healthy, although it is much smaller than the solid-state market. If by “high-end” you mean serious audiophile manufacturers rather than mass-market or inexpensive tube gear, these are the names I'd put on the short list as of 2026:

The manufacturers I'd consider the real top tier

If you're asking because you're considering buying a serious system, I'd narrow that considerably.

VAC is one of the first names I'd investigate. Their Statement series is genuinely no-compromise territory; for example, the Statement 450S iQ is a 225 W/channel tube amplifier with VAC's automatic bias system.

VTL is another standout, particularly if you want lots of tube power rather than the typical 8–30 W SET amplifier. VTL currently makes everything from the IT-85 integrated to the S-400 II and enormous Siegfried II and Lohengrin monoblocks. The company explicitly says its amplifiers are pure-tube circuits.

Jadis remains one of the quintessential European tube manufacturers. Its current range includes numerous integrated and power amplifiers, including 300B, 845 and KT-series designs. Jadis has been manufacturing tube electronics in France since 1983.

Octave is particularly interesting if you want the benefits of tubes without accepting all of the traditional compromises. Its current range includes the V 70/V 80/V 110, Jubilee 300B and new Jubilee Class A amplifiers. Octave deliberately combines tube technology with modern semiconductor circuitry where it believes that improves stability and performance.

Western Electric is the specialist I'd look at if you're specifically interested in 300B. Its 91E is a modern 20 W/channel 300B SET integrated amplifier, and the company manufactures its own 300B tubes in the USA. It also now lists 97A monoblock amplifiers.

Line Magnetic is perhaps one of the most interesting choices for someone who wants the classic Western Electric/Altec aesthetic but wants modern production. Its current lineup includes 300B, 805, 845, 211, EL34 and KT-series amplifiers, including some very expensive statement models.

Manley is also worth serious consideration. It continues to build tube hi-fi equipment in California, including the Stingray II, Neo-Classic 300B, Mahi, Snapper and 250/500 W monoblocks.

And don't overlook McIntosh

McIntosh is unusual because it's simultaneously a major established high-end manufacturer and one of the few companies still producing substantial quantities of tube equipment.

Its current lineup includes the MA2375, a 75 W/channel all-tube integrated amplifier, and the MC3500 Mk II tube power amplifier. The MA2375 is particularly notable because McIntosh describes it as its first new vacuum-tube integrated amplifier in more than a decade.

One important distinction

There are really three different tube-audio worlds:

1. High-power modern tube amplification
VAC, VTL, Audio Research, McIntosh, Octave, Jadis, Nagra
→ Best if you have relatively difficult speakers and want tube character without giving up bass control, dynamics and power.

2. SET/triode purist amplification
Western Electric, Audio Note, Line Magnetic, Air Tight, Allnic, Shindo, Kondo
→ Often 8–30 W, sometimes considerably more. Extraordinary with appropriately sensitive speakers.

3. Tube/hybrid high-end designs
Aesthetix, Octave, some Nagra and Audio Research designs
→ Tubes are used where the designer thinks they offer the greatest sonic benefit, while solid-state circuitry may handle current delivery, regulation or other functions.

If you tell me your speakers (or the speakers you're considering), your budget, and whether you want SET/300B versus high-power push-pull, I can narrow this to perhaps 5–8 manufacturers/models that would make the most sense, including the truly exotic $20k–$100k+ options.

Vacuum tube amplification is alive and well in the high-end audiophile market. Rather than being obsolete, tubes are treated as a fine art, with several legendary legacy brands and boutique manufacturers continuing to craft reference-grade valve gear.

Prominent high-end audio manufacturers still actively producing vacuum tube amplifiers include:

• Audio Research Corporation : Based in Minnesota, Audio Research is one of the most historically significant names in high-end audio. They famously championed the return of the vacuum tube in high-fidelity separate and integrated components (like the modern I/50 or reference series).
• McIntosh Laboratory : Known worldwide for their iconic blue watt meters and polished chassis, this legendary American brand still manufactures celebrated tube power and integrated amplifiers, including the classic MC275 and newer iterations like the MC3500 Mk II.
• Vacuum Tube Logic (VTL) : Founded in California/Nevada, VTL specializes in heavy-duty, high-power vacuum tube amplification. Their massive monoblocks and line preamplifiers are renowned for combining the musicality of tubes with exceptional modern speaker-driving control.
• PrimaLuna : Based in the Netherlands/U.S., PrimaLuna has earned a stellar reputation for building ultra-reliable, point-to-point wired tube integrated amplifiers and power amps (such as the EVO series) featuring adaptive auto-bias technology.
• Conrad-Johnson : Another American high-end cornerstone, c-j is revered by audiophiles for producing lush, highly transparent tube preamplifiers and power amplifiers that prioritize pure harmonic accuracy over flashy aesthetics.
• Octave Audio : A German high-end manufacturer specializing exclusively in state-of-the-art tube amplification. Octave is praised for electronic protection systems and sophisticated power supply engineering integrated into classic push-pull and single-ended designs.
• Cary Audio : Based in North Carolina, Cary is famous for making everything from cost-no-object 845/300B single-ended triode (SET) monoblocks to high-performance tube digital-to-analog hybrids and preamps.
• Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) : Operating out of Delaware, BAT crafts high-end balanced vacuum tube line stages, preamplifiers, and multi-tube power amplifiers designed for total circuit symmetry and low distortion.
• Audio Note (UK) : Renowned for purist, no-feedback single-ended triode designs and extreme attention to component quality (often winding their own copper and silver output transformers), Audio Note caters to ultra-high-end analog traditionalists.
• Luxman : While legendary for solid-state gear as well, this storied Japanese luxury audio company maintains a dedicated line of gorgeous, heritage-inspired vacuum tube stereo amplifiers and preamplifiers (such as the MQ-88uC).

If you are looking to buy or build a system , tell me:

• What speakers you plan to drive (efficiency/impedance)
• Your preferred budget range

I can help narrow down which specific tube topology or brand would match your setup best.

Yes. There is still a surprisingly healthy high-end tube-amplifier market, although it is much smaller than the solid-state high-end sector. The most notable manufacturers producing tube amplifiers today include:

A few deserve particular attention.

Audio Research

If you're looking for the most established modern high-end tube manufacturer, Audio Research is probably the first name I'd investigate. It was founded by Bill Johnson in 1970 and essentially helped establish the modern high-end tube-audio movement. The company still manufactures amplifiers in Minnesota and currently offers products such as the Reference 160M MkII, with four KT150 output tubes, and the Reference 330M monoblock.

VAC

Valve Amplification Company (VAC) is arguably one of the most important names if you're talking about extreme high-end tube amplification. VAC says it uses vacuum-tube technology "almost exclusively," and its range extends from integrated amplifiers to enormous Statement-series components.

Interestingly, VAC lists The Audio Company in Marietta, Georgia, as a VAC Select Specialist, so there is a particularly good dealer option in your region.

Western Electric

Western Electric is the fascinating one. It isn't merely a company that uses tubes—it actually manufactures tubes, including new-production 300Bs, in the United States. It also makes extremely expensive tube amplifiers. Its current 91E is a 300B-based integrated amplifier aimed squarely at the super-high-end market.

McIntosh

McIntosh is still very much in the tube business. In fact, in 2026 it introduced the MA2375, a new 75-watt/channel vacuum-tube integrated amplifier using KT88 output tubes.

That's significant because McIntosh combines tube amplification with unusually high power and modern conveniences, rather than pursuing the ultra-low-power SET philosophy.

If you want the really high-end names

I'd narrow the field to roughly these depending on the sound you're after:

• Best all-around/reference: Audio Research
• Ultra-high-end/high-power: VAC
• Classic American tube sound + power: McIntosh
• 300B/SET purist: Western Electric or Audio Note
• Warm, romantic, musical: Conrad-Johnson
• High-power tubes: VTL
• Japanese craftsmanship: Air Tight, Leben, Shindo
• Studio/high-end hybrid sensibility: Manley

One important distinction: "tube amplifier" doesn't necessarily mean warm-sounding. A modern Audio Research or VAC amplifier can be remarkably neutral and extended, whereas a 300B single-ended amplifier from Western Electric or Audio Note is pursuing a very different set of design priorities.

If you're considering buying one, I can also give you a shortlist of the 10 best current tube amplifiers from roughly $5,000 to $100,000+, including power output, tube type, price, and sonic character.