Recalling the heydays of Japanese amplifiers from the 1970s, the original CS300, using Sovtek EL84s, quickly became an international cult classic. Designed by one of the most highly regarded Japanese ‘tube’ designers, Hyodo-san (formerly of Luxman) Leben products are based on a ‘self-biasing’ circuit which maskes them a tube-roller’s wet dream – owners can swap valve types to change the sound character with no other adjustment required.

The range has since expanded, with revised versions of the original model – upholding their ‘retro kitsch’ appearance – and the more powerful CS600. Still hand-built in Japan by an experienced, highly-skilled team using high quality components, Leben amps remain a bit of an audiophile bargain in the crazy world of valve amplification.

Leben amplifiers never fail to make audiophiles of a certain age smile. Sit back and enjoy.