Kikan Analog releases 93rd issue featuring vacuum tube amps and jazz legends

The 93rd issue of Kikan Analog, Japan’s sole specialized magazine for analog audio, has been released. The publication features two major thematic features.

One feature focuses on vacuum tube amplifiers, exploring how different output tubes and speaker combinations influence sound quality. It includes reviews of 12 different models and a comparison of modern vacuum tubes using an OCTAVE V80SE amplifier. The section also examines why cutting engineers prefer vacuum tube technology.

The second feature commemorates the 100th anniversary of jazz legends Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Through a discussion involving musicians and critics, the issue traces their musical evolution and suggests audio system configurations tailored to different recording eras. Additional content includes reviews of high-end analog players and cartridges, as well as a discussion on early 20th-century SP record recordings.