Is there anyone still making tube amplifiers? I might like to have one, if it didn't cost too much.

Absolutely! There has been a big resurgence in this.

I've got a http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/ tube/valve amplifier. I rip my CD's to FLAC, stream via a squeezebox, into a monitor-grade DAC-1 (i.e. neutral sound) into the amp. So it's bit-perfect digital, which is then given character by the amplifier.

Mcintosh were once the king of tube amplifiers. They moved away to solid state back in the late 70's / early 80's. Then, as part of an anniversary, they decided to revamp some old tube designs. To their surprise, they liked the sound, do they bought some of the designs back.

I remember reading they were stunned at the quality of the actual tubes - obviously back then they were using tubes that were made using 30+ year old manufacturing techniques. In the meantime, the Soviets had actually put a lot of work and research into tubes (as they were late to the silicon game)... Anyway - Upshot is that you can get tubes nowadays that are extremely high quality and reliable - perhaps moreso than in their peak.

I've also noticed there are a lot of tube iPod docks now as well: http://www.google.com/search?q=tube+ipod+dock&ie=utf-8&#... .. They are reasonably cheap - As for the quality, I can't imagine, but they are around.

Edit: The place that tubes (KT88's and the like) are also still found is in guitar amplifiers - for the same soft clipping reasons mentioned above.

My buddy lovingly makes these by hand one at a time: http://toneking.com He is obsessive about controlling every detail - not only the things you know affect the sound like speakers (custom designed) but also the power transformer is custom wound - even the covering is custom run.

They cost $2000-$3000

If you've ever soldered anything in your life you can build one yourself. They're really easy to build, kits are available, and parts are VERY cheap. Of course, be careful. Getting shocked by 750 VAC is... interesting.

That's a good idea. I think I'll give it a try. Thanks.

Of course they are. They are de rigueur in the realm of high-end analog audio equipment (which digital still can't touch btw). Tube amps provide linear frequency response and near-instantaneous slew rates that transistors can't touch.

And let's not forget the THD characteristics of tube amps. Even-order harmonics ftw.

Used tube amps can work very nicely.

I'd take a OTL amp + a good turn table any day.