E3

The E3 power amplifier operates in Single-Ended Class-A mode, with only one transistor in the output stage. We believe that the common practice to employ several transistors in parallel required to produce a higher output is detrimental to the sound quality.Massive 500 VA toroidal transformer

Long-term audio pleasure.

The Single-Ended-A Stereo poweramplifier E3 is built in pursuit of a goal that is common to all VALVET amplifiers: the transmission of music free from artefact or manipulation, music that stimulates the senses!
A simple but well-thought-out circuit, short signal paths and the best, reliable components guarantee that your favourite music reaches you directly, thus producing long-term pleasure and satisfaction!

Pure performance.

This poweramp delivers 12 watts into 8 Ohms. At first glance this appears to be a bit stingy, but rest assured that these amplifiers are quite cable of delivering the goods even when connected to speakers

with 89 dB efficiency. Due to the beefy powersupply the E3 works fine even with demanding speakers. If you prefer sound quality over sound pressure this might be you amplifier.

Pure music!

VALVET E3 Single-Ended Class A Power Amplifier

The VALVET E3 is a single-ended Class A stereo power amplifier designed to deliver music in its purest and most natural form. Built with a simple yet carefully refined circuit, it prioritises short signal paths, premium components, and a direct connection to the music—resulting in an engaging and emotionally rich listening experience.

With 12 watts into 8 ohms, the E3 may appear modest on paper, but its robust power supply and efficient design allow it to drive a wide range of speakers with confidence. For those who value sound quality over sheer volume, the E3 delivers exceptional clarity, musicality, and depth.

Operating with a single output transistor in true single-ended Class A mode, the E3 avoids unnecessary complexity—preserving signal purity and capturing the natural flow and character of the music.

Key Features:

• Single-ended Class A stereo power amplifier

• 12W into 8 ohms

• Single output transistor for maximum signal purity

• Large 500 VA toroidal transformer with separate windings per channel

• Ultra-stable power supply for consistent performance

• Discrete operational amplifiers for refined signal handling

• Pure silver internal wiring for enhanced clarity

• High-quality WBT NextGen connectors

• Alto Extremo isolation feet for improved stabiliy.

Udo Pipper of the Fidelity magazine #56 June 2021:
"...the music rides like a bobsled through the course, without touching the sides a single time. Then there is a constant fluidity in the music, that flows seamlessly and never noticeably from the speakers. The listener’s brain goes on standby, because they don’t need to reconstruct the musical events in the brain’s neural network, but rather receives the music directly, all the way down to their solar plexus... I don’t know whether the listening experience is just fun, or if it’s actually arousing. Primarily, I’m absolutely astonished. I wonder what tricks Knut Cornils could have used to incorporate such skills into his power amplifier. It’s primarily the deep black background that brings the music to shine more than usual..."

"...the performance specifications are misleading. Of course compared to some race cars that have been in our system, the first impression is that 12 watts would seem a little thin. But the listening experience proves to be very different. The attack and the dynamic abilities of the Valvet E3 are so immediately direct and fast that all fears are alleviated, even at the lowest listening volumes. Very noticeable is that the sound stage and the fundamental solid bass don’t break down, even at low volumes, but remain constant even down to whisper levels. When the volume is raised, the sound isn’t strenuous or overpowering, but rather envelops the listener with more strength. The volume levels that can be reached without any distortion are truly tremendous. Instruments and voices don’t billow out, but remain sharply outlined and in the same contrast ratio as at moderate room volume. That’s exactly how it should be..."

"...for me, these components (E3 & soulshine 2) are not only a surprising experience in lifelike music reproduction, but, from now on, a listening reference for the future. What is yet to come?"

"...the newly remodeled Valvet E3 presents itself forceful and unrivaled musical, in spite of seemingly low-valued specifications. One of the best amplifiers that we ever had in our rack!"

Reviews of the predecessor VALVET E2se:

Bruce Kinch of Positive Feedback (April 2020) writes:
"...the VALVET E2se is simply the most addicting yet almost affordable amplifier I've heard in my system, and one of the best amps I've heard, period. It's not one size fits all, but if, like me, you have or are downsizing to a smaller room, prefer accurate and efficient loudspeakers, and can couple it with high-resolution sources and cabling, the VALVET E2se is going to be a great fit...So to echo Robert Learner's conclusion (park them on your rack for the next ten years and find other things to worry about), the VALVET E2se is a 10-year product, and while I have other things to worry about, it stays..."  CLICK HERE to read the entire review

Jerry Seigel of 10audio.com concluded (06/2019):
"...even with the excellent [original] Valvet E2, some tube amplifiers maintained a small superiority in harmonic depth and resolution at the edge of silence. No longer. The E2 SE amplifier is fully competitive in this area and should convince many serious audiophiles that vacuum tubes are no longer necessary for the ultimate in warmth, texture, purity and correctness. The Valvet E2 SE’s ability to “listen in” to a voice or instrument and allow the listener to really hear the intimacy of a performance is state of the art, and perfectly delivered..."
CLICK HERE to read the entire review

Connections:

Massive RCA input sockets + XLR inputs, input imdedance 50 kOhm massive binding posts for speaker cable (plugs or spades), IEC power socket (allows for experiments with different power cables), WBT NextGen In- and Output connectors

Amplification:

12 Watts into 8 Ohms, 20 Watts into 4 Ohms

Dimensions:

445 x 80 (incl. feet) x 310, W x H x D in [mm]

Case:

all aluminum, black anodised and powder coated, thickness 2 – 20 mm

Front:

silver or black anodized, chromed at extra charge

The sound:

neutral, balanced, very musical and simply right