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This review first appeared in the December 2013 issue of hi-end hifi magazine fairaudio.de of Germany. You can also read this review of Tsakiridis Devices in its original German version. We publish its English translation in a mutual syndication arrangement with the publishers. As is customary for our own reviews, the writer's signature at review's end shows an e-mail address should you have questions or wish to send feedback. All images contained in this review are the property of fairaudio or Tsakiridis- Ed.
Reviewer: Martin Mertens
Sources: Analog - Thorens TD 160 HD with TP250 arm & Benz Micro MC Gold; digital:
Antelope Zodiac+, Creek CD 43 Mk II. Logitech Transporter
Amplification: Lehmann Black Cube SE II phono, Exposure 2010 S and Musical Fidelity AMS 35i integrateds
Loudspeakers: Gaithain ME150
Cables: Vampire CC interconnects, Fast Audio Compact 6M biwire speaker cables
Power delivery: Audioplan FineFilter S, PowerStar S outlet box, PowerPlant S filter, PowerCord cables
Equipment support: BassoContinuo
Review component retails: €1'400/1'600 for pre/power respectively
Hellenic heat. Those who believe that hifi reviewing is a peach in paradise haven't tested valve kit on the year's hottest day. Today's Greek pre/power combo from Tsakiridis Devices wasn't at all impressed by last summer's heat wave. Hence your scribe's fretful recourse to an electric fan between sessions.


During the winter months of course tube gear is cozy like mulled wine. Since publication of this report was delayed for various reasons, I looked forward to the injection of warmth all such components exude. In lieu of a fireplace I also enjoyed the emissions from the tube heaters. Even the subdued crackling of the glass bulbs settling in fit the scene.


Fundamentally however this full-on Greek tube combo was a breath of fresh air. First off there is its pricing. The duo of Alexander preamp and Artemis+ power amp weighs in at €3'000. That's far from steep for boutique kit crafted at low volumes in Europe particularly relative to what some other stuff wants. This particular bill splits nearly down the middle, with €1'400 for the pre and €1'600 for the stereo power amp.

These components stem from a small Greek valve electronics house where they're developed and built by hand. German distribution is by none other than Thomas Kühn whose company Audioplan builds speakers, powerline kit and cables and for already 27 years has imported French Jadis gear to these shores. Kühn gets nearly each Jadis model tweaked to personal specs before taking delivery. What this is simple but meaningful. This guy knows his business and gets deeply involved with all the product he represents.

It goes without saying that all Tsakiridis models undergo the same Germanic under-the-loupe inspection and get tweaked wherever applicable. Exactly such fine-tuning was the main reason for this assignment's delay. We'd first received an Alexander preamp without Kühn's special blessings. Once those had gotten sorted and installed, incoming orders suddenly decimated his inventory to put availability of a final review loaner on ice. In Audioplan's catalogue, Tsakiridis represents the currently most cost-effective valve options beneath the slick chrome of Jadis. And chromed really is the word du jour. Given the price offset it's clear that the Tsakiridis gear has to make compromises and can't go a direct 1:1 with Jadis. A Jadis amplifier equivalent to the Artemis+ on valve complement and power is the DA5. That alone gets €4'000. The first thing you'll notice with that is the heavy high-gloss chassis with gilded fascia.