The front panel controls are simple and include a power switch, a volume control, a negative feedback (in/out) switch and a source selector switch.

Valve amplifiers are undergoing a resurgence today and those who would like to own one are often confused by all the technical and marketing jargon (eg, which type, brand, model, circuit, valve types, etc are best?).Many people are understandably put off by the fact that they may have to sell the family car to get the best model and the special speakers and super cables, etc that they are told you may need to make it all work properly.

Take heart – the Mudlark A205 is a modern stylish design which works well with medium-efficiency speakers and comes as an affordably-priced kit or as a fully built-up amplifier.

The Mudlark A205 comes in two parts, the main amplifier and the separate power supply box. The main chassis has four large output valves and two smaller driver valves. These are placed either side of a central rectangular housing which accommodates the filter and plate load chokes and output transformers.

The chassis itself is a rugged aluminium extrusion while the front panel is made of polished black Bakelite with the labelling screen-printed in white for good legibility. The two vertical Perspex panels at the top of the amplifier are edge-lit with blue LEDs. Combined with the soft reddish glow from the filaments of the valves, this really adds to the appearance of the amplifier.