Mention Revox and most people will think of high quality reel to reel tape recorders. However, Revox did make some relatively good amplifiers as well.

The Model 40 integrated stereo amplifier was a moderately powered (10 watts RMS per channel, 12.5 watts peak) free-standing unit using ECL86 output valves in a push-pull arrangement. Controls were precise and clearly marked, with 6 push-button switches on the left hand side selecting the four different inputs (Phono, Tape, Radio 1, Radio 2), Mono/Stereo and On/Off.

Both the Bass and Treble controls were 'stepped' in 7 increments of 4 dB to give a range of ±12 dB at 50 and 10,000 c/s. Noise levels were extremely low, better than -60dB relative to 5 mV pickup input.

I have it on good authority that, whilst there was 'nothing wrong' with these (and other) Revox amplifiers, it wasn't up to the same standards that one had come to expect from the Revox range of tape recorders.

Continual searches on eBay for this model have so far been negative and so it seems that perhaps not too many were sold, and that they have all since expired or else are being hoarded. Either way they are very uncommon on the second hand market.

See the 1962 & 1963 vintage test reports for more details.

These amps were quite expensive in their day, costing £50 8s (by comparison, Armstrong's 10 watt-per channel 221 was only £37 with case). Today these units are quite rare, but they don't appear to be particularly desired by collectors and I have seen them reach only very modest prices on internet auction, around £150.

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