Butler Audio Model 5150 5-channel Power Amplifier - Review

Butler Audio has merged the best of the vacuum tube with solid state audio engineering in a power amplifier that will please both home theater enthusiasts and the most demanding audiophiles.

The Butler 5150 is a 5-channel power amp with separate power modules that feature line input and speaker output for each channel. Its unique internal design features one 6SL7GC dual triode tube for each channel within the output stage to provide true analog sound. This feature eliminates need for traditional output transformers.

Connections are easy; a single gold plated RCA audio line input and heavy duty gold-plated speaker terminals are provided for each channel. Remote power switching is available with included 8-13VDC trigger. A single on/off switch is on the front panel, but there are no gain controls for the amplifier(s), gain is preset internally to an input sensitivity of 1.5v. The output of the 5150 is rated at a comfortable 150 Watts-Per-Channel RMS with a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) at less that 0.10%, which is excellent for an open-ended zero feedback design.

The 5150's simple front panel design consists simply of the main On/Off Switch and grill work that allows Butler Audio's trademark blue glowing tubes to be visible during operation.

In actual operation, the Butler Audio 5150 releases the full potential of any audio source with powerful, pure, smooth, non-fatiguing full surround sound that can only be classified as "Nirvana". The demo setup included an Outlaw Model 950 Preamp set to 5-channel operation, a Technics DVD-A10 DVD Video/Audio player, and several loudspeaker arrangements. Monster Cable interconnects were used throughout, from the DVD player to the preamp to the 5150 line inputs. AC power was connected using a heavy-duty Belkin Surgemaster. No additional powered subwoofer was used; everything was sent to the 5150 via the preamp so that only the effect of the 5150 could be heard. In all sound modes, including the most demanding DTS soundtracks (Including DTS Sampler Disc #7) and DVD audio discs (Including Queen's Night At The Opera) as well as standard music CD playback, the 5150 showed no sign of distortion across all frequencies, even with modest loudspeakers.

To summarize the positives of the Butler 5150:

1. Stellar sound is obtained as a result of placing the vacuum tubes directly in the output stage of the amplifier. After listening for several hours at a stretch, my ears did not experience any sign of fatigue, even at loud listening levels.

2. Hookup is very easy. All connections on the back panel are well spaced to avoid cable clutter.

3. The unit itself is as solid as a rock, and just as heavy due to its massive heatsinks to maintain cool operation.

However, even with all the positives, there are factors that the consumer needs to take into consideration in purchasing this amplifier.

The Butler 5150 is a 5-Channel Power Amplifier. To make it fully functional you need to purchase (or add) a multi-channel Preamplifier. My recommendation would be to purchase the best quality preamp that will fit your budget and provide you with the most flexibility that you may need (such as providing a separate subwoofer output and DC trigger to control the on/off function of the 5150).

In addition, due to the massive heat sinks, this unit is a very hefty 50lbs, which is not a bad thing, just be careful when upacking, installing, or moving the unit for your own safety.

The 5150 can draw up to 15 Amps of current when outputing at full power. Only use a surge suppressor that can handle at least that much continuous current.

Lastly, the price: with a street price of approximately $3,000, this is not something you will find at Best Buy, Circuit City, or other discount mass retailer. This is an investment in pure vauum tube sound quality and heavy-duty construction, not features or gimmicks. The 5150 is well worth your consideration.

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.