“Reyes,” meaning “kings” in Spanish, is a name with historical and cultural significance. It’s woven into Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings’ Day) on January 6, when stories of wise travelers bearing gifts fill the air. Some born on this day are given the name Reyes, not just as a nod to tradition, but as a quiet reminder that wisdom, generosity, and purpose are things worth carrying forward.
Ruben Reyes 1949-2022
My father, namesake, and inspiration. Born on January 6, 1949, Ruben loved rock ‘n’ roll, guitars, records, and amplifiers—the kind of treasures you’d find at a good swap meet.
When I was a kid, he brought home several tube amps in various states of disrepair, but one stood the test of time. I asked him about it years later, and he told me he had picked it up on a whim because there was nothing else worth buying that day. But, what good luck he did, because that amp has lasted 60+ years with minimal maintainance.
That amp was the Harmony H303, a simple Class A amplifier built in 1963. A few years ago, we talked about making a clone of it, a chance to bring new life to the sound we both loved. It was supposed to be our project together, but he passed away before we could start.
Now, I build these amps not just to revive a classic circuit, but to honor my father, his love of music, and the quiet moments spent tinkering, learning, and listening. Each Reyes Amplifonics amp carries that legacy forward—a final project that never truly ends.