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A tubed integrated amp for Joseph Audio Pulsars?

I'm running a modified Jolida 502B integrated of long use with my Pulsars. Thinking it's near time to try something new. I want to continue in the tube integrated realm and it's very hard to get a take-home amp to test. I'm interested in synergy and an amp with the ability to handle more demanding passages. I love a grand, full, tactile mid-range, but don't want to skirt elsewhere. A little tempo is important. Flabby bass unforgivable if it comes out of tight, little speakers like these. Extension? Soundstaging?  Bring it!
I have a hard time understanding what kind of power I need for these Pulsars, knowing not all wattage is created equally. So I worry about attractive amps like Leben or Luxman or anything not over 50w, even though that worry might be unfounded. I want to make magic. So, what's a perfect fit? Who has been down this road with these speakers and has tales to tell and guidance to share? Under $10K, please.Oh, and it's got to be built to last for-evah.
beeswax

Showing 2 responses by soix

soix
2,133 posts
 
Great speakers!  There's a nice VAC Sigma 160iSE available here (with extra tubes) now for $7500, which looks like half of retail so you can probably resell at little loss if for some reason she don't work out.  Reason I'm recommending VAC is I believe that they have a reputation for handling bass very well for tubes, they're built like tanks, and are said to have very good customer service.  Maybe read some reviews and see if you think it'd tickle your ivorys.  

As a possibly useless aside, I got to hear top VAC, VTL, and Zanden electronics back to back driving Grand Utopia speakers.  For my tastes VTL was a little to cold, Zanden a little too warm, but the VAC seemed juuuuuust right.  All three designers were there for the demo, and in the Q+A afterwards Kevin Hayes was extremely impressive in the level of his knowledge and his ability to explain complex issues. 

So, as a big fellow JA fan (I've heard just about all of'em) and hopeful future owner, if I was looking for an integrated I'd be leaning VAC's way hard if I couldn't audition in person.  But, I'd more likely contact Don Sachs and have him build me one of his preamps and amps if I didn't absolutely need an integrated.  Apparently his tube amps are something special, especially with how they handle bass.  Just had to muddy the waters a bit.  Heh heh.  Best of luck in whatever you decide.  BTW, what interconnects and cables are you using?  Cardas?


soix
2,133 posts
 
@beeswax -- Nice!  I heard "St. James Infirmary" (on vinyl of course) through the Pearls years back at a NYC audio show, and it still lingers in my mind as one of the most impressive things I've heard from an audio system ever.  Would love to know how you'd characterize the Pulsars vs. the RM25s.  I've heard them both on several occasions, but never in my home or in the same system.  I know the RM25s can sound awfully good, so just curious what I could expect ponying up for the Pulsars.  Thanks for thoughts. 

The reason I mentioned Cardas, as you probably know, is that JA speakers are internally wired with them and has used them at shows every time I've seen them.  I have no experience with Cardas wires, but I have Acoustic Zen interconnects and cables and love them.  Anyway, best of luck with the amp, and by all means let us know what you end up getting. 
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