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Member's recommendations for tube amplification

Your thoughts on options to consider:

- I'd prefer SET (open to DHT but not a requirement).

- I'm not looking for overtly warm, romantic or lush options.

- Minimum power in the teens to twenties, 10W being the floor.

- Open to higher power push-pull amps, but let's limit ceiling to around 60W.

- Single ended is fine though having XLR inputs would be nice (doesn't have to be true balanced)

- I'm cool with single chassis or monos.

- I have preferences for tube types, but leaving it open ended to get broad recommendations.

- I'm currently running an all solid state system, though have had tube based systems built around ARC, BAT, Ayon, Melody, Pathos, etc.

- Preamp will be a Pass XP-20 or the Metrum Adagio DAC direct to the amp.

- I'd like to stay around 3K used but can push the budget to 6K new/used.

- Speaker sensitivity is 94dB and higher.

THANKS!
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david_ten OP
2,509 posts
 
I've been reflecting about the integrated amplifier option for 24 plus hours now and I think it's best for me to stay focused on a pure amplifier at this time.

I'm saying this fully realizing that something like the Octave or Line Magnetic or other higher performing tube integrated amp could and would work beautifully.

Thanks to all of you for reaching out with those options.  
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david_ten OP
2,509 posts
 
@almarg  and @swampwalker   since you recommended VAC,

and others who may know:

What are the reasons for the number of VAC Phi-200 listings?

Is it purely due to the replacement Signature 200iQ?
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
David,
That would be my guess and the fact this was a pretty popular VAC amplifier so there are more of them available. 
Charles 
kdude66
1,198 posts
 
David,

I would agree with Charles,
Vac made and sold quite a lot of the Phi-200 amps,probably was their best seller and I do believe several folks have upgraded or would like to.

I only have experience with the much older 30/30 and it was a very good amplifier that I wish I would have kept at the time.I had Maggie's at that time and needed more Pwr.


Kenny.
mountainsong's avatar
mountainsong
353 posts
 
I recently purchased my first SET. Mastersound compact 845. I had owned many desirable pieces in the past 10 years. But guys nothing at this level.
I wish I had discovered them a while back.
I ordered the Pf100 probably one of the best regardless price.
Best of luck.
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