integrated tube amp recommendations, with remote


Hi Audiogoners,

I'm getting very excited planning my first true hi-fi system, and am looking for recommendations.

I'd like an integrated tube amp for <$1500, new or used. I'd like it to have a remote control, which curiously seems to be somewhat rare on tube amps of this price range. Unless someone can convince me that not having a remote improves the sound quality, I feel this is a requirement for the convenience factor.

I normally listen to music at "average listening volume," but occasionally host the cramped apartment party and need to crank it, so do want an amp that can deliver enough power, recognizing that it's about quality of the power versus wattage, etc.

I've so far seen only a couple that meet these criteria:

Antique Sound Lab AQ1001DT
Rogue Tempest II (a little pricier than I wanted)

Also looked at the Primaluna Prologues, Jolida JD202A or JD302B, but no remotes!

Any other ideas?

Thanks,
Ravi
defiantscientist
The remote on the Cayin controls sources as well. Just one of many pluses for it.
Second Gmood1's recommendation on the Eastern Electric M520. I got one for my secondary system in January and love it. Built like a tank and nice to look at. (Sounds great, too! Got it hooked up to a pair of Omega Hemptones.) The remote itself is a thing of beauty: looks like it has been fashioned from a block of aluminum - quite hefty and nice to handle.
you can only have 'two' of the following 'three' unless you seek out a great used deal......for 1.5k(new) you can have any two..... 1.well made 2.accurate 3.convenient....never all 3 at once......this applies for new ss as well below the 1k mark. as an example a creek at 1500 does it all over any tube offering for the same money, and its got a remote
Cayin A 88-T - Nothing comes close. I use mine with the direct pre-in input, bypassing the built-in preamp, and controlling the volume with my Shanling remote control (Shanling T-100 has remote controlled variable output).

The Cayin remotes gets used for switching sources, and for the volume control on the tuner...

Unheard of build quality and sound, easily competes with units up to 4K....It's a no-brainer, really.