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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
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
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
juaudio72f4
9 posts
 
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.
mf2
24 posts
 
The Rogue Cronus and possibly a VTL IT-85. Both have remote volume and can be found used in your price range.
bartokfan
664 posts
 
Hey Kehut, I have a topic going on about the A88.
I only know the A88's sister amp, the B300. Heard it a friends house.....man my first hearing of a 300 tube. Unreal smooth clean mids, not much in the bass./nor highs, but the mids/vocals, to die for.
But the B300 tube is not for me. Its the KT88/Kt90 that I have in the Jadis ORCH Refer.
So I suspect your A88 to be almost as rich sounding as the B300 in the mids, plus the added bass and highs.
Am I correct?
btw look how fast a used A88 sells on the Gon.
The remote on the Cayin cdp is top notch, but I never use a remote.
kehut's avatar
kehut
667 posts
 
Yes Bartokfan...Id say that is correct. The A88T is rich and textural sounding in the mids with excellent extension of the bass/highs without harshness. Im not fond of the 300B tube due to its limited extension. True it has glorious mids, but must be matched well to the speaker driven. Usually the single driver/hi sens types, but will still only really get the mids.

The A88T/KT-88 is a balanced sound with superb resolution and transparency. Definately competes with higher priced seperates IMO. I think Harry Weisfeld of VPI loves his A-88T and plugs the amp as well in the AS catalogue.
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