The SQ-88, 55 watt integrated may be worth a look. Remote control of the volume, three inputs. Self bias. Very well put together. More info can be found at Quest for Sound. Fun hunting.
tube integrated amp recommendations?
Hi folks,
I'm looking for an inexpensive (around $1000) tube integrated amp for a second system, and thought I would ask for opinions on what I should be looking at right now. Used is OK to consider for this amp. Here's what I want (I think)...
I would like an amp that I can possibly swap driver tubes in to play with the sound a little. Or maybe one that I can switch from pentode to triode modes. I'd like it to use inexpensive (in the scheme of things) driver tubes so I can try things out (so the 300B or 211 are probably out of the question).
I want a remote control in the unit. I have a Mcintosh MC275 in my main system, so I'm familiar with KT-88 tubes, and wouldn't be adverse to having them in this secondary unit, but there's a lot of other tubes out there to try!
I have a pair of B+W 602's to use on this system (at least for starters). It will be driven mostly be a Sonos and maybe a decent CD player and possibly FM radio. I don't listen to loud music, but I do listen to a wide range of styles, from classical to rock. So, I don't think I need a lot of power in the amp.
So, I'm looking for suggestions on a decent sounding product that has all or most of these things from the list. Maybe more importantly, I'd like to hear about what tubes I should be considering. All input is appreciated.
If I can't seem to find a suitable tube solution, I'll probably get a Audio Decco to run in the system...
---Michael
I'm looking for an inexpensive (around $1000) tube integrated amp for a second system, and thought I would ask for opinions on what I should be looking at right now. Used is OK to consider for this amp. Here's what I want (I think)...
I would like an amp that I can possibly swap driver tubes in to play with the sound a little. Or maybe one that I can switch from pentode to triode modes. I'd like it to use inexpensive (in the scheme of things) driver tubes so I can try things out (so the 300B or 211 are probably out of the question).
I want a remote control in the unit. I have a Mcintosh MC275 in my main system, so I'm familiar with KT-88 tubes, and wouldn't be adverse to having them in this secondary unit, but there's a lot of other tubes out there to try!
I have a pair of B+W 602's to use on this system (at least for starters). It will be driven mostly be a Sonos and maybe a decent CD player and possibly FM radio. I don't listen to loud music, but I do listen to a wide range of styles, from classical to rock. So, I don't think I need a lot of power in the amp.
So, I'm looking for suggestions on a decent sounding product that has all or most of these things from the list. Maybe more importantly, I'd like to hear about what tubes I should be considering. All input is appreciated.
If I can't seem to find a suitable tube solution, I'll probably get a Audio Decco to run in the system...
---Michael
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- 17 posts total
I certainly hope you find what you want. I know you definitely can. Don't rule out KT-88s until you have tried the reissue GEC Gold Lons I am a dyed in the wool EL34 afficianoda who was told by a tube guru that this tube would be just what I want. In fact it is it sounds like a potent EL34. e-mail me, you will be surprized. |
I have to echo Grinnell on the PL 2 , it really is a good piece ! I have owned a Cayin 88T . It is nice but the PL will give you a better defined presentation due to more detail and top end extension . It will also give you a better low level sound if you listen in the near field . Where the Cayin outshined the PL was in the lower registers . The PL was a little thin in the mids and did not go quite as low as the Cayin . However , when I rolled the input tubes , the mids filled out nicely and the lows were as deep as the Cayin but more defined . These were compared on my present De Capo i speakers . I have also auditioned the Cary SLi-80 against the Cayin on VS speakers. I would say that the two had a similar sound with the Cary having better definition/detail . I have often refered to the Cayin as a poormans Cary . The Cayin can be switched from Triode to Ultralinear via the remote whereas the Cary had the switch mounted on the amp itself . All of the comparings were done using the same equipment with the only changes being the integrateds . Good luck . |
What about the Onix SP8 Tube Integrated amp at/by AV123? Ballsy EL34-based 45 wpc and marked down from $999 to $599 new w/warranty. Very retro-cool looking, too. |
- 17 posts total