Getting into tubes?

I recently purchased an integrated from Antique Sound, the little 2x15 integrated. We use it with a mid-level Toshiba DVD player for digital, and Mordaunt-Short MS90 speakers. Cables (speaker) are Audioquest, interconnects are by Vampire. Although the first amp we got had to be replaced due to one channel dying after 2 hours of use, the sound we're getting now is really amazing for the total dollars spent. Careful system matching is important when you're dealing with 15wpc, but well worth the effort. I would recommend the Antique Sound unit as a good way to experiment with tubes without spending thousands... One other thing, these amps come with "throw-away" quality tubes, so you need to figure on retubing the unit IMMEDIATELY. You can figure about another $100 or so to do it right. Hope this information helps, best of luck!

Eldragon: I have researched a lot of inexpensive tube amps recently and have also considered the little Antique Sound Lab's. I have read of others having reliablity problems with the amps. I do not know if they are assembly or design problems. I have not considered buying old Dynaco or Eico models that I have owned in the past due to the fact that most of them need to be rebuilt, which can be very expensive. The best that I have found (per user feedback) is the Audion Sterling series though the cheapest retails for $1200.00. It uses EL34's (one of my favorite tubes) in some kind of pseudo SET configuration. The power supply has been upgraded on recent models and it should sound even better than the old reviews. We have a poster at this site from Alaska that own's one and hopefully he will respond. I am also curious about the "Cyclops", which is featured as a debut auction at Audiogon, that uses EL84's also a good tube that I used in an Eico HF81 years ago. If you want to go with more power and push/pull a lot of people seem to like the Jolida 300 and 500 series which can be had for under $600.00 used. Too bad that Jolida doesn't make a power amp though. I will be able to audition the Sterling in the next couple of weeks if I can make time. I will not be visiting the other dealer that we discussed until mid December. I want to wait until he has the whole Renaud line (well broken in) as to not make multiple trips. Should have an opinion of both the Audion and the Mesa after the trip.

Thanks Alden! David, it was just an idea. I'll probably "stick" with my Linn,( i still appreciate neutrality and detail) bit longer, 'till i am able to afford Jadis, Mesa...or? Integrated tube amp. My speakers are sensitive enough, for most, but the "tiniest" SET, amps. I would like your opinion on Mesa, when you can! Thanks!

Dragon, I heard the Mesa Baron a few times. I thought it was a great sounding amp w/the 5881s it had. I know it accepts many other tubes. You may want to check it out. From what I heard, Mesa is now out of the high end market(will only do pro audio now). I don't have any experience with the two brands you are considering, but I have always wanted to check out Antique... It is very easy to cut corners on a tube amp, all the stuff that people never think about(we usually only talk tube types/brands). Things like the transformers(THE most important - and expensive part of a tube amp), PCBs instead of hard wiring, capacitors, resistors, etc. That being said, Jolida and Rogue do very well. If I was forced to buy another amp at less money, I would pick up a Jolida 302B, and upgrade the tubes and power cord immediately. But, from what I know about you, you may not like the sound. But, maybe one day you could give it an audition and see. Good luck!

get a Rogue 88.It is a little more than you might want to pay 800/900 used.you will be very happy.