Getting into tubes?

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.

I GOT MY ROGUE 88 FOR $949 ($1500) BRAND NEW, FROM CHRIS AT AUDIO GALLERY IN SACRAMENTO, back in June. If you want to spend that much, contact him, and ask if he has any left (or if he knows any other dealers who are selling thme at/near cost). My amp does not lack anything that you think you are wanting to hear, Dragan........I'm also going to build a Bottlehead 2A3 SET amp, but I doubt any of those would be enough power for your speakers, unless you like to listen at or below normal conversation level very much. The one I'm gettiing is 3.5 watts per channel, and costs $400 plus shipping. There is a waiting list, and you have to pre-pay. I've been waiting over a month for mine.