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Tube integrated

I am interesting in buying a tube integrated. I think my budget is around 3K - 5K range (new/demo/used) is fine. But I do want to get a decent one. The options are too many...but I do have some criteria.

1) Has to be aesthetically pleasing (which takes out the Primaluna stuff for now, else I’d consider them)
2) Push-pull Class A/B, I like to keep my electronics on always, and I am environmentally conscious, so I don’t want to just drain power with a Class A (Octave’s eco mode is very interesting in this regard)
3) Has to be at or above 30 WPC to drive my speakers as per their recommendation
4) Biasing has to be easy (auto is best, but manual bias with integrated meter is fine)
5) Prefer KT150/120/88 based stuff (I’m flexible here, just want KT150 if possible)
6) Prefer less noise, so high SnR like 90 or above
7) Volume control should be high quality, like stepped attenuattor
8) At least one XLR input

Don’t need phono/dac input, doesn’t have to be single ended (by default).

With that said, I think I like the Octave V70SE, V80SE, they fit the bill but above budget new. Really wanna check out the Lyric 140. I think these may be doable with the 5K (maybe a bit more) budget and demo/used condition.

What other options are out there?
nitewulf
nitewulf OP
277 posts
 
@1graber2 
The issue is XLR outout of some dacs are optimized/better than the RCA, my Metrum dac is one of these. But It's not a deal breaker or anything, I can use RCA as well, just prefer XLR.

@wolf_garcia 
I will look into the Jolida.

@jafant 
Yes, so far I believe Octave is leading. There's one for sale now. Just wondering what are the differences between the regular and SE versions.  Though since I prefer KT150's, I believe I could wait for a V80SE to come up within my range.
nitewulf OP
277 posts
 
Also, I have Legacy Audio Signature SEs. I contacted them and was recommended to use tube amps at 30 WPC and above.  Though I have successfully drove them with a Coincident Dynamo SET, which is only 8 WPC, so I think 25 ish watts and above should be fine.  The Dynamo bottoms out at heavy electronic beats and the bass gets flabby, but for most music it works surprisingly well.
wolf_garcia
4,650 posts
 
Jolida MD (not sure if the "other" Jolida they had issues with are still around, and don't care much if they are) is always a good place to investigate tube things, as they price things fairly without much hype (not much advertisement if any). I noticed Morrow Cables ( I use a few of their cables…they work well) is "partnered" with them…Primiluna is well made and seemingly well regarded with "premium" parts, etc., but costs multiples of Jolida products, and doesn't necessarily sound better, at least in my experience. 
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brianmoriarty
48 posts
 
I agree primaluna has everything you’re asking for. Trouble free tube rolling because of the autobiasing circuit, protection circuitry, integrated, its in your price range, Dialogue premium hp is 70 W with el34. Quality made Huge power transformers. Prima Luna is a Dutch company. Although, they use the Cayin factory in China for assembly with strict monitoring.

Ditch the cage if you don’t like it. It won’t fit on anyway with some larger tubes. I’ve had mine for a year and am still discovering new things about my music collection. I didn’t like the look at first either but it grew on me because of the sound.

Also, most people will tell you never leave a tube amp on 24/7. Leave it on for the day and power down at night when you retire or when you leave home. It’s not best to cycle on and off at free random but the wear on the tubes a couple times a day isn’t worth bricking your transformers, amp, speakers, ...house!
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