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Sweet sounding SE tube amps under $3K USED


I'm looking for some imput on tube amps... mono blocks or stereo, doesn't matter. Needs be SE for sure, XLR in as well as option is OK.

Sonically? Superior mid range, great bottom end, and sweet top end without lack.

I would prefer self biasing, but a stable amp once biased properly or one easy to bias, would be FINE.

Stock tubes should be sufficient to provide a very good sound and the neeed to retube with NOS not a mandatory thing to accomplish that end.

Retubing should not cost a ridiculous amount.

If the overall cast of the sound leans towards the euphonic or musically colored side of the scale... that's all the better too.

Power? I'd guess anything over 10 - 15 wpc, to ???... though I would prefer 30+ wpc.

Are there such amps?

I sure would like to know. BTW the less costly, the better.
blindjim
tvad
9,467 posts
 

05-07-07: Blindjim
wow. I was under the impression the VAC amps were intended for use in balanced mode. And they run for under 3K?
Some VAC amps have both single ended and balanced inputs and outputs. I believe others, like the Music Block series are just single ended.

I saw someone selling a used VAC Renaissance 30/30 recently for $2500.

You cannot buy new VAC amps for under $3k, as far as I know. But, VACs are built to last a lifetime. In fact, there is a page on the VAC website called the "VACtory Store" where used VAC gear is occasionally listed for sale.
blindjim OP
2,837 posts
 
Tvad
many thanks.

the killer for me with VAC is the PP 300b's. My last go 'round trying to get a Ren 70 was put off ultimately by the requirement for '8' 300b tubes. Finding out what the retubing costs were caused me to let that go.

I would think the 30/30 uses less however and I'll give that some goodly amount of thought as well. I agree, Mr. Marks, Mr. hayes, and some others do make great gear. I feel VK, P Marks, and K Hayes are at the top of, or very near, the top of the list of the best of the best. IMO. Though I've had only 3 of VK's & one of Marks gear here to try, I would have little problem buying VAC simply on Recomeds.

As Tvad had pointed to some lesser expensive (though modded) amps, I was hoping to have heard some thoughts of other possibly lesser known yet quite good names being dropped here.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
PrimaLuna Prologue 6 monoblocks. 70wpc, EL34. A pair used pair available now for $1800.

McIntosh MC275. Used for around $3k.
blindjim OP
2,837 posts
 
tvad... I had forgotten all about Prima Luna. 'preciate it.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Sure thing, Jim. I'm slowly switching my thinking toward amps/integrated amps from companies like PrimaLuna, Bella Extreme, Cayin, and Rogue that make music but may give up some of the ultimate refinement of more expensive audio gear (no particular suggestion on my part that any of these brands do this, but I suspect it comes with the territory, and frankly is the direction I'm considering).

Still, the search for full range, high sensitivity/benign-impedance-load loudspeakers is tough. The Sonata III were certainly near the top of my list when I was diving headlong into the research. Therefore, you're present journey is of interest.
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