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Entry Level Tube Integrated

Today I had the idea of getting an entry level tube integrated amplifier to have some fun on the other side. The Jolita FX 10 Integrated Amplifier specifically peaked my interest. My wife is pretty much on board with this unit, but are there other small amps that look great that I should consider?

My primary system is an Integra 50.1 with Focal 836v speakers. The plan for the tube amp would be occasionally hooking it up to my cd player and the speakers. Will the sound be good enough to make it worth the time?
mceljo
czarivey
4,494 posts
 
your speakers will not benefit from tube amplification due to unstable impedance.
plan to get easy driven speakers as for your secondary system along with entry level tube amp.
my choice would be vintage hh scott stereomaster 222c that uses EL84 power tubes and self-biased. so far it's the sweetest tube amp i've ever heard for less than $500 fully serviced and restored no snit! you can continue going vintage street for your speakers as well. 50's...60's models vintage having 8ohm or higher impedance are certainly the best match for your future amp.
you can also get vtl tube amp that is stable to 2ohm, but many of them having reliability issues and short tube life not suitable for entry-level tubes at all by all means.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Go with the Cayin line, better sound, value and service. I have many of their units and have never been disappointed.
mceljo OP
983 posts
 
Thanks for the information.

I am leaning towards either a used Jolida 707A available at a local shop or a new Yaqin MC-30L that is advertised on audiogon. The local shop had the Yaqin in the store the other day and it sounded excellent and was significantly more impressive compared to the Naim UnitiLite that was available for a solid state comparison. Admittedly, the comparison of the Yaqin to the Naim is completely apples and oranges, but I think is fair to assume that the Naim includes a quality amplifier. The Jolida 707A would be a little bit more expensive, but I like the idea of supporting the local shop as he doesn't sell the Yaqin, though he recommends them and has offered to order it for since he has a working relationship with the designer/distributor.

The biggest issues I have with either of them is having a place to set it up. I think I can clear out some space in my cabinet where I can quickly remove the doors for a lot more ventilation when I'm actually using it.

Czarivey - I'm not sure why my Focal speakers wouldn't "benefit" from tube amplification? I'm not necessarily expecting the result to be "better" than what I have with my Integra 50.1 receiver. My goal is something that doesn't sound objectively worse in comparison and has the different tube sound.
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