Which integrated Amp, Almarro,Cayin,Red Wine?


I'm thinking of switching from separates to an integrated amp in order to simplify my life. Currently I am using a tube amp (whose manufacturer, I won't mention at the moment)that runs at about 85 watts in tetrode and 40 watts in triode. I've been considering the following integrateds for my 22x10x9 room with acoustic ceiling and carpeted floors: Cayin A-50T, Almaro a318b and the Red Wine 30.2 (a used on puts it in about the same price range as the other 2). I'll be using speakers of 8 ohms and around 89db to start (only one change at a time). I love the tube sound and want a system that makes me want to tap my foot and feel and hear what is there. I listen to mostly live recordings or recordings made w/o studio processing or overdubs (mostly jazz & classical) Does anyone have any input on these 3 amps or a different recommendation?
128x128tarraga
I owned the Cary SLI-80 for a number of years. I've listened a fair bit, to the Red Wine, and currently own the Almarro 318b.

I admire many of their products, and the Cary is a nice piece, and offers more watts, as previously noted. I was happy with it for a long time. I did eventually discover that it is however, just a bit slow on dynamics and pace compared to some other amps I have familiarity with, and that led to me selling it.

The Almarro offers more beautifully balanced sound, with greater richness and depth. No issues at all with any slowing of dynamics or pace here, and the overall presentation is truly wonderful. Within it's wattage limits, you would have to spend a small fortune to better it. Belive me, I've tried. Read the extensive 6 Moons review to get a better idea of how good this amplifier is.

The Red Wine is somewhat limited in what it can do, insofar as inputs, outputs,etc. The sound is not typical solid state and incorporates some degree of warmth, but it will never be mistaken for a good SET amplifier. I think it is a fine product though, and it offers good control of dynamics, a balanced presentation, and sound quality well above it's cost. Again, though, it does not offer the same experience as a good SET amp, and that sounds as though it is what you are after. I do need to note that what I heard was the original amplifier, not the 30.2 version, and not with the tube option. That certainly may make some difference.

I've auditioned a number of the Cayin amps. They are beautifully built, and offer excellent value. Insofar as the A-50T, It's not the sweet spot of their lineup, IMO. I thought it's sound somewhat "polite" and definitely far less involving, rich and deep than the Almarro. Now, the Cayin A-300B would be more comparable in sound to the Almarro, but with a mere 8 watts, and at twice the cost of the A-50T.

Now, lets get to the heart of the matter. Your room size presents issues that I don't think you are effectivly dealing with. I am using the Almarro 318B in a 10x10 room, in a "nearfield" setting. My speakers sensitivity is 90 and the 18 wpc are "just" enough. In your room, at 9/22, forget it unless you listen to the speakers at a very short distance, and never listen at more than low to barely medium levels.

I honestly think you need something on the order of 40-60wpc minimum, if you listen at "normal" or louder levels. And as the commercials used to say, "that changes everything"!.

Give the above, your best options would be along the lines of used integrated tube amplifiers such as the superb Vincent V-60, a Cayin A-100T, Melody H88II, or even a Manley Stingray II. And I might also give a listen to the justifiably lauded Vincent SV-236 MKII hybrid amp available at a great price point. All will offer more power, which I strongly suspect you need. The Manley the least of the group, but it may just be enough.
If you have a chance to purchase the integrated
Aronov LS-960I running in $1000 range on Audiogon
you will get an upgrade with excellent sounding sixty watts per channel from 6550 output tubes (can sub KT90 or KT88).
The dynamic range and superb bass control and extension is complemented by very realistic and musical "sound" making your live recordings a real joy to hear.
I find that this unit never fails to optimize bass quality on any speaker, an attribute which is not often found in otherwise fine integrateds. This distinctive ability in a tube design really keeps the toes tapping with a "you are there" experience.
The only exception to both improving and simplifying your life would be the dual volume controls. But, sometimes one must suffer at least a little for beauty.
As many have said in this post, Cayin units have great sound, and are great values, not to mention they are very reliable. I have the 100, 88 and VAS monoblocks.
I own the Almarro and agree with the other poster's comments. The fun of the Almarro is swapping the 6SN7 tube to change the sonic presentation. The piece only has four tubes and they're inexpensive to replace.