Affordable High Watt Tube Amp Wanted

Save your pennies and try to find a VTL ST-80 or 85 for $800+. I own a ST-85 and it sounds more powerful (better bass, plays louder before compressing the sound stage) than a Jolida 302b. It also has that mid-range magic that most other sub-$1K tube amps lack. Otherwise go with a tube-pre and solid state amp combo.

Mathewam,
Thanks for the advice,but my budget is $500 or less.
Your ST-85 plays louder and sounds more powerful than the Jolida 302b because your ST-85 is rated 35wpc higher than the 302b.
As far as mid range magic,my Dynaco uses EL-34's and the Jolida 302b as well.
Other than some s.e.t power tubes (or other $$ specialty tubes),I dont think there's a power tube that does the midrange as well as a EL-34.
If your ST-85 uses EL-34's,I'd dare to say,Im sure my modded Dyanco or the Jolida would have a similar midrange as your ST-85 (or close enough) but 'probably' not have the same quality bass a more powerful tube amp would offer.
If you had read my long post well enough,you would have noticed I've used a solid state amp with my EV speakers.
Also,In my 'system' right next to my user name,and quick to click on,you would have seen I have a tube preamp.

Im wondering now if with these super easy to drive 98dB 16ohm EV's,if I even need a more powerful tube amp than 35wpc.
As I've noted above,the Dyna 'seems' to take firm control of the EV's.
Maybe 35wpc gives the EV's more than enough control,and buying a more powerful tube amp would be overkill and a waste of money.
Any comments on this?

Thanks,
Dave

Well if you're that broke then I would just stick with what you have. It sounds like you pretty much know what's out there for $500 or less. I just mentioned the VTL because it delivers a lot more sound for the money than other budget amps.

Its not that Im 'that broke' I just set a budget for certain items in audio Im willing to spend.
I wasnt always that way. I learned the hard way $$ doesnt always buy the best sound.
Im getting better sound now with older or vintage items I've been buying compared to when I use to buy higher priced 'brand name' new audio products.
Also,I dont know all thats out there for a older or vintage tube amp with higher wpc than my Dynaco for $500 or less.
Thats basically the point of this thread.
Your opinion of your VTL sounds like it comes from pride of ownership.
There are many fine sounding tube amps on the used market for $1000 and less.
A VTL wouldnt be my 1st choice.
I'd say Chinese amps own the 'budget' and beyond tube amp catogory.

You're always going to get a biased answer to an audiophile, equipment based question. Having owned both a Chinese amp (Jolida) and a American made amp (VTL) I can tell you that the $400 price difference (based on used prices) is worth it. I think most people who have upgraded will say the same.

Since you already own a pre-amp I'm not even sure why you are considering a Jolida integrated. I would sell off some of the equipment you own and put it towards your amp budget. Of course that's my highly biased opinion that you don't really want to hear ; )