Best Integrated All-tube Amp?

Single-ended amps tend to have wild output impedences that interact greatly with most speakers, the result being that the frequency response of the speaker can have a number of huge dips and crests, i.e., the sound is not accurate nor faithful to the source. The sound can still be very pleasing, but oftentimes it is not. You don't have to worry as much about this issue with push-pull amps.

You really need to know which single-ended amps go well with which speakers, and as a general rule, you need to use them with speakers that do not dip below 6 Ohms or so (8+ Ohms is better). Single-ended amps tend to be low powered as well, meaning that you need to use them speakers that are extremely efficient (92 db+/watt/meter at a minimum).

Finally, you really need to spend some money to get a good single-ended tube amp (or any tube amp for that matter), as the output transformers in them are critical to their performance and good transformers are extremely expensive. Lamm, Air Tight and to a somewhat lesser extent, Jadis (good, but way overpriced) are examples of excellent (build quality and sound quality) single-ended gear. CAT, VAC and Audio Valve make excellent (build quality and sound quality) push-pull amps.

As for dealers, call Dave Lalin at Singer or Bob Herman at Lyric and tell them what you you are looking for. I think you'll be treated properly.

I was the first person to respond on this thread and I just checked back to see that many other people have provided some useful and helpful information.

I am more familiar with solid state gear and my Jolida 302B is my first experience with a pure tube setup. It has point to point wiring, excellent build quality, and a full range sound that sounds both accurate and emotionally involving to my ears. I have never heard the stock unit, but I am thrilled with my Level 1 mods from Parts Connexion.

I have my 302B partnered up with an Origin Live Ultra TT/OL Silver arm/Shelter 501 II cartridge/Bel Canto Phono1 TT setup, a modded Music Hall CD-25 CD player, and Quad 21L speakers. The system is supremely satisfying (especially as a secondary system). When you look at just the CD player, speakers, and 302B, the system is a sonic bargain. Of course you can get a better sounding system, but the rule of diminishing returns definitely applies.

My Jolida 302B costs far less than my primary system, but it comes extremely close in terms of musical involvement and enjoyment. I wish I knew more technically in regards to the tube knowledge demonstrated by many of the others on this thread. However, I can say that for the money I have not heard a system I like any better than my modded Jolida 302B.

Regards,
Greg

what about the WAVAC?

You may want to look into an Antique Sound Lab Leyla 845DT integrated. I don't have any experience with it, but it seems to fit most of your criteria.

Not many votes for the Viva, well I have just bought a Solista. I heard it at the High End Show in London in April, driving admittedly sensitive Art speakers. The room was fully 30 by 30 ft and a high ceiling, believe me, it was loud enough. Everyone there I spoke to made it the best sound in show, fast detailed, but so musical. No sluggish warm tube sound here. I heartily recommend an audition