In your price range, I recommend a modern used integrated, Cayin or Primaluna. I have a Cayin A88-T Mk II, excellent build and sound quality.
First time tube integrated buy
OK, after years of messing around on the fringes of the tube world, I have decided I want to buy a tube integrated and see what I am/might be missing. Will be in a bedroom system mated to either Spendor S3/5 or Kef R300. Listen to lots of acoustic jazz, jazz vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, Gypsy jazz, singer songwriters. Torn between getting a vintage unit like a HH Scott 299 and having it refurbished and a more modern unit. $1500-2000 seems doable. Preowned is fine as long as its dependable. There is only one tech out here and he is getting old and talking retirement. I am kind of scared of lots of the Chinese stuff mabye w exception of Jolida, Primaluna. Not looking at low power stuff...at least 20-25 watts seems appropriate. Thoughts? All appreciated. BTW, going on trip soon to FL, TN so its a chance to see what I might get on the road.
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I also use a Cayin A88-T. The build quality of some of these Chinese amps is as good or better than some similar priced American gear. You should consider Line Magnetic as well. I have one of their DACs, also top notch build. The older amps won’t have any advantage in sound quality. By the time they’re refurbished, you’ll basically have the equivalent of a modern tube integrated, but no remote. |
This Quicksilver would be great with the Spendors! http://quicksilveraudio.com/products/integrated-amplifier/ |
I think a Jolida would suit you very well, at less money than you allocated. Good build quality, simple design, nice sound. Outside of a transformer issue, you won’t find yourself stuck over the long term. If you do want to move up to $2000 or so, a Jadis Orchestra / Orchestra Reference takes you up a few significant steps, sonically. The bias procedure can prove difficult for someone not willing to get inside the amplifier. It’s actually a stupid design decision by the company. Rogue should also make your list, though closer to the Jolida than the Jadis. Cary integrateds offer a different, though not quite as good presentation than the Jadis. But you might give it a listen if available to you. The problem is the selling prices usually come in higher than you budgeted. I mostly like the sonics and build of Cayin and PrimaLuna. But I would avoid them, myself. Something seems a bit iffy to me with the Cayin, and without Steve Leung representing the brand these days, I would feel uncomfortable. The added complexity of the PrimaLuna’s autobias topology makes it a potential issue in the long term, where a simpler tube amplifier will last a lifetime |
I agree with respect to the Jolida in terms of value for your money. PrimaLuna and Quick Silver should also be on your short list. If you can get your hands on a Mystere pa21. It's an awesome amp and you can run it with a variety of tubes: https://www.upscaleaudio.com/collections/mystere/products/mystere-pa21-power-amplifier |
I have had excellent luck with Both Cayin and Jolida products including a ( now discontinued) Cayin MT12a amp that’s powered my bedroom system for over 10years. As to Jolida , as long as big volume is not the object ( and I wouldn’t think it would in a bedroom) the 1102 integrated has an excellent sound and I have used it’s predessor ( the 102B) to good effect with Spendor S3/5’s in the past. Trelja, VAS still lists some Cayin Models on their Web catalog page. What makes you say Steve Leung is no longer supporting the brand in the USA? |
https://newatlas.com/mcintosh-ma252-hybrid-tube-solid-state-integrated-amplifier/52035/ It’s a hybrid ss amp tube preamp. It should sound fantastic with splendor speakers. You could probably get it for around 3000. Mac will hold its value over Chinese products. Already own your speakers? Harbeth speakers also do well with Mac. |
Yet another recommendation to look at JoLida. Owned a 502B for 10 years. Never a lick of trouble. That was my intro to tubes. Be sure you are dealing with Michael Allen’s JoLida in Maryland. This is not to say there aren’t some other fine candidates being mentioned (e.g., Quicksilver & Prima Luna). Given your budget, I do think you will end up buying used. You could send a JoLida to the factory in MD and get it checked out and upgraded. The factory upgrade was very reasonable and made a nice difference. Good luck in your hunt. |
I'll make you a deal on a pristine Vincent SV-500. Tubes in the preamp. Solid State in the output. The best of both worlds. It has plenty of power for what you're looking for. (I'm only selling it because I upgraded to the top of the line Vincent.) Read the reviews. It is an impressive piece of gear. PM me if you're interested. |
