Good Suggestions for Tube Amps under 6k

Laynes,

I have not ventured into rolling, neither with the EVO 400 nor the Lampizator Atlantic DAC.  I honestly can't think of one thing I'd change with the Lampi. With my system and ear, it still remains my favored DAC. Along with the Daedalus speakers, I have no curiosity to vary.  I tried a bunch of DACs, and none had quite the magic of the Lampi, so leaving it alone. Thanks for the specific tube suggestions for the EVO.  I would love to see that effect and do plan on exploring if I keep it, which I may do, and just add another amplifier for a different combo.

@carlsbad2 

Tube amps are divided into 2 classes, SET and class A/B

The fundamental distinction is SET/SEP and push-pull tube amplifiers. Push-pull can be class AB but also pure class A as well.  SET (DHT) SEP (Pentode) are class A by default. For example, the tube push pull amplifiers I had suggested earlier are class A circuits. Granted that class AB is the more common circuit approach.

Charles

As touched on by @laynes: When considering your budget for a tube amp I think you should be aware of possible extra costs for new/old tubes. When you go to your limit with the amp itself but soon find that new 300Bs would be something then that´s serious extra costs.

@charles1dad I don’t want to argue semantics and even yield that you are probably correct in the way you define it. (pentode vs ultralinear). but to me the sound isn’t that much different between them.

I recommend the simple, single output tube per channel, directly heated triode, single ended, tube amp to get the nimble, crystal clear, and dynamic sound we chase. But you have to have speakers that are compatible.

BTW, I own an excellent example of the pentode push-pull amp that sounds excellent.  I'll be getting rid of it in favor of the SET I prefer.

Jerry

The Octave v70 SE is excellent.  Here’s a review fyi…

https://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/equipment-menu/423-octave-audio-v-70-se-integrated-

There’s one used available now that’d save you mucho $$$…
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649967135-octave-se-70-s-integrated-tube-amp/

Another good one to look into is the Audio Hungary A50i.  Best of luck.