Integrated Tube Amp approx. $2,500

@buellrider97 The bar looks fantastic, and what a great idea. Live music is always fun, but this is a fabulous twist on how to present it in a way most people have never heard it. I've long ago quit the bar scene, but if this place was local I suspect I'd be hanging out there more often than I should.

The Line Magnetic products have been on my radar for a long time, and I frequently look for good deals on used amps. They do offer a few that are within my price range, and I would have pulled the trigger, but they were all 240v, whereas I need 120v (I did find the 210ia model for $2,500, with 120v, but it was 300b. I understand they may sound better, but I shied away from it due to the cost of 300b tubes. I may revisit that decision later).

During the course of this thread one person recommended the Yamaha A-S1200, 2100, a solid state alternative. I had never considered this, so out of curiosity I researched the product. To make a long story short, I was impressed with what I read so decided to purchase one. The amp was open box, so it was $900 off sticker price, but I still get a 5 year Yamaha warranty and I can return it within 30 days for any reason. I figured why not. If it doesn't mesh with my speakers I'll resume my tube journey.

I would be curious to know what you think about the Yamaha amp. Do share. Thanks

Yamaha is a pretty boring choice. Safe, accurate, flawless, but lacks musicality. 

 

Yamaha is a pretty boring choice. Safe, accurate, flawless, but lacks musicality.

Having owned some pretty well regarded SS amps known for their musicality, such as Pass, Coda, and Exposure, in addition to tube products from the likes of Bel Canto, Allnic, Cayin, Quicksilver, AVA, and Rogue, I have to disagree. That’s not to mention all the higher tier models and brands I’ve auditioned from Luxman, Aavik, Gryphon and so on.

The MOSFET based Yamaha integrateds that were introduced around 2014 are not remotely lacking in musicality. Quite the opposite in my experience, especially when paired with >$10K speakers. They are not powerhouses, but most “musical” SS amps are <100WPC IME. I would never consider going back to the Pass XA25 or Coda 8 over my Yamaha 2100. The 2100 does practically everything better in my system. With decent enough speakers, the Yamaha’s have a “lit from within” sound that is matched by very few SS components.

that's how I have heard Yamaha, my ears just didn't want me to like them