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Integrated Tube Amplifier for First Timer?

Hi gang,

Been researching, and need some final direction...Speakers are high efficiency coaxial horns....

Looking to put a toe in the water before I make a bigger investment, so which do you believe would give the best impression of tubes on a budget (under $1,500 new):

Jolida 302RC

Cayin T-50 or equivalent (There's seems to be a number of amplifers that use this Spark chassis under varying name brands)

Other similar?

I would like to keep the power at 30/wpc minimum (large room, listening tastes and habits)...

Thanks!
seadweller
jwmazur
191 posts
 
Consider the Eastern Electric M520. It has 25 wpc and is a great amp with fantastic build quality. They are around $1500 new from Bill O'Connell at Morningstar Audio. I have first hand experience with this amp and Bill is a fantastic guy when it comes to customer service and product value.

Good luck.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
rogue cronus
musicslug
430 posts
 
rogue cronus - third vote...
rodman99999
6,130 posts
 
Look at these pieces, and read all the reviews: (http://www.upscaleaudio.com/view_category.asp?cat=36) They have some very worthwhile(user friendly) features too!
tiger
313 posts
 
cayin is the way to go. great sound, excellent construction, top value and very dependable. The other platforms that use the same chassis, do not sound the same as their design is slightly difference. If you have horns, the t50 is more then enough. I own cayin K88, Citation One's and the VAS pre amp. The sound is better then anything ARC builds today. Check out the TAS analogue March issue for a view of the VAS stuff.
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