Looking for an integrated amp to replace my Cayin A-50T


I currently have a Cayin A-50T integrated amp, and I recently had one of the EL34s die (due to age--not the amp...). Given the current tube shortage, I had to pay an inflated price for a new quad of tubes, which has caused me to consider a solid state integrated as a back-up initially, and based on the performance, possibly replace the Cayin. My speakers are Reynaud Euterpe Jubile (89dB/4 ohm) and my source is an Oppo 205.

 

I have no complaints whatsoever with the Cayin--just looking for a back-up and possibly get away from tubes in the future. As such, I am looking for SS integrated that would lean towards the same sonic signature--in the $1000-$2000 range. Since the Oppo has a volume control, I may be open to a power amp--in which case I would be open to an older well regarded model that I could perhaps obtain for a good price...

Regarding the integrated options--I only need a couple of inputs, and do not require a phono stage. Digital inputs are not a requirement, but could prove useful. I have been out of this for a while, so I am just getting back up to speed. If I had to choose today, I would go with a Cambridge CXA-81. The Rogue Sphinx or a Rotel are other options. perhaps a one of the Parasounds or something else I am not aware of?

 

Thanks in advance for all input/suggestions!

Bob

 

 

 

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@dekay I paid almost $200 for a quad of Tung-Sol EL34Bs--which is close to double what Jim McShane was selling them for before the shortage, and the same price that I paid him for a quad of GL KT77s 18 months ago.  I would guess that they have about 1500 hours on them before one failed.

@panzrwagn Thanks--I have to admit that I initially dismissed Marantz (and other great products from the past) only because I assumed that the current products bear no resemblance to their predecessors.  However, after doing a brief search, it is definitely worth checking out!

I had a good experience with the Atoll amp. Not sure about the sonic signature, but it's very well made. Here's a review which you might learn from: 

 

Here it is for $1700, used: