Gryphon Diablo 300
Burmester 032
Vitus Sai 025
Pass Int 250
Burmester 032
Vitus Sai 025
Pass Int 250
Looking to buy a quality integrated $10,000 budget.
I’m at the point now I’m happy with my speakers, Klipsch La Scala AL5 at 105db sensitivity or there about and 8ohm load. I really don’t need big power. Unfortunately many integrated, as you go up the companies lines, keep adding power and not much else I’m not really into paying for something I’ll never use.
I do not need a DAC built in, I do not need a phono stage built in but I would not count them out if they were good quality and I could reduce the box load. So if I replace them I would need something as good inside the integrated as the Gold Note PH10 phono stage and Schiit Gungnir multi bit DAC that I currently use.
Sources are; Garrard 301 table set up with Jelco 12"arm and Van Den Hull Cart (and a Soundsmith MI), PC based streamer, multi disc player and Apple TV 4K (all the digital goes into the DAC) and a tuner (I like the Seattle NPR radio, Jazz 24).
I’m so far considering in Tube or SS class A (preferably but wont rule others out):
- Luxman 590axii, class A 30wpc. this is a top choice for me right now. change my mind?
- Luxman Tube integrated like the LX 380
- Accuphase E 650 (used-older as USA prices are overpriced mind you I can get it cheaper in Canada so may not be an issue),
- McIntosh MAC 7200, more power then I’ll ever need but many features like a tuner, phono stage etc. so could go to one box but what’s the compromise with all that inside?
- BAT VK801 and others never heard a BAT (recommended from a friend) so not sure, I don’t have anywhere near me to listen so don’t say go listen.
- Sungden but I have to admit I find them homely and a little basic looking.
- Triode Labs and Finale Audio (great gear by the way) I’ve considered (again) but I really want a remote and need more then 3 inputs.
- Pass labs class A if I can find one used and in my budget.
- Decware and the other smaller tube amps are also in the back of my head.
- what am I forgetting or don’t know that’s the question?
Sound is paramount but it has to appeal to me looks-function wise as well, I just can not look at a homely integrated regardless of the sound. Also I really want a remote this time around! If I kept both DAC and Phono stages I could go (partially) balanced but my tuner is single ended so its not important to me. Also I would like to stay away from Chinese production for now. Recently used ( newer then 10 years) or New is what I’m thinking.
I’m kind of trending away from tubes just tired of replacing them, 300b’s no way ever again. I Live in an open concept Loft so my main system does everything TV-movies-music. I also tend to have my system on playing from 4pm to midnight through the week and all day and night weekends (when I’m home of course) so my system gets lots of use this is why I’m thinking tubes may be done in my audio life maybe we will see.
I do not like the looks of Mac’s sloped front integrated tube amps similar to AudioNotes new integrated I find that sloped face not to my tastes. AudioNote in general I find over priced for what you get. yes I’ve owned some.
I have listen to some Moon gear wasn’t for me. And Rega’s new stuff again not for me. Naim, Linn pass not for me, been there done that not my cup of tea. Vintage is for my bedroom so not here.
looking for;
Dynamics, good bass control but good separation of notes, sweet top end that’s not edgy or overly bright, midrange that’s involving, huge soundstage maybe the word musical comes to mind. I tend to a slightly warmer side of neutral but not too much. All types of music except classical. I don’t listen above 85db.
ok I think I’ve put enough in here for a reasonable response.
What amps should I consider in this price range new or used? one last thing I live in western Canada.
Glen
I do not need a DAC built in, I do not need a phono stage built in but I would not count them out if they were good quality and I could reduce the box load. So if I replace them I would need something as good inside the integrated as the Gold Note PH10 phono stage and Schiit Gungnir multi bit DAC that I currently use.
Sources are; Garrard 301 table set up with Jelco 12"arm and Van Den Hull Cart (and a Soundsmith MI), PC based streamer, multi disc player and Apple TV 4K (all the digital goes into the DAC) and a tuner (I like the Seattle NPR radio, Jazz 24).
I’m so far considering in Tube or SS class A (preferably but wont rule others out):
- Luxman 590axii, class A 30wpc. this is a top choice for me right now. change my mind?
- Luxman Tube integrated like the LX 380
- Accuphase E 650 (used-older as USA prices are overpriced mind you I can get it cheaper in Canada so may not be an issue),
- McIntosh MAC 7200, more power then I’ll ever need but many features like a tuner, phono stage etc. so could go to one box but what’s the compromise with all that inside?
- BAT VK801 and others never heard a BAT (recommended from a friend) so not sure, I don’t have anywhere near me to listen so don’t say go listen.
- Sungden but I have to admit I find them homely and a little basic looking.
- Triode Labs and Finale Audio (great gear by the way) I’ve considered (again) but I really want a remote and need more then 3 inputs.
- Pass labs class A if I can find one used and in my budget.
- Decware and the other smaller tube amps are also in the back of my head.
- what am I forgetting or don’t know that’s the question?
Sound is paramount but it has to appeal to me looks-function wise as well, I just can not look at a homely integrated regardless of the sound. Also I really want a remote this time around! If I kept both DAC and Phono stages I could go (partially) balanced but my tuner is single ended so its not important to me. Also I would like to stay away from Chinese production for now. Recently used ( newer then 10 years) or New is what I’m thinking.
I’m kind of trending away from tubes just tired of replacing them, 300b’s no way ever again. I Live in an open concept Loft so my main system does everything TV-movies-music. I also tend to have my system on playing from 4pm to midnight through the week and all day and night weekends (when I’m home of course) so my system gets lots of use this is why I’m thinking tubes may be done in my audio life maybe we will see.
I do not like the looks of Mac’s sloped front integrated tube amps similar to AudioNotes new integrated I find that sloped face not to my tastes. AudioNote in general I find over priced for what you get. yes I’ve owned some.
I have listen to some Moon gear wasn’t for me. And Rega’s new stuff again not for me. Naim, Linn pass not for me, been there done that not my cup of tea. Vintage is for my bedroom so not here.
looking for;
Dynamics, good bass control but good separation of notes, sweet top end that’s not edgy or overly bright, midrange that’s involving, huge soundstage maybe the word musical comes to mind. I tend to a slightly warmer side of neutral but not too much. All types of music except classical. I don’t listen above 85db.
ok I think I’ve put enough in here for a reasonable response.
What amps should I consider in this price range new or used? one last thing I live in western Canada.
Glen
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- 74 posts total
The Linear Tube Audio (LTA) ZOTL Ultralinear was designed for speakers like yours. Tubes last 10-20,000 hours so no issue there. And dead quiet black black background. And with basically a 30 day in-home trial there is zero risk which is what you want when spending that much money. Could be a match made in heaven and end game for you. A no downside value proposition. I own their microzotl preamp and a pair of their z40 reference amps. Holographic is the best way to describe the combination. |
“Surprised that Gryphon has only been mentioned once.” OP prefers ‘I tend to a slightly warmer side of neutral’ and Gryphon sound is neutral. So is Burmester and Vitus. While I like the suggested LTA ZOTL Ultralinear option, I would not ‘settle’ with LTA without first listening to Accuphase or Luxman Integrated. Like OP, i also prefer the slightly warmer sound and I end up keeping the Accuphase E-650 over Luxman L-509X. My speakers are Tannoy Canterbury’s. |
Hello Glen, I just read the 6moons review on the David Berning designed LTA ZOTL and it sure seems to meet your requirements. It's a very positive review that'll give you a good idea of what to expect: https://6moons.com/audioreview_articles/lineartubeaudio/ I also went on their website and they're offering 10% off retail price right now and have several links to other professional reviews: https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/products/zotl-ultralinear-integrated-amplifier I need to let you know, however, that I have no direct experience listening to this amp and no association with LTA. I actually use high powered ss amps with larger and inefficient Magnepans in my own system. But I've always loved the palpable, walk through soundstage imaging and natural timbres experienced through a well sorted tube system. I can still appreciate the enticement of a reviewer stating: "The ZOTL Ultranier attempts to strike a balance between triode and pentode where ultralinear topology delivers a less forward presentation but maintains the speed and dynamics of a pentode, then combines it with the rich tonality, organic timbres and three-dimensional meaty imaging of a triode design." Wouldn't we all like to own, or at least experience, a system like that? Tim |
- 74 posts total