Member's recommendations for tube amplification


Your thoughts on options to consider:

- I'd prefer SET (open to DHT but not a requirement).

- I'm not looking for overtly warm, romantic or lush options.

- Minimum power in the teens to twenties, 10W being the floor.

- Open to higher power push-pull amps, but let's limit ceiling to around 60W.

- Single ended is fine though having XLR inputs would be nice (doesn't have to be true balanced)

- I'm cool with single chassis or monos.

- I have preferences for tube types, but leaving it open ended to get broad recommendations.

- I'm currently running an all solid state system, though have had tube based systems built around ARC, BAT, Ayon, Melody, Pathos, etc.

- Preamp will be a Pass XP-20 or the Metrum Adagio DAC direct to the amp.

- I'd like to stay around 3K used but can push the budget to 6K new/used.

- Speaker sensitivity is 94dB and higher.

THANKS!
david_ten
@almarg  and @swampwalker   since you recommended VAC,

and others who may know:

What are the reasons for the number of VAC Phi-200 listings?

Is it purely due to the replacement Signature 200iQ?
David,
That would be my guess and the fact this was a pretty popular VAC amplifier so there are more of them available. 
Charles 
David,

I would agree with Charles,
Vac made and sold quite a lot of the Phi-200 amps,probably was their best seller and I do believe several folks have upgraded or would like to.

I only have experience with the much older 30/30 and it was a very good amplifier that I wish I would have kept at the time.I had Maggie's at that time and needed more Pwr.


Kenny.
I recently purchased my first SET. Mastersound compact 845. I had owned many desirable pieces in the past 10 years. But guys nothing at this level.
I wish I had discovered them a while back.
I ordered the Pf100 probably one of the best regardless price.
Best of luck.
David, I can't shed any additional light on your question beyond what Charles and Kenny have said.  Best of luck as you proceed.

Best regards,
-- Al