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Old or new gear

Greetings,

I am trying to buy my first tube amplifier. Budget is about $2500-3500. I am not very good at doing electrical work myself and do not intend to restore/repair/update the equipment myself. No time for another hobby. 

Looking to get something very reliable to use for years to come. I tend to keep my equipment for a long time, and do not upgrade things frequently. Trouble free listening is the goal. US made (or Japan or western Europe) would be really nice. Looked at Chinese models, but decided not to go that route, although there are many very good quality brands with great reviews. The top of the line Chinese units are not much cheaper than US made ones, through.

For that money, I am looking for something like quicksilver mid monos or decware MK4, brand new, both made in US, with good reviews as far as build quality and reliability goes.
.
Alternatively, there are amps here on Agon, such as CJ, Cary, VPI 299d, VTL de luxe 300,  VAC rebaissance 30/30 MK3, all used, about 10-15 years old, some in mint conditions with low hours, under or around 3K.

I am looking more for good sound and reliability than a specific amp type (pp vs SE) or output tube design.

Any advice? Again, not looking to resell but this is always a consideration as well (never know what the future holds). Main concern is quality and long term reliability.
Are there better transformers, caps, resistors etc... now than 10-15 years ago? Again, not looking to upgrade anything myself and do not have the time to spend in repair shops.

Thanks for your advice.


sophie999
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
Sophie, I’m not saying you can get a McIntosh Mc275 for $3500, but If there is a chance at all that you could get close, call Mike Sastra at Audio Classics!

Also, not sure of your speakers or if 75wpc - 90wpc will work for you.

This is a special amp indeed and new they cost around $5,000. Used ones are cheaper. McIntosh has been making this amp for decades! It is built like a battleship and will last forever, very reliable too.

https://www.stereophile.com/tubepoweramps/mcintosh_mc275_power_amplifier/index.html


Matt M
sophie999 OP
29 posts
 
Thanks. Will look at those.

Macs are almost impossible to get at that price. New ones are almost 6K. Not many used ones on forums/stores. Have been looking at those for a while.

Will look at Quad as well. Typically, would prefer the separate components, especially DAC, to keep things simple. Will have to research this one a bit more.
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Buy a nicely restored pair of Dynaco Mk 3's. A classic design - 60 watts and excellent iron! Half the price of a Mac 275! I have a pair myself! Excellent resale value, too!
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,700 posts
 
I own QS amps for the past ten years. They are built like tanks and I never had any problem with them. Point to point wired and made in USA. BTW, what preamp are you using?
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
I've bought both new and used gear and going forward will only buy used. Most sellers by far are honest audiophiles and you can try different brands if you buy at a good price and have some patience. There are lots of great options in that price range to just be stuck with one brand or sell at a great loss. 
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