Recommendation Tube Integrated


At this juncture (nearly 2024) what are folks' best recommendagtion for a tube integrated amp.  Constraints would be $10K (preferrably $5K or less), at least 35 watts per channel.  New or used.  Goal would be smooth, creamy sound.  My current system, which I would consider very good solid state sound, can still be a little ...hard.... to my sensitive ears at times, and I'm thinking a tube option would be nice.  Thanks.

mathiasmingus

Synthesis - a real sleeper in the high-end world. I first heard them with Harbeth speakers at Dejavu in northern Virginia and they sounded fantastic.

I have the Synthesis A100 Titan integrated, KT66 tubes for 100w channel. This is a wonderful amp in the classic style of tube amps. Big, bold, dimensional, flesh on bones. Highly recommended. More info:

 

You can find an ARC VSi75 in your price range, great amp and only six tubes to deal with. four power and two preamp.

Some very nice recommendations mentioned & here’s another one: Rogers High Fidelity. They’re pricey new around $15-$16K but they have two of their big amps used direct from the factory w/ full lifetime warranties. They’re very well built w/ high quality parts all point to point  wired ( no circuit boards!), very powerful & sound excellent! They do operate in full class A so they run pretty hot & are pretty big & heavy too if those are issues. I really enjoy mine & works flawlessly for two years now. Check out Roger’s videos on YouTube- very informative!

I'm looking at the McIntosh MA 352 and MA 252 for a second system. I think they have the Sound you're looking for. The 252 is even Creamier than the 352. Hybrids rule.