Tube amps under $7500


Ready to experiment with combinations never before (or not recently) tried. Step one requires a tube amp. Now looking at Prima Luna EVO 400 which sells for 5K. Any other tube amps I should consider in this price/feature range? Must come in silver with balanced input. For pairing experimentally with various tube and SS preamps. Efficient 4 ohm Legacy speakers (and the room/setup) are the constants.

 

hickamore

@bimmerlover LOL, Prima Luna was my OP question and NO ONE before now has even remotely endorsed it. 

@crawfishdaddi Wrote:

Unless you are dealing with a long cable run (say 15ft or more), you will spend a lot more money and never hear the benefit of balanced inputs.

Why balanced operation? See article here!

Mike

I didn't see in OP integrated vs amp or wattage requirements.  FWIW, I've got my Raven Blackhawk integrated with NOS tubes I've settled on and it's way better than stock and expectations.   No XLR.  OK, I'll throw in for Don Sachs Valhalla integrated.  34 watts with the larger pre tubes like 6SN7 etc.    Has XLR but I think you'll only get the (beautiful) wooden chassis.  I've looked hard at Aric and Qualiton too for next amp.  

audphile here are reasons for purchasing a tube amplifier:

 

1 longevity: as the tubes are replaceable you can easily renew your amplifier.

2; easier to service then solid state a tube amplifier is a simple design and are easier to work on.

3: the sound is customizable by tube rolling

4: in general tube amplifiers produce a wider deeper soundstage then most solid state designs.

5: midrange liquidity most tube amplifiers produce a lusher more fleshed out midrange then most solid state designs.

 

Dave and Troy

Audio Intellect NJ

tube dealer

@ditusa +1 Also, mfr of my SS amp recommends balanced, so those are the cables I have and there are enough tube amps in that category that check my boxes.

@akgwhiz Power amp, not integrated; 70+WPC; silver preferred although wood will do. Down to a short list now thanks to many helpful advisors.