Tubed Integrated/$1500/New or Used

I can't believe that know one has recommended the Cayin Ta-30. I am listening to it as I write! Emotionally involving, human, sweet, and with low end that will knock your socks off for a 35 watt integrated tube amp! Oh, and midrange vocals that will change your mind about spending more than 800$ bucks! I forgot, it images like a champ!

I have an upgraded ASL AQ1003DT with better parts and it is fabulous. Easily bought used and modded with some of your $1500 left over!!

I would third the suggestion for the Primaluna Prologue Two. If you are moving from a mid-fi solid state amp, you will notice a huge improvement in midrange, warmth, dynamics, note decay/attack. Simply a fantastic amp.

It is also pretty much plug and play. It is a very easy amplifier to work with. Finally, it looks good and the build is top notch.

I usually don't appreciate the hype a lot of equipment gets but this one is for real.

actually fourth the suggestion for the Primaluna...

Was curious if alot of people that are recommending amps have actually heard some of the jolida modified amps in this price range or even unmodified for that matter?That information would be of great value to the poster and to me as well.I had a modified Jolida 202A from parts connection that i just parted with that i thought was an excellent start for me into the tube world.I have now acquired a Jolida 707A used .To my ears the 707A beats the 202A hands down even without the mods but their is something that the 202A had that makes me think about modding this one.I guess that is the blacker background and inner detail.While the 707 has the mid presence and plenty of punch i think it may be lacking some of the inner detail and black background that the 202A had.I think that maybe better capacitors and all the good things that come with a good mod may be the trick.I know you can get the fully modded Jolida 707A for the $1500 mentioned and was wondering if anyone has even heard this amp since they are recommending others?The 707A is said to "try" and replicate SET amps(which i haven't even heard yet).I am using a large horn speaker and 15" woofer that is rated at 101db sensitivity.sorry for the long wind.Just was wondering if there were people that had heard the jolida amps that are recommending these above or others to come?
Thanks and i think the original poster could benefit from this info as well : )
The old budget does not allow me to go crazy so i was led to the Jolida line.Just trying to get the most out of this tube endeavor(nirvana) as possible without going bankrupt in the process.I don't mind spending a few hundred more to take it to another level but thousands gets a bit prohibitive for me and i am sure several other GON'ers.
Enjoying the Ride !!