2. amps-preamps
  3. 1006894033

A reasonable integrated w/ remote - possibly tube?

I've done extensive searching in the archives, but would love some "fresh" answers. I'm looking for a quality integrated with remote in the sub $2k range, preferrably around $1500. I'm thinking about my first foray into tubes, but since my listening tastes run from Oakenfold/Underworld/Techno to Brahms and classical, I'm a little leery about some of the traditional drawbacks of tubes, namely bass impact. Currently my system is a Naim 92R, 90/3, Flatcap, Planet 2000, and Mission 774s. It's nowhere near the best in soundstaging, but I love the rhythmic drive and pace provided by the Naim gear.

Plinius? Rogue Audio? Jolida? I would be very interested in any suggestions, hints, warnings, caveats, etc. A remote is strongly desired, but not absolutely necessary I suppose. Thanks for your time!
ryanp100
jrook
17 posts
 
If you want to go really cheap you just gotta take a listen to the Antique Sound lab MG-S115DT This thing is very musical and is really cheap. A buddy of mine bought one new for $599.00 And I tell you it is very enjoyable. Kinda makes you scratch your head when it comes to higher priced stuff.
JC
natalie
404 posts
 
Go Rogue Tempest.It allows you to plug a Rogue 88 thru it and bi amp easily
rbirke
144 posts
 
I'm very happy with a Bryston B-60. Solid state, of course, but great sound and built like all Bryston products -- to last forever. I bought mine used with remote and phono stage for around 1250, less than a year old, and at that price, it's a great piece.
joe_b
421 posts
 
I recently changed from a tube amp to an Audio Refinement Complete and I am reasonably satisfied. However, as good as the ARC sounds, it is not a tube amp. It does not have the bloomy, airy sound of good tubes. It is "good for solid state". I have found it somewhat sensitive to the cables used with it and was almost going to sell it until I stumbled onto a combination of i/c and speaker cables that "work". If you want to get an inexpensive tube amp suggest you check on Ebay for an AMC CVT3030 or AMC tube separates. I briefly tried an AMC tube amp and really liked the sound-better than many solid state amps. Unfortunately, it needed more ventilation than my cabinet would provide and I wanted to downsize my system and get out of separates.
ryanp100 OP
8 posts
 
Thanks for all of your input! I suppose it will now be a long, strenuous process to do some listening demos, and I'm sure I'll enjoy every minute. To abecollins above: I don't really need a fully functional remote, just volume and maybe mute would do. On another note, what about the Cary SLI-80 Integrated? Any thoughts on that puppy? I've got a Cary dealer literally right across the street...
More to discover