Which Tube Amp?

I have VTL MB-450s. They have all of the power you will need. They are a bit liquid but in no way syrupy. The have excellent bass, a wide/deep sound stage and very palpable images. I have little, curious ones, too. They have cages over the tubes. So, they are safe. They use eight 6550s per side. Svetlanas or JJs are about $30 each. The 12AT7s (1 per side) can be improved for as little as $80 total. I have had them for 6 months and I have not needed to rebias. A meter and a screwdriver is necc..

I had similiar requirements and am awaiting the return of my Counterpoint SA20 which is undergoing an upgrade. This hybrid amp has 220 WPC. The upgraded version has one rectifier tube and two SA-9 tubes-no biasing necessary.

Tube rolling is not cost prohibitive. You can read all about it at altavistaaudio.com. This site is maintained by the designer of the original amplifier. It it also a recommended component at http://www.high-endaudio.com/ where a number of amplifiers are reviewed.

You can buy a used one and have it upgraded for far less than you are budgeting and have lots left over for premium tubes and music.

Just my $.02- good luck to you.

Michael

i strongly second Ljgi on the McIntosh 2102.
I spotted some of them available at a local authorized McIntosh outlet selling for just under $5,000.00 with full warrenty. I don't know how universal this discount is but the 2102 is worth every penny even at full price.

Hi Kurt,

Like Michael above, I had a Counterpoint SA100 completely rebuilt (Premium Gold version of the NP100) by Mike Elliott. It has two 6SN7 tubes that never need biasing and is 100wpc. The NP220 has twice as much power. If you want something that sounds just as good or better, looks a lot nicer, and costs more, check out his Aria amps (Aria Audio?).

Like Michael states above, the maintenance is non-existent. The tubes are self-biasing and there are only a few. They are a hybrid design, so the tubes are in the input (adding tube traits), while the SS output adds some beneficial SS characteristics like stronger bass, etc. They sound great with cheaper new tubes, but the extra $100-$200 for two NOS Sylvanias is well worth the money. I have been using my first pair for 2-3 years and they still sound great. More benefits...the amps don't run hot at all and the tubes are well protected (both in the Counterpoint and the Aria).

The amps are pretty neutral on their own, so you can experiemnt with different tubes to tailor the amps sound (if you want to). I think my NP100 portrays every recording accurately, but still gives me a feeling of musicians playing music...something more than a technical reproduction. The bass is very strong, the mids and highs are perfectly balanced, and the dynamics are great. It manages to be detailed and extrememly musical at the same time. I use mine with Merlin VSM-M speakers, TG audio speaker wire, and a modded Counterpoint SA5000 pre and have been listening happily for several years now. I occasionally feel like upgrading my CD or turntable, but have lost the urge to look for other amps.

That said...I would check out the David Berning OTL amps as well. :-) They seem to be a great design with many of the benefits of Mike Elliot's designs, but even smaller and lighter. They are also OTL amps which are supposedly quite special sounding (and I agree, based on my one listen to a pair of Atmasphere OTL amps with some Merlins). They have the palpability and feel of tube designs, but are not "tubey" in the least.. I believe the Bernings sell for $4000-$5000.

I am sure the Bernings would sound different than the Mike Elliott designs, but I recommend researching both (as well as many listed above). Good luck! You should find an amazing amp with your budget.

The new CJ's are way better than the 50 you owned, try a 60 or 140, Some of the tube amps out there sound so solid state, why bother with tubes if that is the sound you want.