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Best Integrated All-tube Amp?

Hi,

My question: What are the best (and affordable) integrated tube amps in your opinion? (Not hybrid. All tubes.) Specifically, the best single-ended triode with zero feedback and ideally decent wattage.
So far, my list has only two:

1. Viva Solista. The problem with this one is that it simply gives you 17 wpc. It is way more powerful than most other amps that claim to have more power, but still I doubt it can drive extended low frequency speakers. (Currently I own Triangle Antal but in the future I might upgrade to deeper bass.) Nevertheless, I prefer sensitive speakers
2. McIntosh MA2275. I tested with B&W 800 and sounded awesome. But still it is not single ended (it is push-pull) and as far as I know it has some negative feedback. Plus, it a bit too pricey. (So is the Viva.) But I am still willing to consider.

What is your list, and why?

THANKS!

Josep
josep_hernandez
gregc
16 posts
 
I love my Jolida 302B (Level 1 upgrade from Parts Connexion). I did a lot of tube rolling and ended up with two 1950's GE 12AX7 tubes, two NOS Phillips PQ 12AT7 tubes, and four NOS Japanese Ratheon EL34 tubes that I liked better than Mullards. The integrated sounds fully extended, balanced, and musical. Perfect for a secondary bedroom system. For the money you will be hard pressed to beat the performance, but of course your mileage may vary.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
I agree with Gregc although my tube rolling experience with my 302B so far has been different: JJ Tesla 12AT7s and El34Ls, with Sovtek LPS 12AX7s. For the money I can't believe there is a better value than the gear Jolida is making. I have heard that Prima Luna is also good.

Decent single ended with good wattage and zero feedback? No doubt a tall order and perhaps others can identify units that meet these challenging requirements. Sounds like you're in the market for something with Western Electric 300Bs, correct?
mmdecapo
8 posts
 
Check out the DeHavilland IOS. I haven't heard it (although I have heard the monoblock version of this amp in my system which sounded so wonderful I ordered a set) and it is not inexpensive but the quality and performance should be top notch. I have heard that they may end up building a less expensive version of this intergrated by going to circuit boards (as a cost cutting measure) as opposed to point to point wiring (which increases the price). I had tried to find a used version of the IOS but to no avail.
listener57
730 posts
 
In a totally different direction, but immensely satisfyng, is the Aronov Audio LS-960I. A recent one was virtually given away at around $1000-1200 price range, used on Audiogon. The natural and satisfying sound is allied with bass capability as good as it gets in the more affordable tube amp division, or even in comparison to most luxury price tube integrateds I've auditioned.
This allows for a full range speaker which can really do bass, not depending on a sub-woofer. Well done bass can add a thrilling quality to many recordings where you may not even suspect those lower frequencies matter.
I mention this choice even though SET has a devoted following, and a magic of its own.
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