Best Integrated All-tube Amp?

You could be better off--if you are willing--to expand your horizons into monoblocks. You will have more to choose from (Wright, Wellborne, etc.), and you could always use a Placette RVC (remote volume control), and spend considerably less than the MAC you referred to above. Your other option is to get a CD player that can be run directly into your amps, and again, you would have remote.

In any event, I'm sure you know that SET does not sound the same as push/pull. I've heard the Jolida 302B, and owned the 502B, and despite being quite satisfying, they are distinctly, sonically, not SET. We currently own $6K 50W push/pull triode monoblocks, and while they sound absolutely incredible, they do not give you the peeled-open SET midrange like our 4W 2A3 SET amps do. Or the 300B that we previously owned.

If you think that 17W is not enough (why not?), and that the MA2275 is too expensive (what DO you want to spend?), you are unlikely to find the product that meets your requirements unless you spend WAY more money, and are willing to buy from a boutique manufacturer. An integrated, high-watt (for SET), class A 300B for an entry-level price? I just don't see that happening.

One of the most musical sounding amps I've heard is the Audio Mirror 40W 6C33C tube SET monoblocks. They will drive just about any speaker, and the 6C33C tube is both much cheaper and more robust (not bloomy) sounding than the 300B. They are about $2300 brand new. And no, I don't have any affiliation with them.

Good luck!

One more thing, Josep. As you alluded to in your initial post, you might upgrade your Antal's at some point. I'm sure you are aware that any amp, no matter how punchy in the bass department, is going to be challenged to deliver the goods to you with a speaker that cuts off at 50Hz, as do the Antal's. You might want to consider a sub, or doing that speaker upgrade first, or at least simultaneously.

Just a thought.

The two best that I have heard are the Audion PX-25 and the KR Enterprise BSI 18. Both are SETs. I am using the KR in my system and it is, simply, the best amp I have used in my system, and that includes all separate preamp and amp combinations.

I was going to mention Audion as well, as we had a Silver Night MKII (300B) integrated (with only one source input). Audion also makes the Sterling EL34 12W SET with remote. Gorgeous sounding amps, and yet the worst customer service I have ever experienced. If you need to service one--SET amps are not complicated--find a local, reliable tech. That's all I will say.

I am overwhelmed (and humbled) by all your responses. I really appreciate them.

Most of you mention that single-ended amps have their own disadvantages. Which ones are they? I guess class-A circuitry does not last as long as AB, does it happen the same thing with single-ended vs push pull?

You guys are right about the price tag. Though price is a fuzzy line here. I mean, if McIntosh would make a 70wpc single-ended as well designed as the Viva, I would probably be willing to spend over 6-8 grand (used.)Specially if it is integrated (key variable when you live between NYC and Europe.)Plus, switching the voltage at a Mac is rather easy, since the tranformer accepts dual voltage.

Also,about trusting one's ear. Essentially, I must agree on that statement. But it is just too hard to go auditioning all these brands, even in NYC. Dealers just try to push their stuff and have no time for someone who just wants to sample their equipment.

Thanks for your honest feedback,

Josep