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Best Tube Amp under 10K?

Having every audio dealer in town recommend their line as "the best unless you want to spend $25K" and buy a ..." is frustrating. Well, like most of us, I can't spend $25K on amps ... but I am curious to know what others consider their "final" amp upgrade under $10K. My listening tastes are wide ranging but will mostly include SACD jazz and classical. I do not have a turntable ... yet. And I ususally play at low to moderate volumes only (the wife factor)-- speakers are reasonably efficient 91DB KEF Ref 4's that I hope to upgrade.
lornecherry
aronsss
110 posts
 
Quicksilver Triodes.
holygrailaudio
94 posts
 
Belles 350-Reference $4000 I sold BAT products and had the VK-150se monoblocks $18k. A single 350-A (older technology) outperformed the BAT amps in all respects but most notably with solid bass that the Tubes couldn't touch. The character of the Belles is so natural sounding as to seem tube like with a easy lelaxed sound that is tonally perfect. Put a great power cord on one and they are over the top. Every reveiwer who has had his hands on one has remarked that the bass detail and accuracy is the best of any amp at any price. Use wire like you would with $30k amps, they warrant it.
rhyno's avatar
rhyno
649 posts
 
yes, the belles is a great amp, until it destroys your speakers.

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1172630574&read&keyw&zzbelles

i owned one, and thought the sonics were terrific, but the build quality was suspect. that's why i dont own it any longer.
paulficarella
43 posts
 
I prefer EAR 890 one of the best tube amps in that price rage for sure go out and listen to one you'll be unsurprised.
alaric
34 posts
 
Manley makes some decent amps , and don't underestimate McIntosh. The name may carry a bit of "old school" stigma , but Mac has been doing high-end tube amps for a very long time-50 years of experience and sales success isn't a fluke.
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