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Tube amp Questions

Hi everyone

The questions are… What tube amp setup would you reccommend to incorporate into this configuration?

What do you look for in a good Tube Amp?

I like the HK 990. However I would like to move to the Tube end of things and experience that sound.

I know I will need to audition a few to see what sound I prefer. I just figured with all the knowlegde and experience on this forum a couple of you could suggest some give a listen to.

Looking at around a $3000 limit.

My current system is…

Harman Kardon HK990 intergrated

Revel F52 speakers

SVS PB12 NSD Sub

VPI Aries Scout with an Ortofon 2m Bronze mm cart

Herron VTPH 1mm phono preamp

Oppo 105D 

Belden BJC LC-1 interconnects

12 gauge, 87 strand, oxygen free copper speaker cables

The SVS Sub and VPI are nicely isolated. 

I'm going to upgrade the sub to a SVS SB13 Ultra. 

Thanks for taking some time out of your day to respond.

Peace,

Mark




meambler
wolf_garcia
6,631 posts
 
As I often note, Jolida makes some of the "best bang for the buck" tube stuff around. These guys should reward me for all the free promotion I give them but do they? NO…anyway, their new stuff is likely even better than my older 502p and at least worth a look. Powerful and reliable tube rollers fun spot. Note I found a great SS preamp to use with the 502, and that's how I roll…I'm of the "clean signal into grease pit" school of thought for my stereo rig. 
mesch
3,414 posts
 
If wanting an integrated look into the Vincent audio 237.  Retails at ~$2500. 150wpc 8 ohms, 300 4 ohms. Might check out audio advisor for this unit.
wolf_garcia
6,631 posts
 
Somewhere else there's recent talk of Vincent stuff (my preamp is a re-badged Vincent by Kavent), and a good friend of mine has a 236. Note that the 236 (and I assume the 237) is HUGE…seriously a great value if only a "size for the bucks" thing, although it does sound great.
meambler OP
102 posts
 
So, I’m leaing towards the Rogue Pharaoh with the hybrid tube /ss design.

However, are there more powerful options out there in the Hybrid realm of amps… say 250 to 300 watts/channel into 8 ohms?
rockadanny
1,222 posts
 
Check out Audio By Van Alstine, one of their Fet Valve Hybrid Amplifiers. My speakers' rated sensitivity are similar to yours and I had an earlier edition Fet Valve and liked it very much. A little tube flavor with lots of power. Very well built, sounds great, lots of power, reasonably priced, built in USA (if that matters to you), and terrific customer support. I would still own it today had I not pursued an all-tube power amplifier.

http://http//www.avahifi.com/products/power-amplifiers/hybrid-amplifiers
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