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Picking a Tube integrated amp

Hey all. Trying to figure out my amp situation and am looking at a few integrated to upgrade to. 

I currently have a McIntosh integrated and want to move to tubes. I have the vivid v1.5speakers and a Clearaudio Concept. Looking at the following:

—Primaluna Dialogue premium or HP.
—Audio Research VSi60
—Octave v40SE

Question...does the AR still hold up? It’s likely it will be a used model, but curious if it’s still competing with the others I listed. Any others to consider?  

Thanks!


 
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clarinetmonster2's avatar
clarinetmonster2
201 posts
 
I would seriously consider Octave. Gorgeous in every way.
phastrone
24 posts
 
Another vote for the Rogue Audio Cronus 2...I’ve found that the additional power has substantially improved the lower mid and midrange dynamics of the music I hear through my system with fairly demanding speakers (Vandersteens). It’s not about volume but rather dynamics...
soundsrealaudio's avatar
soundsrealaudio
756 posts
 
The Melody MK 88 is a sweet little amplifier. 

https://www.angelcityaudio.com/products/melody-valve-hifi/mk88/

As well as the Astor Black 50 
leotis
182 posts
 
PrimaLuna HP with KT 150 tubes in ultralinear mode puts out almost 100W.
Drives my Revel F206 (88dB sensitivity) no problem even in triode mode.
Haven't tried other suggested amps, but pretty happy with the PL. Especially with Mullard CV4003 and KT150s. :)
mickeyb
563 posts
 
Completely rebuilt Sansui 1000a. You’ll have 1100 into it and the sound is sublime. It blows my rogue away. The famous old Sansui iron is as good or better than today’s transformers. The level of detail and the amount of low end punch is stunning. 
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