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Tube integrated

I am interesting in buying a tube integrated. I think my budget is around 3K - 5K range (new/demo/used) is fine. But I do want to get a decent one. The options are too many...but I do have some criteria.

1) Has to be aesthetically pleasing (which takes out the Primaluna stuff for now, else I’d consider them)
2) Push-pull Class A/B, I like to keep my electronics on always, and I am environmentally conscious, so I don’t want to just drain power with a Class A (Octave’s eco mode is very interesting in this regard)
3) Has to be at or above 30 WPC to drive my speakers as per their recommendation
4) Biasing has to be easy (auto is best, but manual bias with integrated meter is fine)
5) Prefer KT150/120/88 based stuff (I’m flexible here, just want KT150 if possible)
6) Prefer less noise, so high SnR like 90 or above
7) Volume control should be high quality, like stepped attenuattor
8) At least one XLR input

Don’t need phono/dac input, doesn’t have to be single ended (by default).

With that said, I think I like the Octave V70SE, V80SE, they fit the bill but above budget new. Really wanna check out the Lyric 140. I think these may be doable with the 5K (maybe a bit more) budget and demo/used condition.

What other options are out there?
nitewulf
1graber2's avatar
1graber2
303 posts
 
As stated, the XLR requirement greatly limits the search.

B/c everything else you want screams "PrimaLuna".
It is the obvious choice to me, not only b/c i can attest to its grace and power, but b/c it is basically an awesome "blueprint" of a tubed amp, and you can adjust the tubes to match your speakers. Which also makes me wonder, I didnt see you list your speakers. This will be necessary to know to make a good pairing. 

No offense, but I think XLRs are overstated, unless you are running 20 feet of line and need the power for length of cable. Just an idea, but if you have an XLR coming out of your source, you could also get a high quality adaptor (Cardas, etc) to put on the end of the cable on the amp side: XLR to RCA .
wolf_garcia
6,794 posts
 
A Jolida 3502S takes various power tubes, has at least 60 watts per side, and has a balanced input. It's only issue is that it may be too inexpensive (maybe 1500 to 1800 bucks new). Note that I used a 502P (lightly factory upgraded) amp for years and it sounded great and was trouble free, and the MD Jolida dudes are great to talk to.
jafant's avatar
jafant
20,476 posts
 

nitewulf-

excellent suggestions per the panel. If considering an Octave, go ahead and set your sights on the V110/V110se.  Yes, it is a little more, totally worth the extra cost.

Happy Listening!

nitewulf OP
437 posts
 
@1graber2 
The issue is XLR outout of some dacs are optimized/better than the RCA, my Metrum dac is one of these. But It's not a deal breaker or anything, I can use RCA as well, just prefer XLR.

@wolf_garcia 
I will look into the Jolida.

@jafant 
Yes, so far I believe Octave is leading. There's one for sale now. Just wondering what are the differences between the regular and SE versions.  Though since I prefer KT150's, I believe I could wait for a V80SE to come up within my range.
nitewulf OP
437 posts
 
Also, I have Legacy Audio Signature SEs. I contacted them and was recommended to use tube amps at 30 WPC and above.  Though I have successfully drove them with a Coincident Dynamo SET, which is only 8 WPC, so I think 25 ish watts and above should be fine.  The Dynamo bottoms out at heavy electronic beats and the bass gets flabby, but for most music it works surprisingly well.
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