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Old or new gear

Greetings,

I am trying to buy my first tube amplifier. Budget is about $2500-3500. I am not very good at doing electrical work myself and do not intend to restore/repair/update the equipment myself. No time for another hobby. 

Looking to get something very reliable to use for years to come. I tend to keep my equipment for a long time, and do not upgrade things frequently. Trouble free listening is the goal. US made (or Japan or western Europe) would be really nice. Looked at Chinese models, but decided not to go that route, although there are many very good quality brands with great reviews. The top of the line Chinese units are not much cheaper than US made ones, through.

For that money, I am looking for something like quicksilver mid monos or decware MK4, brand new, both made in US, with good reviews as far as build quality and reliability goes.
.
Alternatively, there are amps here on Agon, such as CJ, Cary, VPI 299d, VTL de luxe 300,  VAC rebaissance 30/30 MK3, all used, about 10-15 years old, some in mint conditions with low hours, under or around 3K.

I am looking more for good sound and reliability than a specific amp type (pp vs SE) or output tube design.

Any advice? Again, not looking to resell but this is always a consideration as well (never know what the future holds). Main concern is quality and long term reliability.
Are there better transformers, caps, resistors etc... now than 10-15 years ago? Again, not looking to upgrade anything myself and do not have the time to spend in repair shops.

Thanks for your advice.


sophie999
sophie999 OP
29 posts
 
I looked at them carefully. There is an authorized dealer close to me. The one that I wanted runs around 3K, similar to Decware or QS with preamp. Not to bring any politics to the thread, but for the same price would prefer locally made. Great way to support small local businesses. PL does have excellent user reviews though. And the build quality seems excellent as well. Still an option if others do not work out for some reason.

Also, like the idea of separates. More hassle, but can always swap one component at a time, or try other variations, as I have another system. And if something breaks, no need to replace everything at once.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,781 posts
 
You can get a used Music Reference RM-200 Mk.2 for $3000, $2500 if you get lucky. The lowest-maintenance 100w/ch tube amp on the market. Only two output tubes (6550 or KT88) per channel, run conservatively for long life. Read Michael Fremer’s Stereophile review if you’re interested. Very transparent even though the tubes are fused ;-) to prevent amplifier meltdown in the event of tube failure.
sophie999 OP
29 posts
 
Have been looking at it for a while. Others recommended this as well. Prices have been generally well over 3K used, but still loking...
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,208 posts
 
I own, previously own or recommend the following previously mentioned amps:
  • Music Reference RM 200.  I own their RM9 MKII from the mid 1990's and it's a classic amp that can be had for about $2,300... have it re-tubed from RAM Tubes for about $550 for many years of enjoyment.
  • VAC Renaissance 30/30 MK3.  I've owned three models from VAC's Renaissance line and currently own a 30/30 MKIII Signature.  I have another one left over from a pair of mono blocks that I need to send back to VAC for conversion to a stereo amp (if you are interested).   The one currently listed looks like a good deal from a reputable seller and comes with VAC supplied 300B's which is very important to ensuring many years of trouble free enjoyment.  The MK III retailed for $8K around 2004... so it's a steal for $3K.
  • McIntosh MC 275 MK V will likely be at the top of your budget, maybe pushing $4K... but I've owned it, liked it and recommend it.
  • Quicksilver Amps (V4 or Silver 88's or the new KT 150 based 120 mono blocks.
cheeg's avatar
cheeg
244 posts
 
I’m surprised no one has recommended a good used McCormack DNA-1 (ideally a Deluxe or a Steve McCormack rebuild); I got one this year for $1K, paired it with my Polk LSIM 707s, and I love it.

Two important points:  1) Polks love power; just because you listen at low to moderate volume, don’t assume that an amplifier with less than 150 W per channel will do. 2) the LSI-15 is a 4 ohm speaker, and at certain frequencies may drop close to 2 ohms. Be sure that whatever amp you decide on can handle low impedance loads. Good luck, and happy listening!
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