Need recommendations for an alternative to Ayon Crossfire integrated

I will also add this to support nonoise's recommendation of possible checking out Finale Audio. I also swap in their 7189 MK2 integrated (22 wpc) EL 84M or 7189 tubes to drive the Argos. Different sound obviously then the 845 based LM 518IA, but again easily drive the Argos. Frank at Finale Audio is also very easy to communicate with and easy to deal with

@JCarcopo, no, you didn’t fubar anything :-)


Line Magnetic LM-805ia:

https://www.line-magnetic.eu/en/products-line-magnetic-en/integrated-tube-amplifier-line-magnetic-en...


Line Magnetic LM-508ia:

http://www.whetstoneaudio.com/line-magnetic-508ia/

https://www.line-magnetic.eu/images/line-magnetic/pdf/Manual-LM-508IA-web.pdf


Sure looks to me like both model numbers are the same amp :-)

Best regards
-- Al

Just from memory, LM 518 utilized 845 tubes and was rated at 24 watts. The LM 508 which I previously owned utilized 805 tubes and rated at 48 watts. 

Users from other forums who had the 518, preferred the 508 which has better control and slam over the 24 watt unit.

Wig

+1 on @mboldda1  's MastersounD recommendation.

Many other solid suggestions.

One that doesn't get much press is Germany's Lyric Audio Ti 200 integrated. It is a Parallel SE unit. List is above your stated budget, but I believe it can be acquired for right around it. It allows for EL34 / KT88 / KT120 / KT150 (and variants), which means you can fine tune it to your specific needs, power and otherwise.

All the best with your search and choices.

+ Finale Audio, 

they make some very nice sounding equipment. not as bling as Ayon but better parts under the hood. I also agree Frank is very good to deal with. I really like the upgrades available as well. 

I run one of their 8wpc F3008 fxx 300b SET on my 94db Living Voice speakers. but I'd look at their Parallel SET amps with a little more power as you said you liked to play lauder then I can in a condo.