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I need to upgrade my amp but it sounds really good. (Wife in corner shaking her head)

  I guess its time to upgrade my amp. But I want to start streaming and buy a DAC instead. I guess I could buy both. Well, NO. I’m retired but still retain my champagne taste. But now I only have a bottled water pocketbook...not even a domestic beer pocketbook. But who wants to drink domestic  anyway?
The problem is my amp sounds very good...but it shouldn’t. Everything around it is 3-4-5 times its cost MSRP. Final straw was exchanging a Conrad Johnson PFR for a CJ CT-5. But this little ST-70 doesn’t even realize it has been outclassed by a mile.  It just keeps singing along as if it was meant to play with the upper classmen. I guess its confidence was boosted when it took the place of a $4500 SS amp back some years ago. But I just can’t believe that there isn’t a used tube amp in the $2500 range which can show this little Bob Latino ST-70 a thing or two. But I’d still like to get a nice DAC and just listen to this little upstart and its more respected family members perform for me. And I would, but I have to know the answer to the question, Can a used $2500 a tube amp take this system to a much higher level. I think yes. Still, I have nothing but respect for the value and sound this amp brings.
128x128artemus_5
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,914 posts
 
An EL34 RM 9 Mk2 Music Reference amp from the late great Roger M or for a sweet taste but more ST70 like get a tube CJ amp. Or a non SE ARC ref75. The SE will bust your budget.

dont let the narrow minded scare ya off digital 

artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5 OP
1,965 posts
 
@tomic601  

I have considered the RM-10 and the CJ Classic 60se. AAMOF, I think I've looked at every tubed amp that is 60-75wpc. Carver 275, various Cary's, I've  also considered a custom ST-120 (Big bro of ST-70. Don Sachs has put one together with all the nice parts & supposedly is very good. My speakers are 93,5 db efficient. I've had high watts on them and they seem to prefer low wattage. They were shown driven by 8 wpc SET. One thing I don't like on my amp (and Latino ST-120 is the layout with IC's on the front and the power switch on the back. But I'm surprised at how many tube amps have this type of arrangement.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
To answer your question yes the right tube integrated can elevate your system to a higher level. Tube integrateds are the sweet spot in high end stereo. It may well be impossible to match the performance of a good integrated with separates, at least without spending a whole lot more. The killer deal would be to step up to something like a Raven Blackhawk or Osprey or if that's too rich new maybe take your time watch for one to surface used. May not happen... would be worth it if it did... or more likely would be to find a used Prima Luna which you might find around your $2500 level.
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5 OP
1,965 posts
 
@millercarbon


I looked at the Raven Blackheart & Osprey. Looks enticing. Used are hard to find. Then too, they have a return policy. It could be in my price range If it was better than the CT-5 plus whatever amp. I know people are drifting towards integrated and it would answer some space issues.

I've considered Primaluna and should have jumped on a Dialogue 44 amp for cheap when it was for sale. Ah well. not the first dumb thiong I've done. The CJ looks interesting  with the nice caps they use in teh SE.. Wonder if their is some magic juice ion a CJ pair. But I had a CJ pair back before the ST-70. There was magic when the power was just right late in the evening. But thats all
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