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Affordable US Made Tube Pre/Power or Integrated Options

I'm considering switching to tube amplification from solid state. I'm fine with separate pre/power or an integrated. I'll be driving Enzo XL's in a smallish room (17x14) and listening levels are almost always <90db so 30-40 watts should be more than enough. My budget is fairly modest, $2-3k all in. I don't need phono or more than 3 inputs but I would like remote for volume at minimum. Quality build and sound is a priority as is ease of support/repairs if needed. The one unique requirement is that my preference would be for US made if at all possible. Obviously, this limits the options quite a bit but I'd like to see if I can make it work. If not, I'm willing to look at other options.

Here's what I've found so far

Preamps:
Mapletree Line 2CRM, $800 (not US but close)
LTA MZ2- $1595

Power Amps:
Tubes4hifi ST70-35w, $1300
Audio by Van Alstine Ultravalve-35w?, $1599
Quicksilver Mid Mono-40w each, $1995/pair

Integrated:
Rogue Cronus- 100w, $2395
Any others?

I'm open to any other options you may know of. Also, if there's any insight or positive experiences with matching pre/power amp please share. I'm new to tubes so I have a lot to learn.

ruleof72
ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 
A tube rectifier is smoother than diodes as there’s no diode switching occurring
Aric, please provide measurements that show SS diode noise in a tube amplifier output.

Tube rectifiers have a sound that some enjoy. Others think it mushy.

Diode switching noise is around 12MHz and tanked in the filter caps.

Tube rectifiers have slower transient response and sag voltage when called upon for more current. Many power amps with tube rectifiers should have two.
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ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 
Aric, I have no problem hearing the difference.

I do agree that power supplies have a tremendous affect on the sound.
I do have issues with ascribing sonics to the wrong attributes.

Tell me, what is the phase response of the the neon tube?

Some chip regulators have terrible phase response. Others are quite good. Some can be improved dramatically. All regulators interact with the powered circuit and program.

Power supplies are however one of the most misunderstood and neglected areas, especially by tinkerers who lack the requisite tools to properly analyze dynamic performance.
avanti1960
1,490 posts
 
The Rogue Cronus Magnum is an excellent choice if you like more dynamics. refined neutrality and low end impact.  
Small signal tube updates are a must IMHO but not expensive to realize a big sonic upgrade.  

The Raven Audio Nighthawk is not as powerful as the Rogue amp but will sound better out of the box- more refined and transparent and will not need tube updates.  
rivendell1
29 posts
 
There's a used Raven Osprey for sale on-line(not from me....) Nothing but stellar reviews. 
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