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Separates to tube integrated

I have been on an audio hiatus for a few years, like 10+. I am seriously considering selling my separate amp and pre-amp for a tube integrated. I want to keep it simple and classic. I currently have a Classe CA-151 amp and Classe SSP-25 preamp (used to have a surround system which is why I have the SSP25). I don't do video anymore and no vinyl so a phono stage is not part of the decision. In my past systems I have owned some tubed Pre-amps from Conrad Johnson, Audible Illusions. I have always enjoyed the sound of tubes but never owned a tube amp. These days I want to keep it simple and straight forward, pure 2 channel audio, mostly CD's and a streamer of some sort in the near future. I am currently running the B&W CDM9NT speakers. Was looking at a tube integrated like either the Primaluna EVO 300 or Rogue Cronus Magnum. Again, no phono stage needed just an audio source or 2. Based on a lot of the customer reviews I have read I am leaning on the EVO 300. Do I stand to lose any by going to an integrated? I am guessing from what I have read I will actually be gaining. I am trying to find one in my area to listen to but with this whole virus thing its tough and nobody has one anywhere in my region. Thoughts?
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elliottbnewcombjr
5,392 posts
 
I own, so can highly recommend Cayin Equipment quality and tube sound. Designed in Germany, made in China, a brick s...house. I took the bottom off when I got it, very impressive inside.

I bought a used A88T, It lets you run 6550’s or KT88’s, which is nice, it came with 6550’s, very nice, tried and prefer KT88’s, just slightly different. Optional Pre-Amp Pass Thru for future changes to your system

this review helped me decide.

https://6moons.com/audioreviews/cayin/a88t.html

VAS, USA Distributor, is highly respected.

Consider remote control features when you look (they are not always mentioned, you may need to dig for answers).

A88T has a remote, input switching (who cares?), volume remote which I must have, and remote triode/ultra linear switch, easy to hear instant difference while listening (I and everyone of my friends definitely prefer ultra-linear).

No remote balance, which is a must for me to tweak the imaging a bit on ’a bit off’ tracks. I get that via Chase RLC-1

Also, any modern tube amp, check for external bias control, and bias meters, I wish I had that. My early version lacks that, but it had 16 ohm speaker taps which I need.
ryder
1,689 posts
 
Another vote for the Luxman. The integrateds are pretty good and are capable of sounding better than costlier pre/power options out there.
tuberist
951 posts
 
Soix made a good rec to try Upscale Audio because of their generous return policy. I am a PL Dialogue Premium integrated owner and have been into tube amplification for decades. I've owned BAT, C.J., and others. PL works for me because of its user friendly engineering and it also sounds really special to me. I've always enjoyed rolling tubes and this piece is designed to feed that habit. So, the B&Ws might be ok with tube amplification but they do have a power hungry rep (I've never owned them)
avanti1960
1,476 posts
 
sounds like you want to change it up for change's sake, some new toys.  
rarely do new toys satisfy long term if the sound quality takes a back step.
separates are a clear upgrade from an integrated amp because of their capabilities- namely power, drive and dynamics.  
your amp and speakers are decent so a good sonic upgrade would be a nice new preamp- especially a tube based preamp.  Preamps drive the majority of the sonics and will change your overall sound.   
The Rogue Audio RP-5 (or RH-5 without phono) offer excellent refined, clear smooth sound and would be nice choices.  
Down the road you could add a smaller high quality amp- e.g. the Benchmark AHB2 or some High Powered Class D designs from Bel Canto or Rogue Audio.  
A tube integrated could sound good but the power and drive will take a back step even with new more efficient speakers.  
facten
2,878 posts
 
Might want to take a look at Line Magnetic integrated amps, excellent build quality and very musical , especially if you do some tube rolling. I have the 518IA which is now called the 845IA . Here's a link to the LM line-up should you want to check them out
https://www.line-magnetic.eu/en/products-line-magnetic-en/integrated-tube-amplifier-line-magnetic-en
As an aside Tone Imports is the US Distributor (I am not affiliated other tan as a customer)
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