2. amps-preamps
  3. 161706-121025

Integrated Tube Amp Demo

I am beginning the process of an in-home trial of integrated tube amplifiers. Currently plan to compare the Cary SLI-80HS, Raven Blackhawk MK3, PrimaLuna EVO 300, and Rogers EFI-100 MK2. Wondering if anyone has any recommendations of additional comparable integrated tube amps that would reasonably fit into this group?

Any candidates MUST have a supplier that will allow return of the amp after an in-home tryout. For example, I would like to try the Jadis Orchestra Black but cannot find any supplier that allows for return after an in-home trial. 

Not sure it's relevant in this case, but system is Melco N1A Server - Benchmark DAC (digital), VPI Classic 3 - Herron VTPH-1 MC Plus (analog), Bowers&Wilkens 805 D3 Speakers - REL Subwoofer.

Thanks in advance for all of your input.

G
gareents
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,635 posts
 
Icon Audio, Luxman, iFi Retro and Quicksilver.
Galen Carol has the Quicksilver and he's a good guy.
You have to secure dealers.
Your stuff is nice enough to take your time.
Good luck.
decooney
2,178 posts
 
Nice bakeoff plan and some good candidates.  Fun winter project.  

Heads up, these amps, tubes, internal coupling caps all can take upwards of 100hrs to burn in to start sounding right.  

How much time do you have with each?  

If they are new units, will your providers pre-burn them in for you for at least 72hrs to make the demos more comparable?
gareents OP
69 posts
 
@decooney 

Agreed about burn in. The Rogers amp actually comes with 100 hours of burn in. I will have 30 - 60 days so can actually do 100 hours burn in for each.
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
Heads up, these amps, tubes, internal coupling caps all can take upwards of 100hrs to burn in to start sounding right.  


good point decooney
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
Does Upscale allow returns on the Pathos amps?
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