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
jjss49's avatar
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
5,328 posts
 
Does Upscale allow returns on the Pathos amps?
rpeluso
1,116 posts
 
Lyric Ti140
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
My only recommendation is to hold the Raven for last. From what I hear you will not want to send it back. Especially after looking at that turd of a Rogers. And that's coming from me, probably the least concerned with looks of any audiophile you will ever meet. But that Rogers has got to be the ugliest turd ever. I mean seriously. Its like a bad accident. I can't stop looking at it. Make it go away!!
jgreen19
30 posts
 
Check out Linear Tube Audio. Might not be as good of a match as the Raven or Primaluna with the B&Ws tho. The B&Ws are on the crispier side of the spectrum and the Primaluna or Raven would be a wonderful pairing. That being said if you are looking for very revealing detailed sound, leaning ever so slightly towards the solid state spectrum the LTA is where to go. I have an LTA UltraLinear Integrated paired with my Moab’s and it’s wonderful.  I tried Primaluna and also Lyngdorf with my Moab’s. The Lyngdorf was revealing but a little bright. The Primaluna was amazingly fun but a tad too much syrup I felt for my speakers. The LTA had best of both worlds. But my Tektons are definitely darker than B&Ws.   As a wildcard check out Thomas’s review of the Willenston R8 Chinese Tube Integrated. Only $1,000 and supposed to be great. But you’d need to check on a return policy which it might not have. 
More to discover