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What s the best Class A integrated tube amp over 80W

I am using Sound Lab ESL speakers, which have a very high impedance at low frequency (30 ohms). At high frequency, SL speakers have very low impedance (3 ohms). I loved the class A in Pass Labs amp, but it took too long to FULLY warm up in my small room (9x11)-5-6 hours. I have a thread on Agon on this topic, but now I would like some recommendations on the best Class A tube integrated amp with >80W. Usually, integrated are the budget model of the line, but must be GREAT class A tube integrateds. Any recommendations?
128x128chungjh
gilaad's avatar
gilaad
12 posts
 
You may want to look at this amp. 
https://www.bobcarvercorp.com/crimson-raven-features-specs
It may just be the one. 
tweak1
3,659 posts
 
Check out new BC 2180i (i stands for INTEGRATED)
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@bifwynne

good advice given to op

speaker maker will know best what works well with their product(s)

they may not have tried every amp out there but they have tried what they have tried and hopefully are willing to share (most are) info on what works synergistically

at a minimum they will tell you what attributes of high compatible amps are for their speakers...
chungjh's avatar
chungjh OP
265 posts
 
I have talked to Soundlabs and they don't have any specific preference, except for a lot of power. Soundlabs often plays Atma-S tube amp on shows. For SS, they have used JC-1's and others.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
@chungjh,

I am surprised by the anecdotal advice Sound Labs gave you.  The part about lots of power is ok, but the part about Atmasphere versus JC-1 amps is curious.

As I explained above, Atmasphere amps have "high-ish" output impedances.  See for example  Atma-Sphere M-60 (atma-sphere.com).  Per the Atmasphere website, the M-60 has an output impedance of 4.1 ohms.  By contrast, most SS amps have near ZERO output impedance.  

I surmise that of you drove your Sound Labs ESLs with the M-60, the amp would attenuate the high end of the ESLs.  By contrast, I would expect that the JC-1 would augment the high-end harshness. 

In the end, YOU have to be happy with the match.  In an optimal world, you should plus each amp into your rig, ... in your house,... and take a serious listen.  

Given the advice given by Sound Labs,  maybe you should have another chat with Ralph. He will steer you in the right direction.

Good luck.

Bruce   
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