I'd go with the rogue sphinx and save some money. It's a very nice amp for only $1500. It's got everything you would ever need including headphone amp and phono. All analog, which to me, is important. Tubes combined with class D hybrid, and it looks great.
Newbie Can't Decide Which Tube Amp
Just had a Bottlehead tech build me a BeePre preamp and an MM phono. My speakers are Sonus Faber Concertos Homage (rated at 87dB sensitivity) and my budget is $4K- give or take. I am not much of a bass person. Mostly classical, appreciate the Blues, Latin, and occasional classic rock. The tech is adamant that I look for a used EAR 534.
I appreciate your feedback in advance.
I appreciate your feedback in advance.
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- 49 posts total
i have a triode corporation trv-35ser (35 w integrated with pre in, el34 tubes) driving acoustic zen adagio jrs (6 ohm, 88 db) in my second system, and it’s a very nice combo. triode is a cool niche brand, and the price is within your budget. they also offer the trv-88ser (45 w integrated, kt88s), also within your budget. |
The Bob Latino power amps are always going to be your best value. They are universally admired. His ST-120 is a real Mac 275 killer. But in your budget, you could readily afford his M125 mono block power amps which put out 120 watts each. All of his amps are available either in kit form, or fully assembled and tested. They have excellent tech support for kit builders and you won't end up with a mystery brand that you'll have difficulty selling later. Pricing on the M125 mono block power amps is: Pair of kits, no tubes $1778 Pair of kits, with tubes, $2233 Assembled pair, no tubes $2595 Assembled pair, with tubes, $2995 Shipping extra. The kits are offered without tubes for those people who have a particular preference for other brands, or perhaps already have some they want to use. No need to buy tubes you're not going to use. These are extremely well engineered. Nobody's cutting corners on these designs. There is a great deal of useful comment and information on his amps at The Dynaco Tube Audio Forum. |
- 49 posts total