2. amps-preamps
  3. 170280-10297

Can someone suggest a lush tube integrated under $3000 used

My main system it’s solid state preamp and amp. I’ll through in a tube preamp on occasions. Somedays I just miss the lush involving syrupy tube sound with small jazz and blues recordings. I know highs may be rolled off,  not a lot of slam but can be so involving you lose track of time. This amp will be matched with some Joseph Audio first gen Pulsar, LSA 2 statement tower with ribbon tweeter and some Tiny Dancers. 

I’ve heard good things of the Cary, Ayon, maybe an old Conrad Johnson cav 50, I just don’t have much experience with integrated amps. My speakers aren’t the most efficient. 


paulcreed
tablejockey
3,938 posts
 
Goners-

I have discovered the website now, will not allow suggestions of listings on other sites. EVEN if you try to post in a stealthy manner.

Did my best to suggest a listing of a Chinese brand on the blankmart.


cdtd
24 posts
 
Might want to change out one of your speaker selections.  I have the same electronics and get very different sound from the Proac 3.8 than I do the JM Reynauds.  3.8 is more HiFi, the JM’s have that sound you seem to be describing. 
jerryg123's avatar
jerryg123
3,429 posts
 
I second the Quicksilver Integrated and also Audio Hungary a20i
See it here used and they will blow anything Raven builds out of the water. PERIOD!
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649782052-audio-hungary-qualiton-a20i/
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,709 posts
 
 On a whim got a Willsenton R8 (yes Chinese but very well made, made in the same factory as line magnetic stuff i believe)  and it's surprisingly well made and sounds very good if I do say. I have a bunch of tube stuff at home and its way better than the price would indicate, came super well packaged as well. takes KT88, 6550 / EL34's switchable. 

I have no issues at recommending one of their amps. customer service was excellent as well when i had a question they were back to me in a day (very good considering the time difference).  

there's enough reviews on youtube now, google and they pop up by the droves. and I agree with all of them.

 I use mine in my computer room system originally on some Tektons Lore's now driving some much less efficient ADS speakers and the amp sound fantastic. tube change was the fist thing i did mind you. 
paulcreed OP
565 posts
 
Words like syrupy and lush may have been a mistake. kennyc my main system you hear deep in recording, big tight bass, some effects coming out of speakers are so real they will startle you coming out of nowhere. Highs have air and sparkle. I truly enjoy that system. 

That’s not what I’m looking for. I grew up in New Orleans going in little jazz clubs with maybe 10 or 30 people in there with all acoustic instruments no microphones no board only the acoustics of the room, and hope it’s a good room. Maybe a better word is I’m looking for natural or organic tones on the warm side. 

If the music calls for a dirty sound then the amp can get dirty and raw. I don’t think any amp can sound like real music but would just like to get as close as I can. 

I think the Audio Hungary looks very interesting but it would have to be used. The one on usam has been pulled off.
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