2. amps-preamps
  3. 146077-100115

A tubed integrated amp for Joseph Audio Pulsars?

I'm running a modified Jolida 502B integrated of long use with my Pulsars. Thinking it's near time to try something new. I want to continue in the tube integrated realm and it's very hard to get a take-home amp to test. I'm interested in synergy and an amp with the ability to handle more demanding passages. I love a grand, full, tactile mid-range, but don't want to skirt elsewhere. A little tempo is important. Flabby bass unforgivable if it comes out of tight, little speakers like these. Extension? Soundstaging?  Bring it!
I have a hard time understanding what kind of power I need for these Pulsars, knowing not all wattage is created equally. So I worry about attractive amps like Leben or Luxman or anything not over 50w, even though that worry might be unfounded. I want to make magic. So, what's a perfect fit? Who has been down this road with these speakers and has tales to tell and guidance to share? Under $10K, please.Oh, and it's got to be built to last for-evah.
beeswax
rooze's avatar
rooze
584 posts
 
I’m also looking for a good tubed integrated amp but for a different speaker.
I heard the Synthesis A100T that @audiotroy mentions and it’s a fantastic amp. I’ve owned and heard a lot of gear over the years yet can’t recall another component that impressed me as much.

There’s also its smaller stablemate with 40 watts that sounds almost as good.

I should also mention that I heard both amps at Deja Vu in Vienna VA on Monday this week. I had an incredible experience there courtesy of owner Vu, who spent a great deal of time showing me around their impressive facility.

Anyway, I don’t want to step on Audiotroy’s toes by mentioning another Synthesis dealer but feel it’s only fair to give a shout out to Deja Vu since that’s where I heard the amps.

Had $8k (or even $6.5k for the 40w) been in my budget I wouldn’t have hesitated.

Good luck with your search!

Rooze

verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,470 posts
 
Have you seen the KR VA830i? It is a 40w, Push Pull 300B. Amazing sound and runs $9K wo within your budget. Can’t say enough good things about KRs sound. This is amazingly powerful little amp and delivers a 300B soundstage in a much more powerful package.  KR has an A+ service center in Michigan. I sell their tubes and offer them for upgrade to Art Audio amps.  I also work with them whenever an Art Audio amp doesn’t meet a customers needs.

I am the exclusive importer and dealer for Art audio - not for KR as there are multiple dealers in the US.
next8
9 posts
 

I have the Pulsar 2 speakers with the Ayre VX-5 Twenty.  A great match but wanted a warmer, more open sound.  After listening to a couple of tube amps, I decided on the Syntheis A100T. Just wow.  Holy wow.   Exactly what I was looking for.

jafant
19,024 posts
 

beeswax

 

An update?  Happy Listening!

beeswax OP
56 posts
 

jafant, sadly, no. I will say that swapping the JJ KT88s out for Gold Lion tubes has made a tremendous difference. The Jolida is a fine little amp, but I am looking to change (two years after the post!) and I've also been looking at a phono stage to replace my acoustic signature Tango. I've been thinking again about completing a plan I had - which was to take home and trial a Conrad Johnson CV45-S2, although it has its shortcomings (concerned about passive pre, only three inputs, not 8ohms, no balance knob). Why do I move at such a glacial pace?

 

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