2. amps-preamps
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Warm, rich, smooth, 3d tube integrated amp, budget $6000

Hey guys sorry to ask again but now I'm considering a tube integrated for my vienna acoustics haydn grand, atc scm7 and yamaha ns5000. Want something, rich with forward mids.. something 3d sounding.

So far my top contenders are conrad johnson cav 45s2 and prima luna evo 400.  If it doesn't get super hot that would be nice but not mandatory.

Right now I'm using my elekit tu8600 which is a very good amp.. works well with grand haydns but not enough power for ns5k or scm7.

Thanks !

smodtactical
falconquest's avatar
falconquest
1,108 posts
 

On my short list is Octave Audio. Perhaps the V70SE?

pani
1,214 posts
 

Rogue integrated amps are all either ultralinear or hybrid. It doesn't have the lush presentation of their ST-100 which has the triode mode option. Skip rogue if looking for integrated

pani
1,214 posts
 

Octave is not a lush sounding amp. It has a high amount of odd order harmonics. It allows good control on speakers but takes away richness

smodtactical OP
967 posts
 

Thanks guys for the further thoughts. I agree with @pani it seems like those options are not rich, warm, full (based on my reading and talking to some friends).

Another name that keeps popping up for the sound I am looking for is Cary (SLI80) and Jadis (orchestra).

@audioman58 thx but not interested in solid state.

mid-fi-crisis
71 posts
 

I haven't tried many alternatives but can say that the primaluna Evo 400 I own is a great integrated amplifier that doesn't run the tubes hard and is made to last.

Plenty of good reviews around.

The only downside is that the 8 power tubes are costly when replacing...cos there's 8. To my ears the kt150's sound better than the el34's it came with driving IMF RSPM IV transmission lines.

 

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