There are so many good SS integrated out there (Outlaw comes to mind) ... Some can be had for way under $500. If it is truly a backup solution (until this tube pricing madness settles), I would not spend too much. Hard to replicate the tube sound on SS... ENJOY the hunt !
Looking for an integrated amp to replace my Cayin A-50T
I currently have a Cayin A-50T integrated amp, and I recently had one of the EL34s die (due to age--not the amp...). Given the current tube shortage, I had to pay an inflated price for a new quad of tubes, which has caused me to consider a solid state integrated as a back-up initially, and based on the performance, possibly replace the Cayin. My speakers are Reynaud Euterpe Jubile (89dB/4 ohm) and my source is an Oppo 205.
I have no complaints whatsoever with the Cayin--just looking for a back-up and possibly get away from tubes in the future. As such, I am looking for SS integrated that would lean towards the same sonic signature--in the $1000-$2000 range. Since the Oppo has a volume control, I may be open to a power amp--in which case I would be open to an older well regarded model that I could perhaps obtain for a good price...
Regarding the integrated options--I only need a couple of inputs, and do not require a phono stage. Digital inputs are not a requirement, but could prove useful. I have been out of this for a while, so I am just getting back up to speed. If I had to choose today, I would go with a Cambridge CXA-81. The Rogue Sphinx or a Rotel are other options. perhaps a one of the Parasounds or something else I am not aware of?
Thanks in advance for all input/suggestions!
Bob
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- 45 posts total
@yogiboy Thanks--I was looking to get a recommendation that was not on my radar, and this may well fit the bill--The price is such that I would be able to keep both amps. |
@jasonbourne52 Thanks! Another good recommendation of something I could at least have as a spare! |
@dekay I paid almost $200 for a quad of Tung-Sol EL34Bs--which is close to double what Jim McShane was selling them for before the shortage, and the same price that I paid him for a quad of GL KT77s 18 months ago. I would guess that they have about 1500 hours on them before one failed. |
@carlsbad Thanks--another possibility to check out! |
- 45 posts total