@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.
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
@carlsbad Thanks--another possibility to check out! |
@panzrwagn Thanks--I have to admit that I initially dismissed Marantz (and other great products from the past) only because I assumed that the current products bear no resemblance to their predecessors. However, after doing a brief search, it is definitely worth checking out! |
@philgo01 Yep, that is my dilemma--either find something under $1000 for a spare, or spend more and replace. Before I purchased the Cayin, I had a Belles Aria that I got for a good price here on Audiogon. I prefer the Cayin, but I could live happily with something like the Belles. (I know--Why not buy another one? I would definitely consider it, but there appears to be a lot of other interesting options to try out...) |
- 45 posts total