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Tube Integrated Under 1,500

Looking for tube integrated for a second system. I have 1,500 tops to spend, and I will definitely buy used. Im thinking el34 but maybe an el84. I need at least 30 watts and something that’s fairly stout for tube. Maybe I could get by with 20 watts if I went el84 but not sure. Speakers are Totem Rainforest, which I believe are 86db, and the room is small, about 9x11x8.

I’m leaning pretty strongly towards grabbing a Primaluna. I have Primaluna seperates in my main system and am pretty happy with them. I’m trying to be open to other brands for this new amp but I’m struggling to find much that I feel confident about getting service for down the road. I’m hoping folks on here can lead me to some things I’ve missed maybe. I’m aware of Willsenton and Muzishare but not to confident if I need parts in 5-10 years they will be available. Line Magnetic I’d be open to if I could find the right amp in my price range. After those brands I’m not aware of much. There’s Icon but there amps seem to be about half the weight compared to some others. Just not sure there is good value there I guess. LSA has there new integrated but it also seems a bit cheap to me. Rogue seems to run there tubes pretty hard and I find the Chronus pretty hideous cosmetically. Jolida/ Black Ice seem alright I just can’t really get into the looks, and the used market seems weak if I ever sell.

Anyways, I’m not sure what else is really out there but hopefully you guys do. I thought it was worth asking before I grab another Primaluna.

brylandgoodman
carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

Let us know how this goes.  My thought is that this is a poor speaker choice for a tube system.  I know you are just going with what you have.  But my opinion is that buying a higher powered tube amp is a compromise.   "Tube magic" happens more at lower powers.

The manufacturers of these amps target just your application so maybe I'm wrong. 

Jerry

hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 

I heard a Quicksilver integrated drive Dynaudio Evoke 10 and 20 quite beautifully.

 

mesch
3,510 posts
 

As others have expressed, I not sure a 30wpc tube amplifier would be the best choice for your Rainmakers.  That said your room is small which would help. It may come down to the loudness levels you play at. 

I once owned the Pathos Model One MKII.  A used one should fall well under your budget. Wish I had never sold mine. 

mesch
3,510 posts
 

I should add that I own a Line Magnetic 211ai. It is the 32wpc (ultralinear), 16wpc (triode) tube integrated. I feel it drives my 91dB, 8 ohm Tannoys in a 12x14 room however they are an easier load than your Rainmakers.

2psyop's avatar
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2psyop
1,598 posts
 

shtinkydog

I have had a great experience with Line Magnetic. I bought a LM 216 integrated tube amp from my dealer who stated that LM Audio is 100% behind their products. He told me ARC cannot say that. I played the 216 alot for 5 years until a transformer went bad. I took it to my dealer who sent it in for repair at LM Audio distributer and gave me a LM Audio SET amp to use as a loaner. Once returned my amp sounded great again. Glennewdick is impressed with sound and build and sound quality of his Wilsenton R8.

What has your experience been with Wilsenton?

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