Vintage tube sound from a modern amp


I am just collecting names of makes and models of tube amps that harken back to the older classic tube sound but have modern chassis, connectors etc. Any such amps you guys enjoy?

So far names that have come up are Cary SLI series, CJ Art and classic 62/120.

Many tube companies are pushing more and more to a neutral and fast airy (thinner) sound. So its becoming increasingly difficult to find gear with that classic sound the exemplifies the beauty of music.

smodtactical

I’ll stick with this vintage beauty I’ve owned for 25 years. It’s going back to VAC for the MkIII S update in January 2023. It’s has worked flawlessly all these years.

This VAC Renaissance 70/70 amplifier in my opinion is a true classic and wonderful sounding. Very wise to have it sent to VAC and let Kevin Hayes do his thing.
Charles

That VAC is desirable….   Expensive to retube , but that’s the only downside to that amp. 

@oddiofyl 

Re-tubing expense is a valid point, given that it requires 4 pairs of the 300b. Fortunately 300bs are generally long lifespan tubes. It’s nice having only 1 pair in my SET amplifier.

Charles 

Yes, part of the reason I went SET.    Simple , no matching tubes , auto bias is nice too.   First amp I’ve owned that I don’t have to bias.  
 

That amp is a mythical beast though.   One came up for sale a while back and the first thing I thought of was $$$ to retube.   

     If one seeks a warmer, more romantic (colored) presentation from the typical tube amp, whether newer or older: try NOS tubes manufactured in Britain (ie: Mullard, Brimar, Genelex) especially in the amp's early stages.

     For a sound somewhere between the cleanest and warmest: tubes from Holland and Belgium (ie: Amperex, Philips, etc) will generally do it.

     For the more dedicated tweaker: change out resistors in the signal path, for noisier/warmer types, such as carbon composition.

     Some of the oil-filled capacitors out there are quite warm, or: seek out NOS Black Cat types.    They'll warm things up also, when used as coupling caps.

      Lots of way to find a sound that sates your particular tastes, with a valve amp.