Good Suggestions for Tube Amps under 6k


I wanted to see if there were any group suggestions for an integrated tube amp or tube / solid-state combo under 10k or, even better, under 6k. Still looking for my final purchase in this part of my system.  Thanks everyone.

gregjacob

It's going to depend a lot on the kind of sound you prefer. I have owned several of the amps suggested here by others and liked things about each one, but they are also all different.

My favorite by far in the upper end of your range (and well beyond) is the Synthesis A100 or its little brother, the A40. Both of these units also have an excellent onboard DAC, although you could try it compared to your Lampizator to determine your preference.

While the Synthesis amps do not seem to get as much attention in the forum as others, those who do have them seem to love them as much as I love mine. I highly recommend adding it to the list of amps you are considering.

 

 

 

 

Daedalus has been pairing with LTA at audio shows for several years now so it 's a natural match. I quite liked their Z10 integrated last time I heard it at CAF. As usual @charles1dad has some excellent suggestions the AN Oto in particular is a sweet little integrated.

@gregjacob "...Although I could live with the Primaluna (about 5k), I am exploring other alternatives.  That's the gist of it."

 

It would be helpful, as others have brought it up, what part of the sound are you trying to change.  What makes you think the amp change will help get you there? In other words, what are you looking for more/less of in any way?  

A few more answers might help the crew here to help guide in a direction or two. 

 

 

Again, to everyone, thanks so much for the feedback.  I want to try to wrap up this thread by saying:

1. I've been super pleased with the PrimaLuna EVO 400.  It has wowed everyone who has come by to listen.  Those PrimaLuna contributors who have written in can vouch for the fan base and build quality.

2. When you have reached a certain level in this deep-hole hobby, you can't help but wonder what other marvels and fine-tune magic you might be able to squeeze out of your system.  I opened this up not to belittle a really fine, highly respected, and awarded amp but rather to see what veteran advice might surface.  My first choice when setting up the system was the LTA Ultralinear+ but I was buying all of the components at once and just couldn't afford the extra $$ to reach it.  (I failed to mention I use an Innuos Zenith MK3 for streaming). PrimaLuna seemed like a great alternative for a few thousand less and still is.  Of course, something inside wants to pop a higher-priced, well-regarded tube amp into my current system and environment for the A/B comparison... If for no other reason than to conclude that more money did not provide any significant gain.

Finally, again, thank you for great suggestions.  I'm sure all these amps would please many listeners.  For those who lean more toward the tube (particularly ultralinear) sound, it's just a fun comparative conversation.  I will close my participation in this thread.  It was not to "beat a dead horse", just an enjoyable exploration.  All the best!

I have an LTA Ultralinear+ that I am parting with. It's not a great fit with the rest of my system, or the direction I am going, but it would have a lot of synergy with yours. PM me and I will give you a deal on it. With the Daedalus speakers you know you have at least one component you are never going to want to upgrade. Some of the best speakers I have ever heard.

-Steve