I have had at various times in my room a Pathos Classic One MkII, Willsenton R8, Muzishare X7, Decware Zen TORII Mkiii and an LM 218ia. The Decware was simply awesome. I loved the LM as it gave spooky realistic "performer in the room" imaging. This had a lot to do with the fact that it is a 211 based amplifier however which is SET and very different from KT88 PP. But I enjoyed the Muzishare and it is KT88 based, especially for the price. I felt the Willsenton was poorly constructed and overhyped and thought the Pathos was a bit anemic (in my scenario) and oddly designed (ungainly long with speaker terminals frustratingly close together). Just my opinion.
What to try?
Currently have Yamaha As1200 integrated with KLH Model 5. Looking to get a more refined sound with a tube integrated. 220 square foot room, 8 foot ceilings. I am getting a somewhat foreword presentation now but good solid clear sound with punch. Thinking about a Pathos Classic One MkIII or Willsenton R8 or Line Magnetic KT88. The Pathos is a hybrid but have heard good things. Play mostly vinyl with Fluance RT 85 and Ortofon Blue. Listen to mostly rock and alt country and some classical. Just thinking of dipping my toes into tubes to get a different sound. Any suggestions?
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@maganga The Willsenton R8 is poorly constructed? What a blantant and biased lie. You’ve obviously never seen one in person so don’t comment on gear you’ve never experienced. The Muzishare you seemed to enjoy comes from the same factory btw, along with Line Magnetic, are they also poorly constructed? @laecp for the most part your choices come down to China vs USA, big differences in price, but in terms of sound quality I have no idea. My search ended with the R8, my first tube amp and I don’t see myself upgrading to another tube integrated. Your best bet is to see what you can source locally and then compare them. I can comment on the Muzishare x7 and Willsenton R8 in terms of features, it was between those two when I was shopping. They are both available on Amazon with free shipping and a 30 day return policy, so not much risk there. I won’t comment on sound quality, that is very subjective, and there are plenty of videos on Youtube with commentary. There are some key differences however that may sway you in one direction or the other. The Muzi has VU meters (very cool) a balanced input if you need one, and a MM phono input. The Willsenton comes in two different finishes (black or silver), is easier to change between KT88 and el34 tubes (has a bias switch) and a remote with more functions (can swap between triode/UL, & source) The R8 is also a little less money. I didn’t need the MM phono, prefer the black finish, and the bias switch was also a big factor. Oh and I love being able to change UL/Triode on the fly, it makes a huge difference in sound. And finally the R8 is much heavier, by around 15lbs. Due what you want with those details. |
Just a suggestion. Ron at New Record Day did a sound demonstration of 4 amps here: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=new+record+day+amp+comparison It features the Rogue Audio Cronus III, the Black Ice F35, the Galion TS120E which mostly are in your price range. The fourth amp, the LTA Z40+ integrated, is not in your price range. I don't know anything about your speakers and I'm not making any recommendations but given the comparison, maybe this sound demonstration will help or give you some ideas. |
I am very interested in the R8, the Pathos Classic one Mkiii and the Line Magnetic 805 amp. It is a lot more money so would have to be used. The Muzishare and Cayin amps look terrific also. Still reading forums etc. am going to demo a Kt88 Line magnetic at a dealer near Boston in a few weeks. Thank you all for your advice and suggestions. @Mganga how was the Pathos lifeless. In what way? |
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