Good Suggestions for Tube Amps under 6k

gkr7007

Thanks for the thoughts.  I think the issue is not having a clue what tubes would add a significant improvement. If tubes were, say, $10 each, I could burn through all kinds of configurations and have fun exploring the sound variations.  I did read a blurb by the Lampi designer stating that many tubes sounded great in the Atlantic--a very all-encompassing but noncommitted statement. In forums, others have said they couldn't find any tubes radically better than those chosen to be issued from factory. But I haven't found anything that has expressed replacing "a" with exactly "b" will render a whole new world of music.  In reviews by mag writers, several noted that they changed out the tubes but returned to the originals and found them more balanced. So it doesn't inspire confidence to tube roll. If anything, particularly in the PL case, it makes one want to a/b the entire unit with others... I'll end this by saying it does make a lot of sense as the tube influences the sound so much.

Carlsbad2,

Why do you keep mis-informing that Prima luna relies on printed circuit boards when they are clearly point-to-point hand wired? It's one of their primary marketing pitches and clearly supported by photos of the insides of their components.

J.Chip

The prima Luna is somewhat hand wired, but I wouldn't call true point to point wired, it seems to have a few circuit boards. True point to point wiring has the components around the tube sockets in almost a star pattern. 

J.Chip,

You are right, and I agree that, for some reason, a few have treated the PL like it was a printed board, cheaply designed amp.  I chose it for its great reputation, reviews, user following, and quality build. That's why exploring other sounds/amps isn't something I would do based on deep dissatisfaction. As I wrote earlier in this thread, my queries have been to explore positively what else lies beyond the PL level and budget, just curious if I could find other tube amps that might further enhance my setup and musical tastes.  

@auroravengeance It’s amazing we got 2 pages of replies without someone recommending either a Lab12, Line Magnetic, or Leben.

Take a closer read. I and another poster suggested Line Magnetic amplifiers. Truth is that their are numerous excellent choices in the OP’s given budget range. Folks have posted many fine amplifier options. I don’t know how one could declare any specific one of them unequivocally as the “best” amplifier.

Charles