Good Suggestions for Tube Amps under 6k

As 845's are regularly being discussed. I will add a recollection of a conversation had with the designer/builder who I have developed a friendship with that is now close to 30 years when first meeting. Approx' 20 years ago, at the time of selecting the second Valve Design to be pursued, the following was touched on as a forewarning.

" The Voltages being dealt with are 1200V, this type of Voltage demands a lot of respect, and the use of and the placing of the Amp's will need careful consideration". I am the guardian the Amp's when in use, and will be quite strong about what can/can't happen in the room they are used. Children are now grown up, and now the Grandchildren are inquisitive as well as playful and can easily make a mistake in the company of such a fragile device.   

" If this is the Tube to be used, the Chassis will need to be a certain dimension for thermal control, as a lot of heat is being generated." My Power Amp's Monoblock Output Chassis dimensions are 20" x 20" x 8" (500mm x 500mm x 200mm). The Power Supplies Chassis are close to the above dimensions. The Output Modules seated at a height of 20" from the floor and are in free space with the closest material being a wall at 1' ft away, the next closest material is 2' ft from the Amp's. 

The methods chosen above have never deterred me in any way, it is part of the discipline developed to express a 'vigilant attitude' to making sure others are aware of the fragility of the Tubes and the need for keeping the 'Tubes intact'. The other requirement has been the need to maintain being 'observant' of the Tubes when 'powered on' and 'in use'. 

I have stated in the past and see no reason to change the approach, Tubes are great to experience in their various uses. I have Valve Phon's, Valve DAC, Valve Pre', Valve Power Amp's, the usage suits all my needs for sound quality.

The user of Tubes are in possession of a device that is for the best, when powered on 'not forgotten', observation of the device with tubes whilst being used and after a period of power off, is a good discipline to cultivate.

@pindac good post, very much agree.

So many options out there...  

I ended up with the Rogers Hi Fidelity integrated for way under $6K !!!  It's a SET AMP, Class A, can replace between KT88 and EL34's auto bias.  Low power though, like no more than 10 wpc...  My other choice would have been something from Cayin or Line Magnetic but decided to go with something made in the USA.  Lately, Vincent (hybrid)  has been getting great reviews too.  GOOD LUCK !!!

Hi,

There are several very good options, but try to find a used preamp/power mono amps by Quicksilver, I cannot think of a better value.

Good luck

@gregjacob

Simple, go for the " LTA Ultralinear+" as you originally intended - it's still a top option.  Scratch that itch "Finally", it's not in stone after all.  Get that "Maybe" out of your head so simply try it out yourself now that you have the opportunity, more so if there's a possibility of "regret".  You can simply easily sell it for something else if unsatisfied.