300w tube amp monos - which one?

There are several highly regarded tube amp manufacturers, and pricing is comparable:

Audio research, vac, mcintosh, Conrad Johnson, etc

Basically, each mono uses either 8 kt88, or 4 kt150 tubes.

How does one decide which one to pick? Any recommendations or experience comparing these amps?

emergingsoul06-28-2023 4:09pm

ghdprentice Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 7,292 posts 06-28-2023 at 05:01pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete At this level you want to hear them. I am very much an Audio Research person, but recognize Conrad Johnson and VAC in the same general sound space. MacIntosh is very different sounding. Not very detailed with massive bass and midrange… the muscle car of the above group. I have never heard a high powered tube amp sound brittle. Particularly not in this group. But solid state sound very different… generally not as lifelike.
audiotroy Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,848 posts 06-28-2023 at 09:44pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete we have sold over the years many high powered tube amplifiers from vtl cj zesto manley to date the zesto eros have been our favorites high power tube monoblocks quiet long tube life great bass huge soundstage great features the vac iq gear are verv impressive but are very expensive arc sounds too much liks solid state cj art amps were fantastic except the zestos sounded just as good for less. Dave andTroy audiointellect nj zesto dealer former cj dealers
jasonbourne71 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,257 posts 06-29-2023 at 05:53am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Buy a secondhand pair of McIntosh 275's and parallel the outputs of each amp. This will give you 150 watts per side - only a 3db difference from 300 watts!