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Recommendation Request for Tube Power Amplifier

I have been using an all solid state system for many years. I hear so much about the "tube sound" experience. I'd like to check it out.The only experience with tube amps that I have comes from these two amps...

One is the Paragon System E Tube Preamp with phono. I bought this new about 1980. It uses six 12ax7 type tubes. I used it quite heavily for a few years. When it developed problems with the volume control, I replaced it with something I can't remember. In storage for a few decades, I pulled it out six months ago, cleaned all contacts, especially the volume pot. Still works!. I have measured this guy quite thoroughly. Phono gain is 43 dB. Distortion from Tape Out is below the noise floor at -95dB. Noise at 60 Hz and multiples is -60dB or better below 0dB recorded level.. Great numbers, even compared to modern preamps. I replaced the old 12AX7 tubes with six matched Genelex Gold Lion tubes.  I'm using this now as a phono preamp with the Koetsu RS and a step up transformer at 20x (Cinemag 1254). The table is a brand new Technics SL-1200G. I really like this sound.

But I'd like to try tube amplification again without spending a fortune.

What tube power amp would be a great match for this system? Years ago, I had a CJ MV75 power amp. I liked the sound, but hated the continual tweaking of the bias, even with brand new tubes. I sold it.

My budget is $3K or less.My system is not too efficient (86 dB sensitivity Revel 105 Bookshelf speakers and a self powered HSU sub, 100Hz xover), so I probably need more than the 3 watt/ch amps I see for some of the less expensive models. How much power do I need? I'm not sure. I've never heard any problems with the Levinson No. 27 or the present Bryston 2.5B cubed, but they both put out 100 W/ch or more. Balanced inputs would be great, but not absolutely necessary.

I consider my present system to sound quite neutral. I worked very hard to get it that way. I'm very pleased with the sound.

I want to exprience that warm tube sound if only to have a change of pace. Or maybe...

Thanks for your help!

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mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,774 posts
 

At your budget, looking for a classic tube sound, and needing at least midrange power -- I think restored vintage or vintage inspired amps are the way to go. 

I started out in tube amps with restored Heathkit and Eico amps. They sound wonderful. If you love that wonderful Koetsu sound (especially paired with 12AX7 phono and CineMag 1254 as you've done), this is your kind of sound. 

From there I moved on to Rogue Audio because I wanted more power. This is a common recommendation in your price point (Cronus, Atlas, Stereo 100). They're excellent but will NOT give a classic tube sound, particular in the midband. They excel in bass and dynamics, and respond well to tube rolling -- so you can dial up the sweetness, to a point. It still won't sound like classic tubes. 

And from there now I have modern VAC amps. Very expensive. Amazing blend of classic tube sound and modern high performance hifi. But very expensive. You might find some of their much older models for $3K used, and they can be very good. VAC still services everything they've ever made.

I think the Dynaco recommendation by @jasonbourne52  is a very good one. Someone was making modernized amps / kits from these designs (Bob Latino?), but I'm not sure if they're still around. 

Post removed 
rodman99999
6,010 posts
 

     When I was doing Dynaco; Joe Curcio was my go-to guy, if I needed advice.

                He's still in the game (AMAZING, after all these years)!

                            So's restored Dynaco gear, when done right.

                              http://www.curcioaudio.com/dynadr_3.htm

tonydennison's avatar
tonydennison
382 posts
 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/115856917411?hash=item1af99c43a3:g:y90AAOSwFG9krXrq&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8N5beH4QxR4yZgdbJAOJNaL6htm2fEajEIxKhihWnN%2BvsJLZ%2BgEiOhVLR2ZYcrDODq7Jr8xhpsFQD5Oyg35PE97PmYo9toVckzI1LdAlKaA94A9w2GPmqiwG5anP4OGrW86EjoiFmt%2BcW3WVIqh08aPDLMkAmEsmAjZo0La8rs5OSfFMF8SC%2BabSe7%2BMbn%2FbZaQIpUAbWE%2F8syxx50eLcT7iwsJVM66Hd%2BjLeNuDoOmDlBFpONl0SIjE2SQIhIsTnvnd2Ck50i1AjWMMnHl2Gue19y00NS8UHtHvWJte%2F06yLZnw0DtH1kA6icqux0VCPQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBMyIL4sLJi

elliottbnewcombjr
5,197 posts
 

a few recent threads here (I'm for adding tube PREAMP first, then tube AMP, same time or soon thereafter).

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/where-to-insert-tubes-while-running-a-luxman-ss-integrated

I feed my vintage tube peamp into my integrated tube amp (rather than just an amp), not using the integrated's features (now) except remote volume and mute.

Consider future changes, where might you use a prior piece? An integrated is more flexible in a second system.

...................................

Efficient speakers make it easier to try tube amps:

price, size, heat, placement options, path of remote beams

and WEIGHT

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/can-you-lift-yours

 

 

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