Recommendation Tube Integrated


At this juncture (nearly 2024) what are folks' best recommendagtion for a tube integrated amp.  Constraints would be $10K (preferrably $5K or less), at least 35 watts per channel.  New or used.  Goal would be smooth, creamy sound.  My current system, which I would consider very good solid state sound, can still be a little ...hard.... to my sensitive ears at times, and I'm thinking a tube option would be nice.  Thanks.

mathiasmingus

@mathiasmingus Ah Um. A bit more about Rogers High Fidelity AMPs. Some work with a phone or tablet to control them. Look for antenna on back. New or certified ones from Rogers High Fidelity also have a life time warranty.  Roger is a mensch (sp?) and a pleasure to deal with.

At 86dB efficiency the Harbeth's would benefit from a more powerful AMP than 35 WPC. Your lower mids and bass would especially improve. If your room is medium to large same thing.

Mingus Plays Piano is a great album and is a perennial favorite.

 

 

 

Only recommendation I have actually heard in a system I know, Decware Zen ZMA and I think a ZTPRE preamp.....paired with Tannoy speakers, and Furutech DIY cables. Truly an incredible set up....though a new purchase could be a two year wait for the product to be manufactured. It could however be customized to your preference (wooden case, knobs, upgraded caps, etc.)

I know it's not an integrated, and with the cables is about $11,000....but for me would be an "end game" purchase

I would think carefully before changing from SS to tubes for the Harbeth 40.2's.

I recently bought the 40.3's and even with gobs of power my Rogers High Fidelity EHF-200 did not sound good with the big Harbeth's. 

It's not about power it's about damping factor/impedance matching.

I switched to a BAT VK3500 (hybrid tube/SS) and they sound amazing, but  this was an expensive lesson for me.

Quicksilver amps are Anything but "creamy"......very harsh.  Decware is good if you can find one.The Harbeths need power. I wouldn't go with anything tuby unless it's a MAC Hybrid w/ 150 watts min.