Tube amps under $7500

Late to the party..... but here's another recommendation for the Aric Audio Transcend. I've owned mine for a little over six years now with nary a problem. The bass is excellent,which is really important to me with the types of music I love. It actually can be used without a preamp if one wanted to (gain control). I don't because I like being able to adjust the balance via the pre's remote.If Aric ever decided to close up shop any place that services guitar amps could take care of any repairs easily. The way it's laid out internally is neat and accessible. My two cents:-)

@mdalton Right, I was looking at Deja Vu. Really know nothing about the brand. Maybe @audiotroy will weigh in.

@larryi Whether integrated or separate, my question remains how it handles low impedance at low frequencies.;

@jtcf What speakers are you using with the Transcend?

@hickamore 

yeah, vu is not really a distributor, though he’s listed as such by Synthesis.  He’s a dealer - from whom I bought my amp.  One of the reasons Synthesis has been way below the radar screen in the U.S. is that they’ve never had an actual U.S. dealer.  No presence at audio shows, no Stereophile reviews, etc.  The upside is you don’t pay a premium for the brand.

If bass response, and specifically how the amp handles low impedance (i.e., damping factor) is a high priority, then solid state is the way to go.  Some powerful tube amps with many pairs of output tubes may also have respectable damping factors, but to me, most such amps sound hard and edgy (I prefer solid state to many high powered tube amps).  It comes down to priorities and picking your own set of compromises; nothing is perfect.  My own priorities do place deep, tight bass way down the list.  Getting a rich, saturated sound with good midrange and lively sound at lower volume levels are high on my list which is why I like low to medium powered tube amps.  I sacrifice extreme volume capability, and deep tight bass.

@mdalton Ah. That explains everything.  You have scored some truly classy gear at good value. I  admire, but can't emulate. The stoic good humor alone would make all worth reading. See below. 

@larryi Just so. In a perfect world, I would bi-amp with Aric or such on top and Coda or such on the bottom. But I am old, not to mention tech-lazy, and times are chaotic, and 90% of my listening is casual, which leaves me in the usual compromise state, albeit vastly better informed owing to the wealth of information shared here. Thanks to all.