2. amps-preamps
  3. 190682-7079

Recommend me a tube integrated amplifier

I'm at a point where I'd like to try a tube integrated amplifier.

I currently have a Luxman L-509x driving a pair of Audio Note AN-K/SPx SEs.

I use a Marantz SA-KI Ruby CD/SACD player and a Technics SL1200Mk2 and AT-33SA LOMC for sources.

I also use a Rythmik E15HP/PEQ3 subwoofer to fill in the bottom end.

I listen mostly to jazz, classic rock at low to mid-level volumes, and my budget would be around $4k-ish used or new.

So, I'd like to get some recommendations for an integrated that would pair well with the AN-Ks.  Subwoofer connection mandatory either pre-outs or compatible for speaker level connection.  Phono pre inputs for MC desired, but optional.

No hybrids, high power not needed. No headphones either.  A remote would be nice, but I could suffer without one.

TIA

erikt
larryi
3,994 posts
 

This seems to be a nice system.  What price range are you looking at?  Of course Audio Note amplifiers will work well with their speakers.  I personally like the various iterations of the Soro and Oto.

I have have heard both AN-E and AN-K with amps from Synthesis Audio (Italian) and the combination sounds great.  Synthesis amps work well with a wide variety of speakers so I am not implying a special synergy here; they make great sounding amplifiers. 

The Roma 96 is a 25 watt EL 34 amp with a built in DAC that is no slouch.  It offers remote control of volume.  The A40 model (40 watt per channel KT-66 in pushpull) is further up their line and it is, to me, one of the great bargains in amplifiers; it delivers a big, authoritative sound that can compete with almost anything else out there.  The big brother A100 (also with KT-66, but more tubes to get to its 100 watt per channel rating) is very good too and will drive almost anything.  Both the A40 and A100 have terrific built in DACs and remote control of volume.  I own two flea-powered amps (about 5 watts per channel each) that have retail prices of about $50k and $100k, which I like a lot, but if I had to get rid of them, I could live with an A40 and not be missing out on that much.

 

grinnell
1,097 posts
 

Check out Decware.  They have a line of integrated amps from 2 watts up to 60 watt.  American made, well built, sound wonderful :)

shtinkydog
682 posts
 

check this out. i came very close to getting one, but decided on going in a different direction.  Icon Audio - Stereo 40 MkIV Integrated Tube Amplifier (KT88) - Music Direct

paradisecom
310 posts
 

The Decware offerings are great, but if buying new, there's about a 4-year waitlist.  Also, they don't have remotes.

Cary Audio has 2 offerings that will fit the budget, but one is a 300B based amp and only makes 15wpc.  That might be fine if you don't listen to loud volumes beyond about 80-85ish dB.

Their SLI100 will have more than enough power, sub outputs, a remote, etc.  Plus, with the number and types of tubes it runs, tube rolling is a nice option in the future.

Integrated Amplifiers | CaryDirect

There's also Raven Audio (Nighthawk) and Rogue Audio (Cronus Magnum), Rogers Audio and Quicksilver Audio.  All are US made offerings with good customer support.

The Quicksilver is really nice looking with 20wpc, but no remote or dedicated RCA's for the sub out.  You would have to run the sub from the speaker terminals.  

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