2. amps-preamps
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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
kennyc
1,472 posts
 

@erikt 

I was curious about tubes as well, so I have a second system with a 100db speaker to try out flea watt SET amps (300b, 45, 2a3) known for their midrange tube magic.  

noromance's avatar
noromance
9,769 posts
 

As long as the sub has a high level input, almost all amps will drive them from the speaker outputs. The sub HL inputs have very high impedence and do not load the amp. 

Anyone verify they can be connected speaker level to both speakers and a sub?

audiosaurusrex's avatar
audiosaurusrex
320 posts
 

My amps of choice. heart

https://www.octave.de/

paulcreed
559 posts
 

All I can go by is what I’ve owned. My favorite in the under $5000 used is the one I still have and have no reason to move on which is the Audio Hungary A50i class A.

 

You can pick up a used one around little over $3000. Never seems to stumble no matter how complex the music is. Has big tight bass but I do use 2 rel subs due to using book shelf speakers. I listen to mostly jazz.

 

I replaced a CJ cav45 s2 with the AH. The CJ was a very nice amp for jazz but the AH just grabs you with that fast solid bass and very realistic class A sound. I run kt120’s and 150’s with vintage preamp tubes and am very satisfied with the results with AH. No desire to move on so far.

freediver
1,173 posts
 

There is NO DOUBT about the magic,natural warmth,wonderous sound staging & imaging of a good tube amp BUT you can get the exact same thing from Class A Solid State..
Also the average price of a Matched & Balanced quad(4 tubes) of current production EL-34 tubes is around $200.00-$250.00,a Matched & Balanced Quad of KT88 around $300.00-$350.00 & that is buying from Ebay!Buying from a reputable dealer who stands behind their product will add even more $ to that price..Vintage NOS tubes all these repliers talking about?MULTIPLE HUNDREDS of $$$ TO MULTIPLE THOUSANDS of $$$!!!Figure on retubing power tubes EVERY 3000 hours!Oh sure,they will last longer BUT around 3000 hours they WILL start degrading & changing the tone & DON"T believe ANYONE’s BS about that not being true!

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