Sugden Masterclass IA-4 (Class A integrated 33 wpc into 8ohms)
$5000 on the used market
Retirement integrated amp for a “fiscal conservative”
I’ve taken the plunge and am now enjoying the 2nd week of retirement after 44 years of work, including 42 years with the company I just retired from.
One of the retirement goals I’m really looking forward to is spending much more time enjoying music with my main system!
I’ve pretty much gone digital (but do have a Linn Sondek LP12 to enjoy LPs purchased in the 60’s - 80’s).
My system consists of a Rose 150B streamer/DAC and a Primaluna CD player for digital playback. I use a Roon Nucleus for Roon/Tidal new music research and listening. Speakers are original Joseph Audio Perspectives.
I enjoy all types of music, but mostly listen to jazz (preferably smooth but am exploring all of the various forms of jazz).
I’m currently using a Primaluna Dialogue HP Premium integrated amp which I’ve enjoyed for many years. Here’s where the “fiscal conservative” part comes in; this amp has 8 power tubes. Even with Primaluna’s great low tube stress design concept, I’m not looking forward to replacing power tubes every couple years with my retirement bonus listening time. Also, I’d like to get additional damping factor bass control than my current amp provides. I love the tube midrange and treble range sound, but would like an upright bass to sound more like a wood instrument (hard to describe in words) and hear more natural note attack and decay
I’d like to get ideas/advice from A’gon music enjoyment experts on a replacement integrated that still provides the acoustic sound of tubes, but doesn’t require new tubes every couple years/2,000 hours and is a great match to enjoy jazz on the rest of my system which I plan to keep. I’m open to used or new with a cap of say $8,000.
Thank you in advance for your thoughts and suggestions.
Eric
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Perhaps there’s a different way to approach this. You might want to connect with Ralph at Atmosphere regarding his Class D amps which are supposed to be wonderful (please note - I haven’t heard them). Ralph is a long time tube amp manufacturer who is now selling class D amps which have the tonal richness of tubes, though a lower distortion profile and is more stable with impedance variables. You could acquire his class D monos and put the remainder toward a nice preamp all while staying within your budget. At least something to consider. |
I, like you, am intolerant of any edge or harshness. I am also semi-retired and very much enjoying my increased music listening time. Congrats and best wishes. One thing I would suggest you do is read this review of your speaker. As JA points out, your speaker can be particular of what amp it is paired to. Look the article over in detail including the measurements: https://www.stereophile.com/content/joseph-audio-perspective-loudspeaker As I noted, years ago I owned your same Prima Luna integrated (with stock tubes) driving a pair of VSA VR-33's. Both good pieces of gear but that pairing never really did anything for me. No magic it seemed. Never pulled me in and had me grabbing for one CD after another. Similar to your experience, I did not feel the PL had impressive control/power in the bass. The midrange seemed a bit forward in this system. This was my first tube amp and it really did not do for me what I had read about. In fact, it sounded rather solid state to me. Both were eventually sold. Fast forward. In that same space I now have a Erhard Ray SET (three tubes total!) driving a pair of Omega Super 7 speakers. Recently added a pair of REL t/5x subs. The result---SYNERGY! Now I could appreciate the "tube magic" I was seeking. Sound that was so live, dimensional, dynamic, with "saturated sonic colors". Even though it is not my primary system, I listen to this system more and more. I would agree that it would be worthwhile to consider an amp that hopefully will better pair with your current speakers. Sounds to me like an integrated that resists any tendency to sound bright or edgy would be best. I am not sure I would recommend tube rolling with your amp. Way too expensive of a game with an amp that has 14 tubes! Out of the solid state integrated amps I have heard, I might suggest the Marantz KI Ruby. I'm guessing this would have nice synergy with your speakers. Very smooth without sacrificing detail, great soundstage, powerful controlled bass. That rich "woody resonance" your after should be apparent. Heck, with your budget you could even afford the Marantz PM-10. I am sure it is very similarly voiced. Good luck in your search. |
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