Integrated amp for tube lover


Downsizing and looking for an integrated amp of 100 or more watts/ channel that will satisfy a tube lover. Not many tube integrated amps fit that power requirement, but open to tube or solid state. Considering Krell K300i, CODA CSiB, Boulder 866 (doubt that it is "tube-like" enough), and Gryphon Diablo 300 (more expensive than I’d like). Can use separate phono and/or DAC. Thoughts on these or others?

hedwigstheme

I had both the CSIB and the Boulder 866 at the same time. Both excellent but different amps. Coda is clear, fast and detailed with great articulation. Boulder 866 is slightly more refined but just as transparent. The 866 is just a tad bit warmer and more laid back but at the same time very dynamic. It’s considerably more expensive than the Coda too. Advantages of Coda over Boulder - Coda has both single ended and XLR inputs plus subwoofer out. Boukder is XLR only and no sub out. Both are high quality and nicely built. Boulder is a more sophisticated looking piece of electronics equipment than the coda and features a screen and an app you can use to control the amp. You can also use a usb remote control with it. 
That being said, I highly recommend both and in my opinion you can’t go wrong with either. 

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I know you said 100wpc. But I would seriously look at the Audio Research I/70. I have heard the I/50 power with a number of speakers and it is simply beautiful sounding and way more powerful than you would think.. The I/70 is going to be released this month and has more power and autobiasing and is said to sound incredibly musical like the I/50. I use my Ref 160 in triode mode… so 70wpc and can play at ungodly volumes without compression or loss of dynamics. 

also:

Cary SLI 100


Primeluna Eco 100

MacIntosh MA 252

 

 

@audphile1 

+1… and the Pass Inc’s have much better rhythm and pace than they used to. Not tube levels… but pretty good.