2. amps-preamps
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looking for musical Tube Integrated Amplifier


Hi,

I would like to get some opnions on tube amplifiers (Integrated) which i can keep for long time.

Background -

pre + power - I was using Odyssey Stratos (Extreme) and Odyssey Tempest (for last 10+ years).

speakers -Usher CP-6381 speakers (for last 10+ years)

source - Sony 5400 CD/SACD player (may add TT + Music server + Dac in a year).

Listening Room - 25 X 20 X 9 living room open to Kitchen.

Budget for new amp - 4K

Not sure I can audition lots of these tube integrated here in minneapolis.

I normally listen to very low volume mostly Vocals,acoustic guitar, would be interested in tube amplifier which is more muscial than detail (if someone recommends best of both world that will be great)

Heard really good things about Frankestein 300B Monoblocks but they are out of my price range #6K + pre amp that will close to $7K, The next best thing I can think about it Decware Tori which will around $4K, at the same time after looking at the other posts on the forum came across other few tub amps mentioned in few other threads, here are some of them, can anyone recommend any of these over abother (especially over Decawre Tori) ?

Decware Zen Tori IV -

KR AUDIO VA340 Integrated Tube Amplifier -

New Audio Frontiers Supreme 300B -

Omaha 300B SET Tube Stereo Integrated Amplifier

Ayon Orion II/Orion III -

Any audiospace / sofia Electric 300B

Thanks,
listener111
ladok's avatar
ladok
96 posts
 
I have just ordered a Line Magnetic 518, supposed to come in tomorrow. Ayon, Audiospace and Sofia Electric were on my list but I went with the LM after talking to some owners. This one is a 20-watt singled ended with 845 tubes. They make several integrateds in your price range. The clincher for me was the 518 can also be used as an amplifier-only with a separate preamp. By the way, I have heard great things about your speakers, even though they are 87db sensitive, the 8-ohm load makes them ideal for many tube amps, you might be surprised how good they work with whatever amp you settle on.
listener111 OP
26 posts
 
Thanks, Will look into cayin 100t and Sofia electric El84 offerings, I looked at line magnetic 518 looks nice, will wait for your feedback on how does Line Magnetic perform.(never heard number of tube amps side by side so not sure what is the difference in sonic signature for EL84, 300B, 845 will try to search on the forums - looking for something which is really good for Vocals - I am reading Class A is better than A/B but again this is all reading, not actual experience : )
rbstehno
1,407 posts
 
I have had the same odyssey amps in the past and have used the usher cp-6381's up until 3 weeks ago (for sale now). I have been using a newer rogue Cronus magnum tube integrated amp with the kt120 tubes with great success. They powered the 6381's with no problem. Since the odyssey's I have owned mcintosh and classe equipment and sold classe separates to go to the rogue. Btw, i went to usher mini dancer 2 speakers and switched the rogue to 4 ohm outputs. I'm very happy with the rogue
thuhaile
105 posts
 
I've used the Unison S6 (latest version) with the Usher dancer mini 2 with very good results
seadogs1
104 posts
 
You might want to check out the NEW Exemplar Audio Integrated amp. I believe there is a dealer in White Bear Lake, MN. you can audition one. If not contact Bruce Jacobs thru Exemplar Audio he will be able to help. Good Luck!
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