2. amps-preamps
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Tube amp recommendation for $1000

Hi everybody,
I'm looking for a used tube amplifier or integrated tube amplifier between 20 to 50 watts, and my budget is $1000 max.
There are lots of amps like Primaluna, Cayin, Cary Rocket 88, Conrad Johnson MV55 etc--too many choices; I'm confused and don't know which one to buy. I'm a solid state guy so I want something reliable and quiet. I hate amplifiers that are noisy either coming from the amp itself or hissing from the speaker. I listen mostly to female vocals and both classic and modern jazz. I'm looking for rich, involving sound which is at the same time neutral. Good bass and balance input is a plus. I need to hear from an oldtimer, if you had $1000, which one would you buy?
royy
darkmoebius
900 posts
 
Hi Royy,

I'm a young'ins, but it would probably help a lot if you could tell everyone what type of speakers the amp will be driving. Impedence curve determines amp performance with tubes much more readily than it does with SS.

Also, what type of preamp would you be using if you got an amp(s) instead of an integrated?
slikric3000
638 posts
 
http://www.jbaudiopimp.com/ has a Classe CA100 $695,also has classe preamp.
bojack
656 posts
 
Check out the Quicksilver MiniMites (monos): 25 watts, accept a variety of tubes, are quiet, reliable, inexpensive to retube, and sound killer good. I own them and have been extremely pleased.
ckorody
643 posts
 
Look at Cary and their house brand AES - the SIx Pac is a great piece and you can find one well under $1K. Then you can spend a few bux tube rolling and have a bit of fun...
nzera
68 posts
 
Don't overlook the Antique Sound Labs AQ-1001. It's sound fits your description, and can be had for ~$600 (at least the pre-remote version). Owned quite a few amps (including primaluna and jolida), but the ASL with JJ KT88s and good input tubes is my favorite. Very musical and works well with most speakers.
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