2. amps-preamps
  3. 1142702527

Tube amp $2-3K used

I am in the market for a tube amp for my system. My speakers have separate bass units and sattelites. I have a high current SS amp for the bass units. What I am looking for is an amp that could give me 25-50 watts in Triode (although I am still trying to learn about ultralinear VS triode) mode or 60-100 watts ultralinear. My choices seem to be:
Rogue magnum 120-150
BAT vk60 or vk75
Cary V12 or rocket
Music reference
CJ mv 60
Quicksilver V4
I was also looking at the the AES sixpack but I heard they weren't the easiest amps to adjust bias on.

I listen to classical orchestra mainly, but I like to boogie with 60's to 70's rock as well. Any general suggestions?
drjjpdc
drjjpdc OP
80 posts
 
Greenman, I am using the AI3A preamp. Don't really want to get into the balanced thing. Aren't OTL amps prone to stability problems?

Trelja, I am in the NJAS. Know Russ and Fr. Richard very well. Needed to expand my net on amp choices to the internet audiogon crowd.

Semi, the only thing about SF amps is they are no longer made and what happens if repairs are needed?
glai's avatar
glai
446 posts
 
I am extremely happy with Antique Sound Lab hurricane & ASL 1009-845. I have the 1009 driving Avalon Diamond and the Hurricane driving Cremona Auditors. They are reliable, easy to bias and do a great job. IMHO, they better CJ 60SE, BAT VK60, Cary V12. I have not heard Rogue 150. ARC is a pain because everytime a tube fails, it blows a resistor.
semi
649 posts
 
SF is out of business for years, but Parts Connexion which is run by Chris Johnson, former SF founder, will continue to service all SF products. If you don't feel like shipping it all the way there, you can order schematic/parts and have your local technician work on it.

Mine Line 3SE developed the famous volumne pot problem. I ordered the parts, got instruction from them, replaced it myself in 2 hours. You can pay someone to fix it for less hour as well.
greenman
53 posts
 
The Atma-Sphere amps, at least those made in the past decade, are extremely stable, you can even remove output tubes while they are playing (not that I recommend this). The two caveats in your situation are that although they can be run single-ended they are really designed to be operated in the context of a fully balanced system and that they don't especially like low impedance loads (the S-30 particularly).
SF amps can be serviced and/or upgraded by the Parts ConneXion which is run by ex-SF staff.
dennis_the_menace's avatar
dennis_the_menace
467 posts
 
art audio concerto's are autobias, zero negative feedback, under $2K used.
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