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Current Production Classic Sounding Tube Amps

I was wondering whether there are any tube amplifiers currently being produced that have the classic tube sound -- characterized by some as dark, colored, and syrupy?

I would like to purchase an amp (or integrated) in current production that has a sound somewhat equivalent to the classic Conrad Johnson sound (e.g. mv-55 or cav-50). I have a Rouge Stereo 90 which I like very much and have no intentions of parting with, but it does not have the classic tube sound that I believe would be great for acoustic jazz.
sonnyhill
davemitchell
253 posts
 
I used to sell Rogue amps (M120 and 88) and they sounded very much like classic tube amps as did the Rogue preamps. They are certainly on the bloomy and warm side of neutral. ARC, on the other hand, makes perhaps the least vintage or colored sounding tube amps on the market.

I'm not familiar with the Rogue Stereo 90, but unless it's nothing like the other Rogue amps, nothing from ARC would sound nearly as tube-like. I am also an ARC dealer.
9rw's avatar
9rw
318 posts
 
Sonnyhill: Are you by chance related to Mrtennis?
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I would look for amplifiers using EL34s for output tubes; most amps with these tube are on the euphonic side of neutral (but not all). I'm not sure if this is inherent to the tube, or to the types of circuits a designer uses when they to decide EL34s rather than some other type.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Did not ask, but what type of preamp are you using? That could play a factor in your search for "warmth".
rumadian
152 posts
 
To be entirely honest, there have been few tube amplifiers under the 2k price-point that have perked my ears. This includes Rogue. In this range, I've found that a well designed transistor piece can pull off the same tricks with a few of their own, all the while being consistent and reliable.

With that said, I did get my ears on a little unassuming 15wpc push-pull integrated from Vista Audio called the i84. For under 800 bones, that thing delivers a classic tubey sound all with the benefits of solid state coherency and robustness. Naturally warm, syrupy, slightly rolled off high end, quick and powerful bass and of course, that classic blossomed mid-range. I believe the owner of Vista offers a 60 day trial period. Something to check into..
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