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Anyone recommend a neutral tube amp?

I've been wanting to move to tubes for some time now. Lately I've changed most of my equipment. I now have a Rega Saturn CDP and some very revealing Opera Callas monitors. My amp is the Sim Moon 5.3 integrated. I like the neutral character of the amp, it simply takes on the characteristics of whatever is being played through it. Can anyone name a tube amp that is similarly neutral, that won't color the sound of the CDP?
rfprice
earthpulse
58 posts
 
Cayin A88t integrated, or other similar models, cheap enough to keep for a doorstop if you don't like it.

Very, very, very good sounding for the money, and flexible.
Remote volume and triode/pentode switching...

Good solid sound, and makes audio fun again.
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,379 posts
 
After living with many, and hearing many more...

Atma-Sphere.
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
I'm surprised no one mentioned Audio Research. Their claim to fame is 'neutrality'. And though some think them lean or dry, not compared to ss IMO. I have a Mac 275, like Tennis, driven by a ss Levinson 26s pre, and find that combo close to ideal for me. Although I'm sure any top ss pre would work fine; like Klyne, Krell, Ayre, Boulder, Goldmund, etc.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
ARC would seem be leaders in the neutrality arena. I think my CAT JL2 would fall into the neutrality side of the ledger.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
there has been a trend in recent years in amplifier design, which i would term convergence. tube amps are sounding more like solid state amps and solid state amps are sounding less "transistory".

most tube amps, excluding some set designs, have minor deviations from neutrality. yes, there is an occasional clunker, but it is not difficult to find a tube amp whose flaws are not objectionable, if resolution is your goal.
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