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Tube Amp recommendation

I know this probably comes up quite a bit and for good reason. I personally live in a medium size city (pop. 350,000) where the only audio stores carry solid state and in most case multi-hundred watt amplifiers where no one can listen to anything other than the typical big names. I've searched as many forums as I can over the past month and can't come to any conclusions.

I've bought and sold a lot of vintage gear, and recently "dispersed" all of it in order to simplify and downsize, sadly this included my vinyl as well. I decided to cash out of my higher end stuff. I'm looking for a tube amp with at least two inputs and volume, so depending on your definitions, an integrated. I don't need more than 20 watts and won't pay extra for a higher watt amp, but I don't want to pay extra just for a low watter either. I'm limited by funds, absolutely no recs more than $1200 USD will be considered, so we're mostly talking about Chinese gear. I'd like used modern gear, while maintaining gear isn't a problem, I'm not particularly keen on owning any more older stuff. My source is Apple lossless Ipod/Music Server, eventually an outboard DAC will be added. Room is 25x25. I listen to a little of everything. I'll be DIY'ing my own full-rangers more than likely based on Fostex, so efficiency will be high, above 95db and I can tune the speakers to the amp.

So what are my options other than Opera/Consonance? I had my eye on a Melody 2A3, but they seem to be fairly uncommon in the U.S.
pellothed1
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,201 posts
 
The Rogue Atlas bought with the MAGNUM upgrade is a steal for the extra $600 it transforms a good solid amplifier into a Excellent one .The tubes are upgraded to the EH-kt-90, resistors are upgraded, power supplys heavilly beefed up, caps are the excellent Mundorfs from Germany that are then Bypassed with 1% poly caps to make them even better.better connectors and some wiring modifications .
What a difference IMO this amp nows betters the stereo 90
and for under $1800 over 90 wpc.
Highly recommended and looks retro cool.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
I recently purchased a prima luna prologue 6 and I am more than satisfied. From what I've read it's a tossup between Primaluna and Rogue.
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,201 posts
 
What I don't understand is that a lot of guys assume
you will get more for your moneys if you buy a decent chinese made amp,this does not allways hold true.
I listened and searched far and wide comparing and through several Audiophile clubs and reviews the Rogue name keep coming up, for 1.
it is built in the U.S ,and the build quality is excellent
the heart of any good tube amp is the transformers all
are over sized and high silicon steel and wound in the U.S
which is far better than the inferior quality steel made overseas,and the parts quality is a whoes who of name brands.Look at the entry level Titan, series and for an extra $600the - MAGNUM
you have a fully Hotrodded amp that is very good and for less than the competition and more wpc. If you could buy a product built in the U.S.A that is at least = to or better and with a better warranty and keeps American job in America
why wouldn't you ? p.s Do your home work before buying.
All I am trying to say is compare and check out the inside where it counts most !!
donjr
1,335 posts
 
I agree with Audioman58. I'm not a flag flyer but there's some great deals on US made gear. I recently purchased a used Rogue Cronus Magnum from Agon and it's been like having a new born baby. I think about it all day and can't wait to come home to it. After 31 years of solid state, it's a really nice change for me. Rogue's customer service is nothing short of amazing. I have emailed Mark O'Brien from Rogue, and he's even called me on my cell phone. It makes no difference to him whether you bought his gear new or used. He treats me as though I'm his greatest customer, and that's how he treats anyone who owns a Rogue. I'm not saying that there's no good Chinese stuff out there because I have no idea. Hopefully I'm never going to have to find out, because that would be the result of no more US manufacturers.
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