Tube integrated amps

Thanks everyone. I say I want an integrated amp because I don't want another component in the system. I don't really care how many inputs the amp has; I only need one for my DAC.

The Dynaudio details are as follows. Does this mean tube amp wouldn't be such a good idea?

Sensitivity (2.83 V/1 m): 86 dB
Recommended Amp. Power: Small size rooms: > 30 Watts Medium size rooms: > 80 Watts
IEC Long Term Power Handling: > 170 Watts
Impedance, Nominal: 6 ohms
Impedance, (20-200 Hz): 3.6 - 23.9 ohms
Impedance, (200-20 kHz): 3.7 - 6.1 ohms
Impedance, Phase Shift (20-200 Hz): -53.2º - +28.5º
Impedance, Phase Shift (200-20 kHz): -5.0º - +12.0º
Impedance, HF (200 kHz): 6.9 ohms
Frequency Response (+/- 3 dB): 37 Hz - 27 kHz
Resonance Frequency: 40 Hz
Internal Cabinet Volume: 11.8 liters
Bass Principle: Bass Reflex
Weight: 10.1 kg. each
Dimensions (W x H x L): 8" x 15" x 11.5"
Crossover: The crossover is phase-aligned.
High quality crossover components only. Crossover Frequencies: 2600Hz
Crossover Slope: 6dB/oct

I'm leaning to thinking that you would need a pretty powerful tube amp with current for that load, but I'm not 100% sure on that, you should ask Dynaudio via e-mail to be sure, but it seems better suited to a 100watt SS amp. I think a 30-40 watt tube integrated would be less than ideal.

I currently have a tube amp and Yes - they sound great, sometimes awesome, but I'm not sure they are worth the ongoing effort/expense.

OK - slam me if you must but hear me out first...
The following comments only pertain to amps in Nycjdc's price range - the better amps are awesome and have been designed to minimize maintenance.

You need to take some time to understand the TLC they MAY require and the path you are about to go down.

1. Depending on the amp you purchase - you may have to bias the power tubes - if the amp you buy requires biasing...
- some need biasing as often as every three months
- some less frequently
- and a few, more often
- you will need a GOOD digital multimeter, but they are inexpensive these days (aound $40)
- you will need to learn how to do it - generally it is simple and not a big deal - I got some instruction from my retailer
- some manufacturers recommend you take it in to be biased
- good ones provide instructions in the manual

2. after a while you may want to try different tubes, because you have read what a difference in sound tubes from different manufacturers can make:
- some amps permit a wide range of tubes to be used
- other do not
- they will sound different
- and power tubes can get expensive

3. tubes need replacing - from what I have read
- pre-amp tubes after about 6000 hours
- power tubes after about 2000 hours
- a set for my amp cost $300
- I can get away with $200, but the sound is no where near as good

4. Tube amps requires a lot more space in your rack
- if that's where you are going to put it
- they are larger and get WARM! - some get HOT!

5 From what I have read, the less expensive tube amps - integrated in particular, do not have the same dynamic presentation (a relatives Solid State setup confirms this) as a similarly priced Solid State amp and they have a little more trouble driving some speakers.

But - they do sound great!

If I had my time again - I would opt for
- a tube pre-amp to get that nice rich warm tube sound
.....long tube life, less expensive tubes and no biasing
- with a solid state power amp for the punch and bass depth
.....and eliminate the power tube biasing and replacement expense

Beware of some amps from China:
- some come with a 110v power transformer and may not be ideally designed to run @120v
- net result - the tube heater element runs too hot
- this can lead to premature tube failure e.g. after only 6 months
- also if the element burns out and falls across the plates inside the power tubes you could end up with a huge repair bill - nasty! (this can happen anyway - but it is rare)

For more details on my experience with the amp I selected - a Raysonic SP120 - see my review Raysonic SP120

For the record - I still love my amp - it is the best sounding amp I have ever owned to date by a huge margin.

I also, looked into the Manley Stingray mentioned above and it does sound like a very good amp, but take a read of their web site - I took some of their comments to mean - they don't appreciate you trying out other tubes - but perhaps their tubes provide the best sound anyway, but I'd like to be the judge of that - not the manufacturer.

This has been my experience and is just my opinion
Others will promote tubes as providing the absolute best sound
- they are extremely good and have a distinct sound,
- but they take some TLC and ongoing expense that you should be aware of.

Regards

You could try a hybred like the Unison Unico SE. I think it has 140 watts. It should drive the Dyns. no with no problem.

Thats a little different, if your room is small or medium
in size than either the Manly Stingray, or possibly Canary CA-608(?) would be worth looking into.

Or a Hybrid: (tube pre/mosfet amp) Unison research

And if you decide solid state: I've had the Ayre AX-7e, very refined & natural.

Have Fun.