2. amps-preamps
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American-made integrated tube amplifiers

I have been holding out for an American-made integrated tube amp. It seems, however, that all the recent buzz has been about Asian-made products. Obviously, economics has forced many of us to reconsider our equipment budgets. This most often narrows amp selection to foreign manufacturered designs. Is there an affordably priced "made-in-the-USA" integrated tube amp that clearly outperforms and outclasses the current comparative Asian products filling the approx. $1500 price range? A scan through the common publications indicate, not.
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danlib1
819 posts
 
Cary SLI-80 is a stunner. So is the Manley Stingray. Owned both and a Cayin 88T. No contest- the Cayin did not hang.
ellery911
549 posts
 
Trelja...

Kudos and I wish you the best of luck with your venture. People may scoff at the idea of "affordable" high end gear due to the "dilution" of the "elite" factor. I on the other hand look at it as you bringing the joy of "high end" audio to more people that couldn't otherwise afford it.

Marco...

Blade Runner eh? I was thinking more '5th Element' with the Government Cheese hovercraft showing up at the windows of our itty bitty condos...and more "circus" to go along with the bread.
celtic66
1,656 posts
 
Decware from Illinois I believe was not mentioned.
scottht
398 posts
 
Rogue? Serious, do a google search on their reliability issues first. Then decide.
trelja
3,223 posts
 
Thanks much for the encouragement, guys!!!

We're definitely stoked, and are going to make a serious run at this thing. I realize I'm a born contrarian, but I believe that $995 gives us a lot of leeway to offer products that can kick some serious butt. I have to admit that with a lot of products boasting things like faceplates that cost multiples of our selling price, we aren't going to be able to offer that. However, I do pledge that our aesthetic is going to be distinct, good looking, anything but ordinary, and above all, cool. That doesn't take money, it just takes love and passion, both of which are obviously free. Make no mistake, the money's being spent on the getting things right on the inside.

The way I have always seen this thing is something akin to the AES/Cary deal. While the new line of products under the UltraViolet Audio name will be both different and different sounding, the intent is to point up towards the AtmaSphere stuff, as well as provide a path for the seriously committed, no matter their finances.

For all the enthusiasm, I do realize that in the grand scheme of things, our venture doesn't amount to much more than something akin to spitting into the ocean. But, hopefully, the tide is turning, and the grassroots mindset to turn things back to some semblance of balance is at hand.

I do want to return to the true matter of this thread. Again, I'm saying, buy the Rogue Cronus.
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