AudiogoN Forums: Integrated Tube Amplifier for First Timer?

Integrated Tube Amplifier for First Timer?

Hi gang,

Been researching, and need some final direction...Speakers are high efficiency coaxial horns....

Looking to put a toe in the water before I make a bigger investment, so which do you believe would give the best impression of tubes on a budget (under $1,500 new):

Jolida 302RC

Cayin T-50 or equivalent (There's seems to be a number of amplifers that use this Spark chassis under varying name brands)

Other similar?

I would like to keep the power at 30/wpc minimum (large room, listening tastes and habits)...

Thanks!

Seadweller (Threads | Answers | This Thread)

02-29-08

Responses (1-22 of 22)

Click title to read one, or click date to read all below it.

02-29-08: Stevecham
Don't make the mistake I made with a Jolida 302B in my first venture into tube land. There are better tubed integrateds out there. What I would purchase instead is a Rogue Cronus or CJ CAV50 (previously owned of course). These are much better choices for about the same amount of money.
Stevecham (Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

02-29-08 Research the onix sp3. 38wpc. $999 (around $500 used). Tvad

02-29-08 Consider the eastern electric m520. it has 25 wpc and is a g ... Jwmazur

02-29-08 Rogue cronus Jaybo

02-29-08 Rogue cronus - third vote... Musicslug

02-29-08 Look at these pieces, and read all the reviews: (http://www. ... Rodman99999

02-29-08 Cayin is the way to go. great sound, excellent construction ... Tiger

02-29-08 In order of preference: (1) cary sli-80, (2) rogue cronus, ( ... Portugal11

02-29-08 Try a used pathos classic, great sound, great looks. Gerrym5

02-29-08 I love my primaluna pl2. easy to deal with, great sound, ca ... Grinnell

02-29-08 There are so many items that meet this criterion, you owe it ... Kck

02-29-08 There's still a used vtl it-85 available here on audiogon. ... Mathewm

02-29-08 Thanks everyone! i guess i should have mentioned that a rem ... Seadweller

02-29-08 Any other requirements that you have? Tvad

02-29-08 I second the eastern electric m520 int amp.. i have tried an ... Pete_camp

02-29-08 Tvad - well, cd is my only source, so one input is suffici ... Seadweller

02-29-08 Vtl it 85 for about $1300 used would be my pick. no brainer ... Dennis_the_menace

03-01-08 Alot of great choices. the onix sp3 is an excellent integrat ... Ponnie

03-01-08 Soundquest sq 88 55wpc ,auto bias, very nice sounding Facten

03-01-08 You know, i'm going to start sounding like a broken record h ... Rumadian

03-01-08 Rogue cronus is a great choice! excellent quality and the c ... Cyclonicman

03-01-08 Try a prima luna dialogue one , 36 watts but large transform ... Panu21