Best Tube Amp under 5K


I'm in the market for a tube amp to drive a pair of B&W DM-640i's, matched with an Acurus ACT-3 pre/pro. The main application will be listening to acoustic jazz in 2 channel. I heard the Rouge Audio 120 monoblocks and for around $2,700 was very impressed. Would the new Rogues be a better value than a used Audio Research? Or should I consider other alternatives?
herbl4

Showing 1 response by upscaleaudio

and because of the tube upgrade it has it may be more appropriate for that B&W because it will have a slightly relaxed top end. The ARC is also a fine amp as someone else pointed out but when it's time to re-tube it's not a walk in the park.

The Sonic Frontiers, and BAT that someone else pointed out, are very user friendly.

Also...read the review of the Cary V12 in this months Stereophile. That is like having a few amps in one because you can at the flip of a swith change the way the amp operates.

Full triode, 1/3 triode 2/3 ultralinear, 2/3 triode 1/3 ultralinear, or full ultralinear.

If I could have three girlfriends to pick from any given night that may be a fun thing.

>disclaimer< This is not at the expense of my beautiful 100% Italian rolling pin wielding wife.