There is a refurbished Scott integrated amplifier that looks very, very nice; price is nice at 350. They get thumbs up for good sound. It will only appreciate over time probably
Budget tube amps and integrateds?
I'm looking to get back into tubes again for a second, music only system. The room is small to medium in size (12x14x7.5). Listening will be low to medium output, it is an office, the room is very quiet.
My source will either be PC-based music server with external DAC (no final choices on the DAC yet), or Meridian 586.2 (I'm leaning towards the PC-based setup right now). Speakers are a bit up in the air, current choices are Aerial 7b, 7, and 5, Totem Rainmaker, Linn Ninka or Kan (current), or a pair that I am thinking about building (been doing some research lately)
I have some experience with previous tubes systems, BAT VK-5i/VK-60, Jolida hybrid, and older Marantz separates. I have loved them all, especially the BAT.
I don't want to spend a lot, this is going to be a broad swipe, but probably $500-1200 range, maybe up to $1500 for the right unit.
I've notice a few new brands that are inexpensive (Sophia EL-34 or the Baby, Cayin TA-30, Consonance), as well as many great existing (Conrad Johnson, Jolida, Cary, ASL, Graaf, Audio Research, Pathos, Audio Note, Copland).
Features that might be nice would be a volume pot, auto-biasing, and source selection (in that order).
Does have any experience or input to help direct me in making a better, more informed decision.
Thanks for the help, Todd
My source will either be PC-based music server with external DAC (no final choices on the DAC yet), or Meridian 586.2 (I'm leaning towards the PC-based setup right now). Speakers are a bit up in the air, current choices are Aerial 7b, 7, and 5, Totem Rainmaker, Linn Ninka or Kan (current), or a pair that I am thinking about building (been doing some research lately)
I have some experience with previous tubes systems, BAT VK-5i/VK-60, Jolida hybrid, and older Marantz separates. I have loved them all, especially the BAT.
I don't want to spend a lot, this is going to be a broad swipe, but probably $500-1200 range, maybe up to $1500 for the right unit.
I've notice a few new brands that are inexpensive (Sophia EL-34 or the Baby, Cayin TA-30, Consonance), as well as many great existing (Conrad Johnson, Jolida, Cary, ASL, Graaf, Audio Research, Pathos, Audio Note, Copland).
Features that might be nice would be a volume pot, auto-biasing, and source selection (in that order).
Does have any experience or input to help direct me in making a better, more informed decision.
Thanks for the help, Todd