thanks for the suggestions. you actually inspired me to cast my net a little wider. i also considered the almarro a318a, but I've seen dicussions here that it sounded a little dry with the Abbys. I ended up going the safe route - i.e. with an 845-based integrated unit: a dared VP-845. It's new and more than i wanted to spend, but the sound of that big triode really got to me. thanks again.
CAIN ABBY OWNERS - AMP ADVICE PLEASE
Looking to get into integrated SET with my Abbys, but on a PP budget. I actually aquired an very inexpensive off-brand 845 integrated that sounded amazing until it blew a transformer after a few hours of play (!). I loved the richness of the SET sound and the fat-mids of the 845 tube (while it was working!).
That said, could I find that same sound with a less powerful tube, say the 2a3? These tend to be a lot less expensive that the 845-based models and I can probably find a more established brand.
I don't much power with the Abbys. However, I do listen to many different kinds of music including rock and was kind of wowed by the punchy mids from the 845s.
My budget is somewhere between $700-$1000.
Could you share your amp experiences please?
That said, could I find that same sound with a less powerful tube, say the 2a3? These tend to be a lot less expensive that the 845-based models and I can probably find a more established brand.
I don't much power with the Abbys. However, I do listen to many different kinds of music including rock and was kind of wowed by the punchy mids from the 845s.
My budget is somewhere between $700-$1000.
Could you share your amp experiences please?