I would second or third the ARC recommendations. The CA-50 is an excellent integrated, but is bettered by the VT-50 in every regard, at the expense of needing a preamp. The advantage of the VT-50 over the VT-100 is that it only has half the tubes. But either way, you can't go wrong. The BAT gear is excellent as well; consider adding the VK-60 to your short list. IMO, BAT is "darker" sounding than ARC; not a bad thing necessarily, depends on the tendencies of your system as to which you will prefer.
Help picking first amp....
Hey everyone I'm new to the world of home audio and would like to put a system together. So far I've assebled a few parts (CAL CL15 cd player, Tyler Acoustic Ref Monitors, Acme Cryo socket, SignalCable shotguns) and am now looking at an amp to run directly from the cd player.
I've made a short list here goes:
Rogue 88 Magnum (1250$)
BAT VK200 (1300$)
Audio Research VT100 mk1(1500$)
CJ 11A (1750$) (a stretch in the $$ area!)
For a variety of reasons I don't think I'll be able to demo all of these units, and probably none in my home environment...so I'm asking for some advice from the good people of audiogon.
Quick questions
1) what are the costs associated with retubing each of these different amps? since I'm buying used this will factor in, I'm assuming some of them will cost much more than others?!
2) have you a/b'ed any in the list against better?
3) would I be better of dividing my alloted money and getting a amp/pre? or just an integrated?
4) any suggestions on my hunt?
Finally, this will be going into a smaller room, probably around 12x14ish with regular ceilings. I listen to a large variety of music jazz, classical, r&b and a good amount of guitar and piano.
I'm looking to get as palpable a sound as possible, I'm not sure if this is called "air?" where you can just about see the musicians...(perhaps this is all to much to ask at this price range and with my associated gear!)
I've made a short list here goes:
Rogue 88 Magnum (1250$)
BAT VK200 (1300$)
Audio Research VT100 mk1(1500$)
CJ 11A (1750$) (a stretch in the $$ area!)
For a variety of reasons I don't think I'll be able to demo all of these units, and probably none in my home environment...so I'm asking for some advice from the good people of audiogon.
Quick questions
1) what are the costs associated with retubing each of these different amps? since I'm buying used this will factor in, I'm assuming some of them will cost much more than others?!
2) have you a/b'ed any in the list against better?
3) would I be better of dividing my alloted money and getting a amp/pre? or just an integrated?
4) any suggestions on my hunt?
Finally, this will be going into a smaller room, probably around 12x14ish with regular ceilings. I listen to a large variety of music jazz, classical, r&b and a good amount of guitar and piano.
I'm looking to get as palpable a sound as possible, I'm not sure if this is called "air?" where you can just about see the musicians...(perhaps this is all to much to ask at this price range and with my associated gear!)