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Best Tube Amp under 10K?

Having every audio dealer in town recommend their line as "the best unless you want to spend $25K" and buy a ..." is frustrating. Well, like most of us, I can't spend $25K on amps ... but I am curious to know what others consider their "final" amp upgrade under $10K. My listening tastes are wide ranging but will mostly include SACD jazz and classical. I do not have a turntable ... yet. And I ususally play at low to moderate volumes only (the wife factor)-- speakers are reasonably efficient 91DB KEF Ref 4's that I hope to upgrade.
lornecherry
pinkus
144 posts
 
You can usually pick one up for less than 10K, used. Once you get used to it, there is no going back.
pinkus
144 posts
 
That is what I meant to say above.
sorlowski
236 posts
 
VAC Phi 110/110 and Lamm of course used IMHO are beyond competition in $10.000 price range.
Opinion based on HE2001-HE2005.
triode
263 posts
 
I second Sorlowski - I picked up a pair of Lamm ML2s for just over $10K last year...best electronic component I've ever heard.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
A used CAT JL2 will be hard to beat IMHO. See Soundstage's review comparing it to the ARC Ref 110 and Atmasphere MA1s. I decribe it is SET midrange with Krell bass. A delicate beast that can drive most anything. Does run hot though with 16 (6550s) in Class A, Triode.
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