To Tube or not to Tube, that is the question


I've been building a collection of hifi equipment with an ear to sampling the major families of tech and their characteristic sounds. One thing I don't have is a tube amp, unless you count my Rogue Sphinx. I like DIY if the final product is of good quality and design. I'm not averse to used either. Budget range is $1000-2000.

Can anyone suggest a tube amp, either power or integrated that would bring a nice sound flavor to my sandbox and not break the bank. OR do you think the Sphinx and the Pass amps pretty well serve up most of what is to be had in terms of tubey goodness and maybe this is not a worthwhile venture?

Here is what I have got in the way of speakers to play with:

KEF LS50

Tangent RS4

Klipsch RP-160

DIY Lii F6/Caintuck

DIY Lii F15 (under construction)

AR 2ax

 

And here is the current line up of amps:
Rogue Sphinx     
ClassD Audio Mini Gan 5    
DIY Firstwatt F6    
DIY Pass ACA (2)    
Onkyo TX-6000 Receiver    

Thanks in advance for your opinion.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Ag insider logo xs@2xbruce19

If you love music and sound definitely experience a true tube amplifier.  A lightly used rogue audio cronus magnum ii should easily be in your range.  

the sound will surpass any current amp you have, the cm sound amazing and have plenty of power, dynamics and authority for your speakers.

you will hear an open, clear dynamic sound.  the sound stage will be large in all directions.  it will be an atmospheric sound, pure in tone and tambre and highly refined and smooth.  vocals and instruments will sound natural and catch your interest, they will seem to float in space.  you need to hear it.  good luck!

I've been quite pleased with my LSA VT-70 from Underwood HiFi, an online retailer. 35 watts/channel with EL34 output tubes (and it will also accept 6550 or KT88 outputs.) They are currently $1,300 plus shipping. 

To tell you the truth, your Sphinx is getting you 99% there. Tube gear takes a few more bucks to own and operate and you'll need some really nice tube friendly loudspeakers to go with the tube amps. My favorite tube set-ups featured Triangle floorstanding loudspeakers.

Great recommendations above. 

I agree that you should look at China Hifi.  Just be sure to watch the voltage specified with the amp. If you're in North America, you'll want 115/120v.  

I've owned and built all sorts of tube amps.  Willsenton and Doge are amazing amps regardless of the price/country of manufacture.  

 

What tubes are you using in the Sphinx. It makes a difference. I am using a Sphinx v3 as a preamp with NOS Brimar 12au7's with an Orchard Audio GaN FeT amp and the sound is exceptional.