Name your favorite Integrated Tube Amplifier & why?
ASK:
If interested, and something comes to mind - Please feel free to reply and name your favorite Integrated Tube amplifier & why?
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Thought it might be fun to post the question to Agon members. Maybe the one I missed comes to mind for you. I'm a former owner of a modded Cary SLI-80 Signature too, might need just a little more current/grunt this next time around :)
Yes, I DID carefully look over many prior threads and felt it necessary to post a new thread. Nothing stated moved the needle much for me, so trying a new post in 2026.
Speakers:
Background:
Regretfully I'm considering the journey of selling and collapsing two full sets of my last favorite separates systems (preamps, and amps) back to a single integrated amplifier for space, consolidation, room changes.
Thanks in advance for your consideration and replies. Happy New Years 
Cayin was surprisingly good sounding. Just picked up a Jazz 90 with KT88s. Sounded great as is. Even better with 4 VCap ODAMs and a set of PSVane Summits. Also trying out a Cary SLI-80HS and CAD-300SEI thanks to a good used deal from TMR. I would have to put Cary on the next level up sonically. Very musical amps. |
I recently picked up a used Pathos InPol integrated amp that I'm using in my den system. It's very musical, and I think that I like it a bit better than the Primaluna preamp and Primaluna monoblock power amps in my main system. I got a Nordost Odin power cord to go with it. I'm thinking of getting Focal Diablo Utopias to go with it. This Pathos is about 85 lbs. so it's much easier to move than the large Pathos integrated amps, which weigh up to 309 lbs. |
Apologize, I should have stated this in my first post. Thanks for the helpful note. I DO run dual 12" Scanspeak forward firing powered custom subwoofers under the custom mains. Output volume is low, only used for mild bottom end reinforcement. IRON: Yes, as @avanti1960 mentioned, high quality transformers would be nice. . |
The Audio Research i/50 would be my top choice: 50W push-pull 6550 power tubes x4 (2 per channel), DAC and phono preamp modules, remote. Lovely sound. I might also list the Willsenton R8, which offers tremendous value for money: 45W with KT88s,also selectable for EL-34s for about 24W. Mine is no longer stock spec with a few internal mods and tube-rolling mods, I use it with a Denefrips Enyo R-to-R DAC, remote. It handles bookshelf speakers of modest sensitivity with ease.
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Ayon spirit 3 or latest model ,it has its own microprocessor that accurately adjusts all power tubes for wear ,not just average the Ma reading, when a tube goes out a red led comes on ,you replace tube ,and hit recalibrate button, also the case not cheap sheet metal that vibrates but solid machined aluminum , partts quality very high MUNDORF capacitors,1% resistors and many other much higher quality parts to the design , a little more expensive then say cheaper Chinese made prima luna , Ayon all made in EUROPE AND THE MOST IMPORTANT THING on ANY TUBE PRODUCT the Transformers,and Chokes, which AYON USES WORLD CLASS Lundahl from Sweden. |
