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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:

  • 92.5db sensitivity, 4ohm imp, dual 8" nomex woofer drivers, with air motion transformer tweeter/midrange

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 yes

 

 

 

decooney
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,638 posts
 

Viva 300B integrated amp. Very musical and beautiful.

lloydc's avatar
lloydc
778 posts
 

Rogers High Fidelity. Sound fantastic, and built to a higher standard than anything else.

polkalover
167 posts
 

I’ll throw tube integrated hybrid into the mix that’ll show up the tube amps- the musical fidelity nu-vista 800.2.  Beautiful build that makes beautiful sound

chocaholic
220 posts
 

Have been enjoying Unison Research Triode 25 for about 6 months now. 23 watts in Triode and 45 watts in Pentode. Drives my Canton Ref 7k’s (89.5db/w) beautifully with plenty of headroom even in Triode. Stunning soundstage, depth, detail and dynamics. Worth checking out and not terribly expensive. 

decooney OP
2,565 posts
 

THANKS to EVERYONE for your thoughtful and amazing replies. So glad I finally asked for feedback from the experienced group of audiophiles and engineering minds here on Audiogon. Some very cool examples shared by all of you!

Still holding on to separates for now - 

I really dont want to give up my separates, monoblocks, and other class A SS stereo amps, UNTIL there is something that moves the needle for me to actually get myself to part with my existing amps. It will be hard to do, and considering it.

Quality Transformers - 

Most inclined to follow-up on the integrated tube amplifiers with the best iron, quality transformers as many have commented here too - this is where the best sound begins. 

i.e. Watch the video of the guy at AudioNote with headphones on that does not thing but listen to transformers at the factory to pass/fail them for installs in amps.

Budget - 

While I’m NOT going to spend $20k on an MEISHU Tonmeister [yes, amazing, very nice] I’ve heard one about 5 times at a local AN dealer.  However, maybe I could find a very nice [proven reputation] tube integrated for $8k-$10k thats "good enough" is my current thinking.  Likely could be a tube integrated, hybrid tube integrated, but tubes for sure in the preamp section [at least] or full tube integrated amplifier is still on the radar. I think I'm still a tube amp guy, hard to shake it :) 

 

 

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