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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
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 :) 

 

 

wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
1,476 posts
 

@decooney With yah; love those glowing tubes. 24/7/365&1/4. I’m in No. Cal if you want to try my integrated. 

decooney OP
2,565 posts
 

Thanks @wsrrsw appreciate the offer :) I'm hoping to come up with something that  causes enough curiosity and interest to start listing all of my preamp/amp separates I have now.  Cant seem to get myself to do it yet.  Definitely keeping and eye out for the right integrated tube amp over the winter I guess.   

elliottbnewcombjr
7,729 posts
 

OP, where do you live?

wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
1,476 posts
 

 

@decooney  Denada. 

Rogers High Fidelity will let you try his with an In-Home Trial. The "new" used one on ebay in is what I mean. You can call ’em on the telly. I had my one modified to use KT170"s. Yum yum.

That begs the question of what else can yah try before yah buy? As I already mentioned Accuphase would be another. 

BAT (Balanced Audio Technology) is another but I don’t know how many watts you may need? 

The bigger Pathos Hybrids look to be all that too but I have never heard one. 

Aries Cerat Genus Integrated would be my A#1 choice but that would cause trouble with the misses and maybe my lower back too.  

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