First foray into tube amps

@treepmeyer I can't 100% offer reassurance about the Class D amp I have signed up for, as a custom build is a direct replacement for a Valve Amp.

What I can say is that a SS Power Amp I was first introduced to before COVID times and one that I have been very impressed with. Even instrumental in a group of individuals becoming owners of it, inclusive of the person having produced the Class D design, as an Amp was thought of as my last Amp used. I do project a day when the Valves will be powered off permanently.

The SS Power Amp referred to is a Neurochrome of which I have heard it produced in all available builds, inclusive of custom designs for it.

The individual visited is the designer/builder of audio items I use, and I have been invited to their home on numerous occasions to loan my ears to assist with subjectively assessing prototypes through to end design models.

I missed a few early invites due to work-life issues being demanding, and more recently a concerning health issue floored me. During convalescence, I kept an eye out for an opportunistic visit, when strength was regained, which was recently achieved.

My most recent visit was not to be introduced to something for sale, as the new amp design is a personal build. I was being social, catching up, enjoying a few tracks from an Analogue Source and sharing a Lunch together. Within all of this, a custom design Neurochrome that has been in use for a reasonable period of time was the first amp put into service. Being an Amp I know so well, I was not feeling the need to have my ears switched on and analysing; just relaxing into a few tracks was the intention.

An SS Pre that I brought along was added, and a few tracks later the verbal introduction to the Class D Amp was given, and how the circuitry was thought through as the design intent. All above my Pay Grade, but enough stated to ensure the design was intended to be more than the usual designs seen. The volume of discards alone through extreme accuracy of channel matching was what I recollect the most.

As stated, from the first few notes and vocal release, the N'chrome, even though highly impressive, was in my assessment bettered by an Amp that leaned towards my interests. A few more tracks and I was sure my already committing to have one produced was bang on as a decision.

I was in a position to ask for a home loan, but knew instinctively my own Source Items would work in with this Amp in an admirable way.

Maybe I don't need a SS Power Amp that is a like-for-like substitution off a Power Amp. That will only be proven through a home loan or when the new build done  for me arrives home.

Where I am totally confident is where I know I have been introduced to an Amp, I am compelled to own. Especially an amp that superseded other amps that made a good impression. I now know I am to receive an amp I can thoroughly enjoy as a SS Amp and an alternative to long term used Valve amp's.

I can sell an idling quad of 845's and nearly meet the new amp's BOM. A friend who has started a Business producing chassis for audio equipment that are a very attractive design has offered to produce my case for this Amp.

None of these recent encounters and new learning would have happened if I did not get out into the world of audio and spend time sharing in the work others are undertaking. None of my audio experience for the last 30 years could have been so valuable if I stayed at home with magazines and then the online side of media creation. 

The Link is a Thread I started a few years back to inform others of an opportunity to be social and introduced to different audio equipment. I don't know if the events being put on, have been maintained?

 https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/very-very-interesting-nyc-venue-and-meeting-place 

Another vote for Willsenton.  The R800i Integrated Amp is an incredible value -- hand built, point to point wiring, for around $2,500.  Can compete with amps 3 times its price.

Another fine amp is the Reisong A50 MKIII -- a 300B amp for under $1,000 and the Willsenton R300..

The problem you may face is the low sensitivity of your speakers.  These amps are low watts and really shine with higher sensitivity speakers.  But, they may work for you.  One of my tube systems (I have 4) uses a Reisong A10 which is only 6 watts a channel, but it makes my Polk Audio Monitor 10’s sound incredible.  I never have the volume over the 12 o’clock position. 

Good luck on your Tube Journey -- I love them.

My foray into tube amps started in the late 1980’s with an Audio Research D-90B.  It was a wonderful amp, but not as clean sounding as the more recent versions.  Over the years I owned 6 or 7 different Audio Research power amps, most recently the Reference 75.  I have never had a problem with any of the Audio Research gear I owned, including pre amps and phono amps.  The Reference 75 was clean sounding across the sound spectrum.  It would remiss of me not to suggest researching their amps.  And, if I recall, all of them had been loved by a previous owner.  In my experience, they make great equipment.

@pindac Wow! And I thought I was about to go down a rabbit hole!

Other candidates on USAudioMart:

• Unison Unico 90 Hybrid for $3200
• VTL Deluxe 300 monoblocs for $3000
• Line Magnetic LM150A for $2995.

That's the used market.  I haven't spoken to Aric at Aric Audio yet. 

So those are my real-world choices at this time.  I'd appreciate any comments on prioritizing this list.  Thanks.  Again, this thread has been immensely helpful. 

Of your list of used candidates, I would select the A40.  That is a warm sounding amp that is also a very lively and vivid integrated amp that also has a good built-in DAC.  I do not know of a better bargain in tube amps.  I own a custom linestage and power amp combination that I can sell used for around $100k.  While the A40 is not that good, I could easily live with the A40 instead if I had to; it is that good.