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First foray into tube amps

I just read the thread on McIntosh and it has prompted me to start this thread.  I would like to try a tube power amp, but I have no experience with tubes.  For now, at least, I am pretty well settled on the rest of my system: Stirling LS3/6 speakers with dual SVS 3000 micro subs, Node 130 streamer with PD Creative/LHY power and English Eight switch, Bacch4Mac crosstalk elimination and DSP, RME Fireface dac/interconnect.  I’ll be replacing a Peachtree Gan1.  The room is 23x16x8 and is well treated.  I listen at low to moderate volumes, lots of vocals, blues, Argentine Tango, some classic rock.  I love that BBC mid-range magic, and think I want a little more warmth than I have now - but without giving up any precision or detail.  I find very analytical high end reproduction to be unpleasant, though.  On the low end, I dislike mushiness.  I really like bass details without slam - think of Holly Cole’s Train Song listening to those bass transients tail off.

So, I think that some tube amps might fit the bill and are within budget (say $5,000).  Here is my provisional short list: McIntosh MC275 MK6, Conrad Johnson MV60SE, Quicksilver Mid-Monos or 88 Monos, PrimaLuna Evo 300 or 400.  There are many others, and I’d welcome suggestions. I can’t tell if these or some other amp would likely have better synergy with my speakers/room/music preferences.  I realize that I may need to try several amps to find which one sounds best to me - but where to start?  Many thanks.

treepmeyer
allenf1963
476 posts
 

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.

 

 

gamajar
4 posts
 

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.

treepmeyer OP
167 posts
 

@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. 

larryi
4,574 posts
 

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.

kennyc
2,871 posts
 

@treepmeyer - another option is to get more efficient speakers so can run lower watt tube amps - might be less expensive than trying and rolling higher powered amps. I have both - a medium powered SS system driving 87db speakers, and a second system with100db speakers to discover tube midrange magic starting with flea watt SET amps. 

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