Sweetest SET Amp below $5k

Thanks Alan and Bbro. I'll take a look at the units mentioned.

Any others worth considering?

Disclosure: I'm a dealer for Cayin and Opera loudspeakers.

Unless your room is big (25 x 30, or more etc.), I would recommend against using sub with the Quintas. Natural and smooth sounding as they are, with bass extension down to 30hz, you do not need to use subwoofer especially your main interest is vocal reproduction.

We pair Cayin A-88T integrated amplifier with the Quintas and they are matched made in heaven in my opinion. We even use the A-88T with our Tebaldis speakers with more than satisfying result! And yes, you can use your preamp to drive the Cayin as well (it has Pre-in input). The A-88T offers 22wpc in triode mode and 45wpc in ultralinear mode. You can switch them on the fly during play. Price is $2100 retail. It popped up for sale used on Audiogon every now and then so try them.

Deja Vu is a high end stereo shop outside DC in McLean VA. It's run by Vu Hoang, who's an interesting guy. They both build their own tube amps as well as sell Audio Note/Kondo, etc. Their sound is generally similar to the Audio Note, if you like that (or want to get a sense of Vu's sound). A highly addictive store--everytime I go in, my wallet seems to open up of its own accord. I personally like the sound (and plan on getting Vu's mono blocs once I save up).

Thanks Audiomax. The problem is that the room isn't fully enclosed; it leads into other rooms all over the house as well as the upper floor (no ceiling). I tried the Quintas in the room without the subs and didn't like what I heard. The mid bass seemed a bit pronounced and loose and did not have extension into the 20-40Hz octave. Using the subs and a Tact room correction preamp completely resolves the bass issues, plus it takes the responsibility of bass production away from the main amps allowing potential lower power units. I've heard that Cayin makes good products, but am more interested in a SET amp. Thanks.

Audio Mirror.. Nothing like them.. Nothing with the finish and parts quality, not to mention the tubes are cheap compared to other models with better sound and are much more durable.. using the same tubes as Atmas-phere amps.