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Tube Power Amp Recommendations around $2000

I recently ordered a pair of the new Zu Souls and am looking for recommendations for a tube power amplifier around $2000. I'm not wed to either new or used. In my digging on the 'gon in the past week, I have found and am curious about:

-Tube Audio Labs (probably the 300B)
-Jeff Korneff 45 based power amp
-Dynaco ST 70 (there is a local guy that restores them)
-Miniwatt N3 (I'd be curious to know if folks think this one stacks up against the others)
-Synthesis (mostly because there is a local dealer)
-Audion (hard to get a response from their distributor in the US)
-DIY Tube Audio

Any thoughts on these or any other suggestions?

Tim
tjnindc
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
I second the Atma-sphere S30 recommendation, Class A, Triode, and no transformers, hard to beat for tube amplification, and the Zus should thrive with OTLs (though it might be a bit above you $$$ used). I also second the Almarros. If 4 watts is enough you should also consider the Music Reference EM7s.
garyjames
48 posts
 
There is an audio note kit one for sale now with lots of upgrades that looks pretty interesting.
srosenberg's avatar
srosenberg
209 posts
 
third suggestion for atma-sphere S-30... amazing amps and a wonderful company to deal with (Ralph is awesome).
clio09
3,343 posts
 
An Atma-Sphere S-30 on a $2000 budget? Last couple of Mk3 versions (one stock, one with 3 of the 4 upgrades available) that came up used were $2800+. Not sure settling for anything less than a Mk3 or Mk3.1 version would be worth it. Agreed its a fine amp and customer support is exceptional, but the OP would need to stretch his budget and wait for one to show up used.

Music Reference RM-10 is a good bet and well under budget used these days.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
The RM10 would be a real powerhouse with these speakers, and a great amp it is, but the EM7 may be even more suitable if OP is seeking that "triode" sound and with those sensitive speakers a viable option. Anything my Music Reference is execeptionally good IMHO.
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