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Low-Powered Tube Amp for Zu Soul MkII?

I'm totally new to tube gear, but I just got a new pair of Zu Soul Mark II speakers, and I think my old solid state integrated might need to be replaced with a tube amp. I've been reading that these high-efficiency speakers really like lower-powered tube amps, and I'm wondering if anyone here has experience with them. Here are my constraints:

I have a small room.
I'd love to get something that's made in the 'ol USA.
Preferably around or below $2K.
It would be ideal if it could fit inside our existing cabinet, which is 17.5" deep (this rules out the Cronus and maybe even the Sphinx, unless I make some huger changes).

I love the look of the Rogue Cronus and maybe the Sphinx even more, and these prices are conceivable. But one of my conditions is that I need to be able to hide all this stuff, and my cabinet's too small depth-wise for some of these bigger amps, sadly.

Thanks for any suggestions!
dungan
gopher
499 posts
 
There is nothing wrong with Melody. Buy an MK88, it is *not* a stop gap, but a very good integrated and better than anything I've heard from Cary, Decware or Dynaco...

If you are sane, it actually has the potential to be your last amp.
evank's avatar
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evank
285 posts
 
I'm listening to an Almarro 318B with my Omens right now.YUMMY. I'm waiting to hear from Hugh about the Melody MK88
nhocti
44 posts
 
Evan,

I informed Zu of your interest.
Go ahead and get in touch with them.
Thanks,

Hugh
dungan OP
6 posts
 
Thanks again wise people. We've gone small and relatively frugal for the time being and bought a used Sophia Baby, which the new Souls seem to love. Super awesome. I'm not surprised that it's leaps ahead of the old Rotel integrated in every direction, but we are digging it a little more than expected. This is going to do us for a while. Will be fun to listen to things get better as the speakers/cables and some new interconnects break in.
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
Hi Dungan, There is a very recent thread on the Sophia Baby. A few owners here have even upgraded them and report excellent results. You may find that you end up keeping it longer than first anticipated. Great Amp!!! Enjoy!
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