AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Tube-o-phile Circle => Topic started by: TKonrad.NOLA on 28 Feb 2023, 03:00 am

Title: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: TKonrad.NOLA on 28 Feb 2023, 03:00 am
Looking to buy a tube integrated amp  that is built in the USA.  Would love a Decware but not willing to put up with that wait. Who should I consider.  I know of the following:

McIntosh
Cary
Rogue Audio
Decware
Audio Research
Raven Audio

Are there others I should be considering?
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: musicdre on 28 Feb 2023, 03:07 am
Linear Tube Audio aka LTA
Balanced Audio Technology aka BAT
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: JCarney on 28 Feb 2023, 03:17 am
Manley makes at least one integrated, Quicksilver Audio and Bottlehead both have integrated offerings.

JCarney
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: FullRangeMan on 28 Feb 2023, 03:33 am
Looking to buy a tube integrated amp  that is built in the USA.  Would love a Decware but not willing to put up with that wait. Who should I consider.  I know of the following:

McIntosh
Cary
Rogue Audio
Decware
Audio Research
Raven Audio

Are there others I should be considering?
Forget this famous brands, they are expensive for what they offer and are freezed products, with minimal or none options to you choose, instead try order a Custom amp with Dennis Had, Cary Audio founder.

His amps run a plethora of power tubes with the big tone 6SN7 tube and have just a few things to modify be OK, to namely:
1) A larger chassis to facilitate maintenance and decrease self noise.
2) Hard wiring(no stranded wire) with conventional lead solder, no Euro Rohs compliant solder.
3) Bigger transformers, mainly power and OPTs.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: WGH on 28 Feb 2023, 04:38 am
Don Sachs Valhalla
http://www.dsachsconsulting.com/ (http://www.dsachsconsulting.com/)
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: TKonrad.NOLA on 28 Feb 2023, 04:52 am
Forget this famous brands, they are expensive for what they offer and are freezed products, with minimal or none options to you choose, instead try order a Custom amp with Dennis Had, Cary Audio founder.

His amps run a plethora of power tubes with the big tone 6SN7 tube and have just a few things to modify be OK, to namely:
1) A larger chassis to facilitate maintenance and decrease self noise.
2) Hard wiring(no stranded wire) with conventional lead solder, no Euro Rohs compliant solder.
3) Bigger transformers, mainly power and OPTs.

Is here a webpage?  Do I just google Dennis Had?
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: FullRangeMan on 28 Feb 2023, 04:57 am
Is here a webpage?  Do I just google Dennis Had?
Dennis dont have a site, he sells at Ebay as Radioman731, contact him via Ebay:
https://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=&_ssn=radioman731
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: TKonrad.NOLA on 28 Feb 2023, 05:16 am
Dennis dont have a site, he sells at Ebay as Radioman731, contact him via Ebay:
https://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=&_ssn=radioman731

Thank you.  I just sent him a message
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: jcn3 on 28 Feb 2023, 02:41 pm
Looking to buy a tube integrated amp  that is built in the USA.  Would love a Decware but not willing to put up with that wait. Who should I consider.  I know of the following:

McIntosh
Cary
Rogue Audio
Decware
Audio Research
Raven Audio

Are there others I should be considering?

I would add the Quicksilver Integrated to your list.  Quicksilver has been quietly making excellent products at incredibly reasonable prices for a long time.  Made is the USA, too.

http://quicksilveraudio.com/products/integrated-amplifier/

(Ooops -- this was mentioned above.  However it's worth repeating.)
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: Don_S on 28 Feb 2023, 03:30 pm
VAC (Valve Amplification Company) Made in Florida.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: Doublej on 28 Feb 2023, 03:50 pm
Add VTL to the list
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: mresseguie on 28 Feb 2023, 03:55 pm
Made in America:

Aric Audio  https://aricaudio.com/

Radu Tarta  https://simplepleasuretubeamps.com/about/

Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: GeneS on 28 Feb 2023, 03:58 pm
I’ll add Rogers Fidelity, made in New Jersey.
https://rogershighfidelity.com/
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: Major Dolphin on 28 Feb 2023, 04:59 pm
Rogers amplifiers were previously made in New York but now are made in North Adams, Massachusetts
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: musicdre on 28 Feb 2023, 08:23 pm
saw a decware pop up on usam today.  no affiliation.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: Delta77 on 28 Feb 2023, 09:28 pm
Made in America:

Aric Audio  https://aricaudio.com/

Radu Tarta  https://simplepleasuretubeamps.com/about/

I own a Decware "Mystery Amp", and I own a Aric Audio "Super 300b SET", and I own a Odyssey audio SS amp.

I like to rotate them all.
They all have their own sound signature.

The SS amp gets used the least, the only advantage the SS amp has over the others is more Power, yes it does get slightly louder, but doesn't sound as holografic as the tube amps, nore as sweet and easy on the ears.

The Decware amp is gives a very nice holografic image, and when I use the EL34's tubes the sound is easy on the ears.

The Aric audio amp, gives a slighty nicer presentation than the Decware, and is just as powerful as the Deware amp.

Because Deware has such a long wait list, I recomend you give Aric a call and disribe your system, and budget with him and let him recomend an amp that will fit your needs.

I have been interested in an amp made by Radu Tarta, but have not yet worked with him.

1 caveat I would like to mention is that I use a Decware "ZROCK2" (Bass restorer) in front of all of those amps mentioned, which adds a bit of bass, wieght, and dimension to the presentation.

If you run a SS amp Aric also make EXCELLENT preamps, to go in front of your SS amp.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: RPM123 on 28 Feb 2023, 09:41 pm
Modwright
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: newzooreview on 28 Feb 2023, 09:51 pm
OMA makes the GM70 Integrated Amplifier, the "Hollander".

https://oswaldsmillaudio.com/hollander


(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=250546)
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: doorman on 28 Feb 2023, 10:47 pm
www.transcendentsound.com
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: WGH on 28 Feb 2023, 10:56 pm
If you build it yourself then it is "Made in America."

ANK Audio Kits (Audio Note Kits)
https://ankaudiokits.com/ (https://ankaudiokits.com/)

300B integrated; EL34 integrated; EL84 integrated
Kasaii electrolytics, nonmagnetic and tantalum resistors, copper film and Mundorf capacitors, white  teflon valve bases and Quad C core transformers
I would guess that all the integrated amps mentioned source their parts worldwide just like ANK.

A friend built the ANK EL34 stereo amp and it sounds great driving the Falcon LS3/5a, now I understand why audiophiles love the different variations of the LS3/5a's.

The source for the ANK EL34 was the ANK 5.1 Signature DAC. The sound was sublime.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: Dieterle Tool on 28 Feb 2023, 11:45 pm
Great string. Although aware of Rogers, I have never investigated their products or had a chance to hear them. They look solid. Thank you Doorman for the Transcendent recommendation, this company has escaped me yet I love to dwell in the kit world.

I recently discovered Ampsandsound at the Florida Expo. They focus mostly on mono's but do offer a integrated called the Kenzie. I think they're California based.

-Dieter
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: FullRangeMan on 1 Mar 2023, 02:10 am
Thank you.  I just sent him a message
Nice, keep us posted on this.
The multi tube amp was named Inspire Fire Bottle.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51693531529_98df9704c6_w.jpg)
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: Kw6 on 4 Mar 2023, 03:18 pm
If you build it yourself then it is "Made in America."

ANK Audio Kits (Audio Note Kits)
https://ankaudiokits.com/ (https://ankaudiokits.com/)

300B integrated; EL34 integrated; EL84 integrated
Kasaii electrolytics, nonmagnetic and tantalum resistors, copper film and Mundorf capacitors, white  teflon valve bases and Quad C core transformers
I would guess that all the integrated amps mentioned source their parts worldwide just like ANK.

A friend built the ANK EL34 stereo amp and it sounds great driving the Falcon LS3/5a, now I understand why audiophiles love the different variations of the LS3/5a's.

The source for the ANK EL34 was the ANK 5.1 Signature DAC. The sound was sublime.

How would you describe the ANK house sound. Recent review of AN Meishu Tonemeister said it doesn't do air. Would you agree?
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: Jarbs on 4 Mar 2023, 04:22 pm
I’ll second the VAC recommendation. We have a 170iq Signature with phono in a second system. It can drive speakers of normal load well with 85watts/ch. The SQ is good enough for very expensive systems. The phono section is pretty good too. The VAC 200iq Signature does well as a stand alone amp. The 170iq Sig. is almost as good. It’s a great all-a rounder. The Signature has upgraded signal capacitors compared to the standard version. I think this is a special order. Lively, dynamic, detailed, and rich with harmonics. It’s not inexpensive, but compared to its $150k big brother I suppose it is.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: newzooreview on 4 Mar 2023, 04:52 pm
Just an aside, and I'm sure VAC makes excellent amps, but when I go to their website I hit a dead end. A lot of US audio manufacturer's sites are like this.

A simple website with lists of products in a few categories. Each product has a description, typically missing key technical specifications. There is a blog or news section that was last updated in 2017. And there is no pricing information. In the case of VAC, the "Purchase" button at the top leads to a sprawling list of US dealers. The nearest one to me is a day's drive away, and when I go to their website they list the brands that they carry. They do not list VAC. And when you click on a brand that the dealer carries you go back to the manufacturer's website.

Sure, I can e-mail or call someone begging for information, but why be so hostile to potential customers?

I know this is tangential, but it applies to more than one of the US manufacturers in the list here.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: Don_S on 4 Mar 2023, 05:41 pm
Just an aside, and I'm sure VAC makes excellent amps, but when I go to their website I hit a dead end. A lot of US audio manufacturer's sites are like this.

A simple website with lists of products in a few categories. Each product has a description, typically missing key technical specifications. There is a blog or news section that was last updated in 2017. And there is no pricing information. In the case of VAC, the "Purchase" button at the top leads to a sprawling list of US dealers. The nearest one to me is a day's drive away, and when I go to their website they list the brands that they carry. They do not list VAC. And when you click on a brand that the dealer carries you go back to the manufacturer's website.

Sure, I can e-mail or call someone begging for information, but why be so hostile to potential customers?

I know this is tangential, but it applies to more than one of the US manufacturers in the list here.

Do not dismiss a brand because you do not like the website or there is no local dealer. I doubt most of the brands listed above have a dealer local to many of us. I know it is frustrating trying to make the right decision on an expensive product.

I do not purchase based on listed specifications. There is a lot of other information available on the internet like what products work well together. Some brands are consistently in rooms rated "best of show". The best products become widely known, others, not so much.

Strange that you should dis the VAC website while recommending a particularly poor website. I did like the pictures. But otherwise it was just like what you complained about. No details and no prices or how/where to buy locally. https://oswaldsmillaudio.com/hollander
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: newzooreview on 4 Mar 2023, 06:09 pm
I don't dismiss brands based on their websites, but a lot of people do so on a regular basis. Don't shoot the messenger.

I agree, the Oswald Mill Audio site is equally guilty. Obviously I posted their URL as data when adding them to the list. I did not say "check out the best audio site on the web." But you know that.

Regarding listed specifications, it is very helpful to know whether an amp can handle a 2 Ohm load, for example. The specifications don't tell me how it will sound, but they can flag issues that might make the equipment a mismatch to my system or at least prompt me to ask the right questions so I don't buy something that wastes my time and the manufacturers time in handling a return.

In the end, a badly designed manufacturer's site is often a good indication of how they might treat you as a customer. It often indicates that they are thinking of what is convenient to them without looking to meet their customers halfway and consider their interests. Some companies make up for it, so the site doesn't suggest dismissing them outright, but it definitely starts things off on a poor footing.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: Jarbs on 4 Mar 2023, 06:25 pm
Agreed, many manufacturer’s websites, not just in the US, do not give pricing. Can’t even tell the difference between their top of line and lower end offerings. Which is better - Elite, Signature, or Statement, lol. Hyperbole says they are all the best :roll: But if they don’t do direct sales, they defer to their dealers. Contacting dealers directly is a crap shoot. Without revealing yourself, they won’t say much. Sometimes I just don’t want to do that.

Usually I look for reviews, where the basics are revealed. List price is only part of the battle. What are the street prices? This ranges between full price for high demand items to 40% off (rare). How many buyers want to reveal they got 40% off? This can cover their loses if they decide to sell.

The Vac-Amps website does have a pull-down for technical specifications. I bought my first new VAC amp 30 years ago from a dealer. A demo verses others sold me. The other 4 were not via this route. I’m not physically near any dealers now. But I did visit VAC in Sarasota once. Met Kevin and Brent. A solid group of people. This matters.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: newzooreview on 4 Mar 2023, 06:51 pm
I've only ever heard good things about VAC. And I apologize, this thread is about listing out options for people. Making "an aside" is really not good practice in a thread.

I don't know if Van Alstine has been suggested earlier. They do not make a tube amp at present, but they have made a large number of tube and tube hybrid amps and are still going strong (and obviously are here on Audiocircle). Their recent tube amps (even if not in the current lineup) could be a consideration for folks.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: Don_S on 4 Mar 2023, 07:30 pm
newzooreview,

Your comments on lack of information are valid. I did not mean to dismiss them, only point out it is common. And even when specs are listed they too often do not tell how the amplifiers will work with different impedance's. That is where I rely on online audio buddies to help. You made an excellent point. Power output at 8 and 4 ohms is inadequate information.

I once had my Quads fry an NAD as soon as they were connected and turned on. :duh: A different NAD made the ribbons on my Apogees dance wildly. I cut the input signal as fast as I could. :o I wish I had known in advance. This was before there was a lot of information available via online forums. My dealer for both products did not know in advance either.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: newzooreview on 4 Mar 2023, 07:42 pm
Thanks.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: FullRangeMan on 4 Mar 2023, 07:54 pm
+1 on Oswald Mill they do a nice GM70 amp obviously expensive.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: Jarbs on 4 Mar 2023, 08:51 pm
The OP’s question can only be regarded as academic as there is no context. Until you know the speakers at a minimum it’s just throwing names around.

I build systems source first. I wouldn’t want revealing speakers and amp if the source isn’t up to he task. Do you need the Liz Taylor lens or not, lol. An old Dynaco ST 70 can make a budget cd player sound pretty. An LTA Ultralinear will make a cheap cd player sound like itself. The same ST70 will make an expensive dac sound like a cheap cd player, the LTA will let the expensive dac sound like itself.

Then, will the amp drive the speakers. Sometimes an afterthought, sometimes not. The VAC 170iq has a high output impedance through either the 4 ohm or 8 ohm tap. (The 200iq is much better with low impedance). The low end response will depend on speaker interaction. It works beautifully with either of our Daedalus speakers.  If you have speakers that are a difficult, low impedance load, look elsewhere. Most SET won’t work either.

Nobody said this hobby was easy (or cheap).
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: Don_S on 4 Mar 2023, 09:03 pm
No budget was mentioned either but I am OK with academic. Threads pose value to others besides the OP.  :popcorn:
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: WGH on 4 Mar 2023, 09:21 pm
How would you describe the ANK house sound. Recent review of AN Meishu Tonemeister said it doesn't do air. Would you agree?

I don't know if the ANK does air but it does make music. One system I heard has the ANK 5.1 Signature DAC, rebuilt Quicksilver KT88 mono-block amps and Nola KO speakers. The preamp is all tube too but don't remember the brand, maybe a rebuilt conrad-johnson. Nothing in this system is known for making air but it is a system that can be enjoyed for hours.

The second system with the ANK EL34 stereo amp and ANK 5.1 Signature DAC has the Falcon LS3/5a and also Magnapan 1.7i speakers. We spent most of the afternoon using the FirstWatt amp and unfortunately we ran out of time to give the EL34 amp a good workout. We were also streaming from Tidal, which is OK but forget about air which is why I dropped it.

We did listen to the Sara Bareilles - Brave Enough: Live at the Variety Playhouse cut "Come Round Soon" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0TRDLrGHGs) at live levels and nothing was missing, the systems owner said "Wow!" The sound was very close to my Salk HT2-TL speakers with Seas and RAAL drivers and 225w/channel. Get the album, the youtube video is a pale imitation of the clarity and dynamic range.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/24/Brave_Enough%2C_Live_at_the_Variety_Playhouse.jpeg)

Both systems have REL subs so bass was excellent, don't know what ANK bass is like by itself but anyone who spends for an ANK should get a REL sub too.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: TKonrad.NOLA on 5 Mar 2023, 03:37 am
How would you describe the ANK house sound. Recent review of AN Meishu Tonemeister said it doesn't do air. Would you agree?

so far, no response from him.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: mresseguie on 5 Mar 2023, 05:28 am
I remembered another US manufacturer:

Erhard Audio

https://www.erhard-audio.com/Basie.html
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: Kw6 on 5 Mar 2023, 05:51 am
Ok thanks WGH! Thanks for sharing that story! I will check out that recording. My recommendation is try to stream the new album by Jeremy Olivier and listen to the song Message in a Bottle!

Basically I want it to sound close to the real thing! I think ANK is great value for what you get. I have been in contact with them. But I got wind of New Audio Frontiers 2a3 integrated which has peaked my interest! Haha
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: FullRangeMan on 5 Mar 2023, 05:55 am
I remembered another US manufacturer:

Erhard Audio

https://www.erhard-audio.com/Basie.html
This is a PushPull full PCB amp + SolidState rectification>
For this cheap construction it could be more affordable than $2700.
However the OPTs are nice Lundalh C core, much better than Decware mini EI put under side chassis.
Standard  $2,695.00
+ remote volume  +$125.00
+ Tape/Source switch  +$65.00
+ Stereo/Mono switch  +$45.00
https://www.erhard-audio.com/Basie-Specs.html
(https://www.erhard-audio.com/images/Mintz-in.png)
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: FullRangeMan on 5 Mar 2023, 07:40 am
To my limited knowledge there is no great SE amp Made in USA today, but STM this is an interesting one at $2000 EL34 conservative 7W power.
https://wrightaudioarts.com/royale_SE6_integrated_amplifier.htm

Unfortunately there is no underside image, what is definitely suspect but they say:
All point - to - point wiring.  Non-obsolescent construction.  No circuit boards for ease of installation of upgrades or repairs. so they may be using easy to solder stranded wiring, what at least are better than PCBs.

This is an integrated amp with odd features>
1) Excess of six inputs and three records outputs problably to subwoofer (?).
2) They say ''Left and Right Channel Level Presets (eliminates the 'half-set' Balance control)'' so these two knobs may be input gain control (?).
3 I liked this feature ''4 and 8 ohms speaker output standard.  16 ohms optional at slight extra charge.'' its good to see a builder offering 16 ohms speaker outputs again.
4) Unfortunately this is a light amp Net weight: 26 lbs;  Shipping weight: 32 lbs or 11.8kg net weight, but OPTs appear to be 10 or 15Wrms.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: FullRangeMan on 5 Mar 2023, 08:06 am
So to get something really good you have to get out of this Made in USA patriotage and look elsewhere.

After 10 minutes of googleing I see clearly your best option are this Australian amp with the famous SAC-Thailand transformers and yet have Single Ended sound quality, hand made by Mr.McChanson 100% positive feedback since 2004 on Ebay, 4.6K items sold.
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/115706009241?hash=item1af09d9699:g:BY0AAOSwV69j6tB0
The Sale is for ONE (1) * Super silkE Amp KT170 Single Ended, Class A, Stereo, Ultra Linear ( UL about 15W)/ SET ( Single End Triode) switchable, with 2-stage driving, integrated, point to point soldering, hand made by Me? in Australia, Silver or Black (without print) front panel available. Me? Me Who, Me Eric Mcchanson, I built Hi Fi amp from the 60s – rich experience both in audio valve circuit and amp making - read more on mcchanson Web Page.

This Amp uses a high capacity power transformer to cope with the big output and KT170 delivering higher power. BEST for those power hungry speakers.

* silkE Amp is a new series using customized big Super Silk output using quality Z11 core with transformer cover ( to replace the timE & pEar output assembly) made by SAC from Thailand.

The amp is compatible in using all other 6L6GC family tubes : 6L6GC, KT66, KT77, KT88... KT150, also EL34. The amp enables you to have tubes rolling fun.

For upgrade in hardware : CMC style tube sockets, RCA and Speaker posts, etc. add $200. Upgrade to use I  T (Interstage Transformer) to replace coupling cap so the amp is NO cap in the signal path - add $350. Interested? please enquire.
This is a made to order sale, expect to delivery from 2 to 5 weeks after settlement & when Silk output arrives.

Specifications : for those who are interested to read:

    Circuit : The circuit used in this Super silkE amp designed by me is simple and effective, making full complementary use of the components. It is a ONE single input / driver stage, then follows the Power stage of KT150, 6L6GC family, also EL34 compatiable, Ultra Linear / Triode (SET) switchable with adjustable fixed bias. No negative feedback, 3 sets of input, two output - 4 & 8 ohm standard.

    Components : Only necessary and essential components relevant to re-production of music are used. - reasonable good quality components : Silver coated teflon wires in the signal path, Alpha or ALPS volume control, Electro-caps are bypassed with small quality caps. high quality coupling capacitors, Ceramic tube sockets, Gold plated RCA inputs & speaker posts. Over sized power transformer.

    Workmanship : professionally point to point solderng, using the leads of the components as far as possible to minimize using connecting wires. The layout, the routing, the grounding, the shielding are all adhered to professional standard. All metal work has be done with my best precision.

    The output power and performance : KT150 here can deliver about 16W power ( in UL mode). Inputs are from DVD / CD / Tune. To play phono (turn-table), it requires a phone pre-amp to handle the RIAA equalization.

    Hum Lever : Never been an issue.
    Tubes provided :
        2 x Tung-Sol KT170
        2 x 6EM7
        1 x 5Z4P rectifier

    Support: Life-time ( my life ) support for all amps made by me. Should the amp has problem, let me know, send it back to base for a fixing. I

Postage : with Tracking : $70 Australia wide, Pick up OK from Burwood.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: TKonrad.NOLA on 11 Mar 2023, 04:00 pm
Thanks for all the responses.  I ordered a Cary SLI-80HS.  it was delivered yesterday.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: JP78 on 11 Mar 2023, 09:22 pm
Just want to throw a couple unconventional tube amplifiers into the mix:

modWright Instruments - and an amazing company to work with and get help from
https://www.modwright.com/products/kwh-225i-integrated.php

Atma-Sphere - on my bucket list for when I'm no longer limited to headphones for two channel
http://atma-sphere.com/en/index.html

Good luck!
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: Denton J on 19 May 2023, 12:53 am
Thank you.  I just sent him a message

Same. Just sent a message.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: Rusty Jefferson on 19 May 2023, 02:00 am
Congratulations on the new amplifier.

Just noticed this thread. I'm a little surprised Linear Tube Audio didn't get mentioned sooner.

https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/integrated-amplifiers
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: Denton J on 22 May 2023, 08:12 pm
I'm new to tubes.  I'm considering a 6 watt SET. If my speakers are rated at 90 (probably generously) should I be concerned about performance and volume issues in a medium size room?
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: Doublej on 22 May 2023, 08:30 pm
Congratulations on the new amplifier.

Just noticed this thread. I'm a little surprised Linear Tube Audio didn't get mentioned sooner.

https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/integrated-amplifiers

It did, https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=185140.msg1941844#msg1941844.

Is Black Ice Audio made in the US?
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: opnly bafld on 23 May 2023, 01:22 am
Is Black Ice Audio made in the US?

https://blackiceaudio.com/where-are-we-made
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: lazydays on 24 May 2023, 03:29 am
Forget this famous brands, they are expensive for what they offer and are freezed products, with minimal or none options to you choose, instead try order a Custom amp with Dennis Had, Cary Audio founder.

His amps run a plethora of power tubes with the big tone 6SN7 tube and have just a few things to modify be OK, to namely:
1) A larger chassis to facilitate maintenance and decrease self noise.
2) Hard wiring(no stranded wire) with conventional lead solder, no Euro Rohs compliant solder.
3) Bigger transformers, mainly power and OPTs.

do away with the DAC, and add a tape loop with five inputs total.
gary
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: SteveFord on 24 May 2023, 10:46 am
What's the verdict on the Cary?
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: Photon46 on 24 May 2023, 12:12 pm
Black Ice audio is mostly made in Shanghai, China in an assembly plant owned by Black Ice. They say "final assembly and quality control is done in the USA."
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: seikosha on 24 May 2023, 01:12 pm
I'm new to tubes.  I'm considering a 6 watt SET. If my speakers are rated at 90 (probably generously) should I be concerned about performance and volume issues in a medium size room?

It all depends on how loud you listen.  Some would find 6 watts more than enough, others would find it to be woefully inadequate.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: pehare on 24 May 2023, 07:18 pm
Congrats on the Cary SLI-80HS great amp!  I owned and enjoyed a F-1 Edition for over 5 years and miss it especially in triode mode.  In those days they were all tube rectified and I'm curious to hear the difference.  Certainly is less tubes to worry about...  An amp I would definitely own again enjoy!
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: Rusty Jefferson on 25 May 2023, 03:35 am
Congratulations on the new amplifier.

Just noticed this thread. I'm a little surprised Linear Tube Audio didn't get mentioned sooner.

https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/integrated-amplifiers
It did, https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=185140.msg1941844#msg1941844.....
Doh!  First response too!
I'm new to tubes.  I'm considering a 6 watt SET. If my speakers are rated at 90 (probably generously) should I be concerned about performance and volume issues in a medium size room?
That is likely not going to be a good combination but it will depend on the speaker compatibility. Sounds like you have maybe a 3 way speaker?  There are a lot of 3 way speakers that just won't perform well with less than 25-30 watts even though they're in the 90db sensitivity range. 6 watt SET amplifiers generally perform best with higher sensitivity and easy loads from single driver speakers and horn speakers.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: Denton J on 25 May 2023, 04:15 am
Doh!  First response too! That is likely not going to be a good combination but it will depend on the speaker compatibility. Sounds like you have maybe a 3 way speaker?  There are a lot of 3 way speakers that just won't perform well with less than 25-30 watts even though they're in the 90db sensitivity range. 6 watt SET amplifiers generally perform best with higher sensitivity and easy loads from single driver speakers and horn speakers.

Thanks for the info.  I do have three way speakers but I also plan on putting together a reference (well, my level of reference) system around the amp I just ordered.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: Rusty Jefferson on 25 May 2023, 11:52 am
Thanks for the info.  I do have three way speakers but I also plan on putting together a reference (well, my level of reference) system around the amp I just ordered.
Right on, good luck with that journey. There's plenty of threads here about amp/speaker combinations people like. With that type of amplifier, probably speakers with an 8 ohm impedance (without wild swings) and 95-ish db or higher sensitivity will work the best.
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: rockadanny on 25 May 2023, 10:53 pm
Congrats on your new amp! Just for further info, there are these two from Whammerdyne Heavy Industries:

http://whammerdyne.com/product/circuit-salad-hybrid/ (http://whammerdyne.com/product/circuit-salad-hybrid/) - A tube hybrid

http://whammerdyne.com/product/damn-good-amp-dga-1/ (http://whammerdyne.com/product/damn-good-amp-dga-1/) - I have this amp (previous incarnation).

This is mine:
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=240691)
Title: Re: Tube Integrateds Made In America
Post by: jcn3 on 1 Jun 2023, 07:18 pm

We did listen to the Sara Bareilles - Brave Enough: Live at the Variety Playhouse cut "Come Round Soon" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0TRDLrGHGs) at live levels and nothing was missing, the systems owner said "Wow!" The sound was very close to my Salk HT2-TL speakers with Seas and RAAL drivers and 225w/channel. Get the album, the youtube video is a pale imitation of the clarity and dynamic range.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/24/Brave_Enough%2C_Live_at_the_Variety_Playhouse.jpeg)


that album is absolutely fantastic -- one of my favorites.  wildly better than any of her studio work -- the recording is great and the performance is even better.  still can't say that i'm a huge sara bareilles fan, but this is an album i never get tired of listening to.

regarding tube integrated amps made in the usa, check out the quicksilver audio integrated: https://quicksilveraudio.com/products/integrated-amplifier/.  i have a pair of mid monos and a line stage -- build quality and sound quality are impressive (not necessarily what one would call beautiful though)