[Sasha]

So far I have heard VTL 85, Korato Ikarus (2X50W with KT90) and Shanling STP-80.
Did not like VTL (sounds too dry – very much like solid state).
Liked Korato and Shanling.
Shanling however is only 2X35W.
Based on this short list and sound preference, what else should I listen to (something with Shanling/Korato sound but more muscle – 2X50 or more)?
I have been told that Audio Research sounds pretty much like VTL, true?

[meilankev]

Sasha,

I have a few questions for you:

1) What are you trying to accomplish here (i.e. why do you think you will prefer a tube amp to a solid state amp???  Or a digital amp???  Or a hybrid amp???)

2) What speakers are you going to be matching this amp with???

3) What size is your listening room???

Based upon your answers, it might help some folks in their desire to assist you.

Kevin

[Mathew_M]

I did a comparison between the VTL ST-85 and their MB-125 with my speakers.  I too found the 85 to be dry and rougher sounding compared to the 125's which were more smooth and full bodied.  Power might be an issue as the 125's have 4 EL34's per channel.  The 85 is supposedly rated at 85 watts though I've read it's actually closer to 60.  That makes sense as I don't think you can push 2 EL34's per channel that hard.

You probably want a lusher tube sound.  I've read that the older Conrad Johnsons will get you there.  

Tube amps get expensive the more power that you need so you really have to state a budget.

[flintstone]

Conrad Johnson...classic tube sound, Quicksilver may also be to your taste. I use Rogue M-120's in my system...does not sound like you would care for the Rogue stuff though.

Dave

[Sasha]

Thank you everyone for suggestions.

Meilankev,

After several months of auditioning various speakers I came to a conclusion that there is nothing that meets my desires sound wise if driven by bi-polar SS.
I will try to audition some hybrids with MOSFET in output stage as I believe it may give me the sound I am looking for. But so far I only liked a few tube driven speakers.
It is that indefinable character of tube amplification that makes me believe I am witnessing live performance (you may call it smooth, full bodied and lush sound).

I believe I settled on Speakers, PMC FB1+. Although I have only heard FB1 version with tube amplification (metal dome tweeter as opposed to soft one in FB1+), I have also heard GB1 and OB1 and believe FB1+ will be the right choice.

Listening room is ~ 15X17

Budged wise, the hope is something that will be no more than 3K Canadian.

[avta]

Sasha:

I've got Magnepan 1.6's which are 4 ohm loads and have a reputation for being power hungry. I'm using and old Pass Aleph3 amp which is pure class A ( 30 W/Ch @ 8ohms ) and recently got a Norh ACA 2B pre-amp which is tubed. The combo seems to be quite satisfying to my ears. The best part is the ACA 2B only costs $400 shipped to your door from Thailand. It's beautifully built and arrived in only a few days. I'd previously used a high quality integrated amp with 125 W/ch but the sound was not as lush as it is now. Good luck.

Guy