Best integrated (tube and ss) w/o breaking the bank

nickspicks · « **on:** 6 Jan 2004, 12:39 pm »

Hey all....
I'm thinking about re-formulating my system. I just sold my Martin Logans...gave up on those completely. No sense in trying to make them work in my room w/so many short comings. Too much effort!
I have some new Von Schweirkert VR2's coming.

Currently, I have a nice tube pre that I love, and a McCormack DNA-1 that I hate (or , at least I hated w/the ML's). I'm going to wait and see how things sound w/the new speakers, but I woulnd't mind simplifying things a bit and saving some dough on cables.

so, i'm looking for a class A ...or close to it...integrated. I like the sound and "glowing visual apearrance" of tubes, but realize that SS will provide me with all the things I've been desiring; PUNCH, SLAM, IMPACT !! and serious dynamics.

I"m clueless in this market though, and would like some pointers or things I should look out for.
How do the Jolida's sound?
I'm looking for used gear, and would like to stay in the $900-1500 ball park.

thanks...

maxwalrath · « **Reply #1 on:** 6 Jan 2004, 01:41 pm »

Jolida worked great for me, I think their products are an amazing value. The $650 1501 hybrid sounded exactly the same as a $1700 Anthem Integrated 2 in my system. I had two of their hybrids and ended up with a full tube integrated. My last Jolida was a used 502a with all the tubes replaced with expensive NOS pre and EH power tubes, and it sounded great. The tubes set me back about $250 all together, and the unit can be had for around $550. I'd love to hear what the response audio mods sound like in that higher price range. If you go Jolida be sure to have some $$ left over for really good tubes, they make a huge difference.

JLM · « **Reply #2 on:** 6 Jan 2004, 05:13 pm »

Pick out your new speakers first. That will narrow down the choice of syneristic integrates and set your budget.

Cens · « **Reply #3 on:** 6 Jan 2004, 05:29 pm »

If you do go with the VR2, you might want to consider the Blue Circle CS integrated. I quite enjoyed using a BC SS amp with the VR1 and think the CS intergrate would have enough power to drive the VR2 (50 watts into 8ohm, 75 into 4). The CS lists for $1100-1200 new. Just a thought.

Regards,

Chris

nickspicks · « **Reply #4 on:** 6 Jan 2004, 06:06 pm »

cool..
thanks for the suggestions. i'm sure what I have will probaby sound great w/them.
the DNA-1 has tons o power and current.

JLM · « **Reply #5 on:** 7 Jan 2004, 12:29 am »

A very well received tube integrated is the Cayin TA-30.

European designed, Chinese built it has 4 inputs (3 with sub outputs), 4 wpc SET (with one pair of tubes) or 35 wpc push-pull (with both pair of tubes) options. Works with a wide variety of tubes, good looking, and very well made. Prices range from $500 - 1,000 depending on options and damaged/undamaged shipping box.

Should blow away the under $2,000 tube competition away.

Check out: http://2baudio.com/

Hantra · « **Reply #6 on:** 7 Jan 2004, 01:53 am »

Nick:

For around the $1500 mark, you need to go with a used Plinius 8200MkII. I won't let mine go for anything. It's the longest-lasting component I have had in my system next to my Nixon DAC. It is amazing, and it sounds more like music than anything I have ever heard. In fact, I am listening to some live Phish on it right now. Yikes!

I owned a Jolida integrated and I liked it. It was worlds apart from the Plinius, but it was pretty good.

BTW, I had a DNA-1 Deluxe before I got this. No contest whatsoever. . .

B

Rocket · « **Reply #7 on:** 7 Jan 2004, 04:53 am »

Hi Nickpicks,

Have a look at the Response Audio forum here at audiocircle. They sell stock jolida integrated amps, they also can modify them at ridiculously cheap prices and they sell a modwright jolida integrated (ram series) at slightly higher prices again.

dan has an excellent reputation for service and modding hifi equipment. i have one of his modwright level 1 perpetual technologies dac's and the difference between stock and the modded unit is almost amazing.

something to consider anyway.

regards

rocket

nickspicks · « **Reply #8 on:** 7 Jan 2004, 01:10 pm »

cool...
I'll check out all of these suggestions.

I have heard a lot of raves about Plinium gear...so that one has my interest.
Also, KRELL integrated must be nice ..and is in that pricerange as well.

I'm ordering my VR2's today.

mucho excited.

manek · « **Reply #9 on:** 7 Jan 2004, 01:39 pm »

try the cadence VA 1.0 hybrid integrated....its got tubes with solid state continuous bias control...36X2 rms.

8thnerve · « **Reply #10 on:** 7 Jan 2004, 02:05 pm »

Quote from: nickspicks

cool...
I'll check out all of these suggestions.

I have heard a lot of raves about Plinium gear...so that one has my interest.
Also, KRELL integrated must be nice ..and is in that pricerange as well.

I'm ordering my VR2's today.

mucho excited.

Nick, congrats on the VR-2s, they are incredible speakers. Be careful to match those with good power. I think 50 watts are a bare MINIMUM!! They will sound unbeleivable with low power, but you are barely breaking the surface of performance with those speakers at that power level. Go for 100 Watts plus if you can. I agree with Hantra on the Plinius, that should be a good match. Remember, those speakers punch MUCH higher than their price, they will show what you have upstream, so the better you can get, the more you will appreciate it. Enjoy!

nickspicks · « **Reply #11 on:** 7 Jan 2004, 03:25 pm »

thanks for the word up...
i've got plenty of juice to power them now w/the McCormack. 185wpc should kick their ass nicely.

as far as revealing of upstream....i'm coming off of Martin Logan SL3's...I know all about that sort of transparency.

I can only hope they are 1/2 as revealing.