[mpcrelly]

if you had $2000 give or take 500 what NEW tube amp would you go with and why?

I'm new to tube and have a qinpu a6000 mkii tube amp.  I like the clarity of instruments and dynamic differences over the bryton and sound staging is sometimes cool.

my tastes: mostly classic rock, singer songwriter pop (john mayer), some jazz piano, some old and newer blues, some classical.

volume: not terribly loud usually about 85 dBc or less.
room: about 15' square
other stereo gear: Dynaudio audience 72se speakers, with sub500 12", currently using bryston b100 as preamp and converter.  tascam dvd for cd player.

I am currently considering a roque audio cronus magnum integrated amp.


thanks for your input!! 

[roscoeiii]

At that price point, Rogue was the first thought that came to mind for me.

[medium jim]

I really like the PrimaLuna ProLogue Premium integrated:

http://www.upscaleaudio.com/prologue-premium-integrated-amplifier/

It has an excellent power supply and while only 35watts with the EL34's, will drive your speakers nicely....Kevin at Upscale is a good egg and will work with you. 

Here's a review of it from TAS:

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/primaluna-prologue-premium-integrated-amplifier-tas-212/

Jim

[roscoeiii]

Yes, Primaluna also has an excellent reputation. Much of course will depend on the speakers you are driving. It makes little sense to think of amps without taking into account the speakers with which they will be paired.

[vortrex]

Line Magnetic all the way.

[medium jim]

The Dynaudio audience 72se are 86db and 4ohm, so maybe go used and find something in the 75watt range or contact Frank Van Alstine to see what he has in that price range.

Jim

[roscoeiii]

Line Magnetic all the way.

At around $2000, how many watts would you be able to get from a Line Magnetic model?

I keep wishing that they didn't only make integrated amps...

[vortrex]

At around $2000, how many watts would you be able to get from a Line Magnetic model?

I keep wishing that they didn't only make integrated amps...

38w for $1850.  They make amps too, but for some reason they're not being imported.

[usp1]

ROgue would be a fine choice. If you don't mind used there is also a very nice pair of  Dodd 120 monos  and a pair of Cary SLAM 100s for sale  on this forum.

[Cheeseboy]

I likie the Rogue as well.  I has a remote and phono pre in too.

[roscoeiii]

Yes, the Rogue would be a good higher powered choice, the LM or Primaluna would be good intermediate power options.

Your speaker looks to be 86 dB at nominal 4 ohms, not sure what the impedance plot looks like. With an 86 dB speaker, I'd lean towards a more powerful amp than the Primaluna or LM. But maybe there are those who are using them with such speakers. I am not familiar with that type of combo. But I would sure look into it if I was you. 86dB isn't particularly efficient.

Heck I'd look into how well the Rogue amps would handle an 86 dB speaker too...

[Quiet Earth]

Line Magnetic all the way.

What about the hum?

Where are the low-powered SET recs?

Budget too low. Ironic isn't it?

[roscoeiii]

I asked about the SET options (comment now removed) before I saw that the speakers are 86dB.

[vortrex]

What about the hum?

Naaa, nothing wrong with the amp.  Dealer brought over a Leben phono pre and it was fine.

[Quiet Earth]

Wow! Awesome!!  I'm glad you finally got that sorted out. Leben huh? Nice! I want to hear one some day.

I asked about the SET options (comment now removed) before I saw that the speakers are 86dB.

That's ok. Your heart was in the right place. 

[Ericus Rex]

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=114025.0


Save some money, buy some KT120s.

[sonicboom]

I am assuming you want to go new, because of reliability concerns with tube amps in general.  I will suggest two lines that place reliable operation high on the priority list and have garnered excellent reviews over the years.  They are Music Reference and Quicksilver Audio.  The RM-200 and V4 mono's respectively, could be bought in the used market at around the mid $2K range. Both companies also have great service in the event that something goes wrong, something not always guaranteed with Chinese products.  Music Reference has a manufacturers' circle right here on this forum.

Also, both these products have a long and successful history in the marketplace so it will be easy and cost you very little in both time and money, in the event that you decide to resell them.  IMO this is an important consideration.

Good Luck

[dmwoods]

I highly recommend you contact Jim Nichols, who custom builds all types of tube amps.  I recently purchased an EL 34 based amp from him and I couldn't be more impressed.  He is a pleasure to deal with and can build just about anything imaginable.  Your price range is well within the area where Jim works.  Like you, I was searching for a tube amp having previously only owned solid state (Plinius, Bel Canto, Edge).  My amp is the single highest value component I have ever purchased. 

FWIW, I have no relationship with JWN whatsoever.  I found this guy after finding several references to him on the web, all highly favorable.  I told him upfront I had high performance expectations and he completely surpassed all of them.

Check out his website.

jwnamplifiers.vpweb.com/

[gslashcpc]

  I agree with the previous poster's suggestion. A JWN custom amp might really
satisfy/exceed your expectations and at a price point you can live with. The amp Jim built
for me is perfect for my needs and has helped to draw my wife deeper into this "tube thing".

[Trismos]

http://www.triodelab.com/

EL84TT

not 86db friendly though I imagine.