[jawks]

So I am new to tubes but have decided that I would like to switch from my previously solid state system eventually to an all tube system.  I am currently looking for a tube amp, preferably monoblocks.  My price range is up to $2500 new or used.  I listen primarily to classical and jazz on vinyl (VPI Aries, JMW memorial tonearm, Lyra Kleos cartridge, Parasound JC3 phono stage -- for now).  My speakers are a pair of Von Schweikert VR-2s.  The listening room size is relatively small, and I don't listen to music at very loud levels very often.

Any thoughts and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance!

[Early B.]

With your budget, the preference for monoblocks will greatly reduce your options. On top of that, you'll need some fairly powerful (and more costly) monos for your speakers which have a sensitivity of 87.5db. You should be able to find some Rogue Audio monos within your budget.

[jawks]

Thanks for the tips.  I have been looking at some of the Rogue models, which do seem to be in a more affordable range.

[kingdeezie]

I would keep an eye out for some older Manley Snappers. Something that was purchased before the 2011ish price increase.

I think they initially sold for 4500 or something like that. You might be able to get them for that price of 2500. 100 watts per channel should be okay if you don't crank it.

[jawks]

Manleys were also on my shortlist.  I hadn't heard of the Snappers but will investigate further.  Thanks!

[twitch54]

You should be able to find some Rogue Audio monos within your budget.

a pair of Rogue M-150's would do quite nicely. When funds allow you could have Mark (owner of Rogue) upgrade them to M-180 status, one of the best 'bang for the buck' pair of tube mono's out there IMO………….. yes that is what I use to drive my Martin Logan Spires, couldn't be happier !

[jawks]

Interesting.  What do you think of the M-120s?  Arthur Salvatore has them on his Class C recommended list.

[Early B.]

Interesting.  What do you think of the M-120s?  Arthur Salvatore has them on his Class C recommended list.

I used to own the M-120's. For your purposes, they have more than enough power. And if purchased used, you'll have enough money remaining in your budget for a nice set of ICs and decent power cords.

[jawks]

Thanks!  Saw a used set on usaudiomart that I've been contemplating, but I just want to do my research first. 

[twitch54]

I used to own the M-120's. For your purposes, they have more than enough power. And if purchased used, you'll have enough money remaining in your budget for a nice set of ICs and decent power cords.

I stand by my recommendation of the M-150's …….. easily within OP's budget and as I stated upgradeable to M-180 status, eclipsing M-120's …….

As for power cords and IC's ……….. don't get me started ………..

[FullRangeMan]

At 87dB this Von Schweikert VR-2 arent a sweet pear for a tube amp.
As monoblock came to mind the Audio Mirror 45, the price on the site is 3500USD about a decade:
http://www.audiomirror.com/amps.html

[tipatina]

I would suggest talking to Audio Van Alstine (AVAHiFi.com).  Usually when calling AVA Frank Van Alstine himself answers and he is helpful and considers your other components, etc. The Fet Valve or Ultra Valve may be just right for your needs. He has a 30 day return policy for customer satisfaction. I bought one of his preamps a while back thinking there was a 50-50 chance of returning it and am a satisfied owner. Its worth a visit to the web site and/or the Van Alstine circle.

[rockadanny]

As monoblock came to mind the Audio Mirror 45

I run these monoblocks on my 87db speakers and I LOVE them  , but my speakers dip only to around 6 ohms at their lowest.
I also had a Van Alstine Ultra 550, which worked very well on these. I just wanted more of what a tube amp can offer, thus the AMs.

[jawks]

Thanks to both of you for the additional input.  More choices always makes the decision more difficult but does allow you to see beyond what you've already considered.  I had heard about the AVA and saw that it had made the TAS recommended list but would prefer to get monoblocks.  I haven't seen much press on the audio mirror 45.  Rockadanny, how did you come by this one?

[FullRangeMan]

I haven't seen much press on the audio mirror 45. 

All audio test in magazines cost alot of money.
Audio mirror is a one man small company.

[jawks]

Ahhh, very interesting.  Not that I rely heavily on the audio press, but it's helpful to be able to read some detailed comments.  Looking into the Audio Mirrors a little more ...

[jawks]

A few other considerations ... would love to hear comments:

Quicksilver Mid-Monos
Jadis JA-30 (though a bit above original price range)
VAC PA90c

More old school perhaps, but I've heard good things about these, too

[rockadanny]

I had the Van Alstine Ultra 550 and wanted more of what a tube amp can offer (spaciousness, elegance, decay, depth, etc.). But I had some restrictions:

1. Budget $4k or less.
2. SET sound but with more power than most SETs.
3. Not too many tubes involved. (AM has 4 per monoblock, two of them as power tubes).
4. U.S. built, or at least a strong U.S. dealer (Vlad, designer/builder, is located in TX).

What little I could find written on them was at least positive.
Trial was available, albeit only five days, but a trial period nonetheless, as I had not heard them otherwise.

I liked what I heard, then fell in love with them once I replaced the input and driver tubes (6SN7 and 6SL7) with NOS Sylvanias. Superb!
And I liked the idea of monoblocks to keep my speaker wires as short as possible in my setup.

[rockadanny]

jawks - not sure where you are located, but you may hear mine in my system if interested. I am one hour north of Atlanta, GA.

[jawks]

Thanks, rockadanny, for the offer!  Unfortunately, I'm based in Boston, MA, so it's a bit of a hike for a critical listen.