[Wraith]

Greetings!

I'm new to this site and very impressed with the forum members who make this site the best!  I need help as my countless hours of research have resulted in no integrated tube amp purchase.

I just purchased a mid-century modern home with a dedicated lounge in a rectangle shape (approx 800 sq ft / 10 ft ceilings).  I have been attempting to keep the audio equipment period correct.  So far I have purchased:

1. Altec Lansing Granada 875a speakers (early 70's)
2. Sansui QRZ-7500 tuner receiver (early 70's)

I want an integrated tube amp for aesthetics to replace a Sansui receiver.  I was hoping to purchase a vintage integrated tube amp however all the hipsters have pushed the values too high.  This has caused me to purchase new but want a vintage look.  The following sources will be connected to the integrated amp:

1. CD
2. Turntable
3. Reel to Reel
4. cassette tape

What is the best integrated tube amp for $1,500 or less meeting my needs?

Thank you!!!

[Escott1377]

Do you know the sensitivity rating of your speakers?

That will help determine how many watts you will need to power them.

[FullRangeMan]

There is various used nice tube amps on the Trading Post circle, maybe one may please you.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=103.0

[FullRangeMan]

Do you know the sensitivity rating of your speakers?

That will help determine how many watts you will need to power them.

Info on these speaker are rare, they are 8 ohms, two way horn, the woofer is big 15'', seems to be 96db or more:

[rodge827]

iFi Retro could be a good choice:

http://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/retro-stereo-50/

Do a search there is a lot of info on the net about this unit.

If you need more analog inputs Decware makes a very good 4 input selector box:

http://www.decware.com/newsite/ZSB.html

Total for both should come in around your budget +/- 10%

Oh and Welcome to AC 

Chris

[geowak]

iFi Retro could be a good choice:

http://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/retro-stereo-50/

Do a search there is a lot of info on the net about this unit.

If you need more analog inputs Decware makes a very good 4 input selector box:

http://www.decware.com/newsite/ZSB.html


Total for both should come in around your budget +/- 10%

Oh and Welcome to AC 

Chris

Actually the Decware model "Rachel" looks like a great amp. If the description gives an accurate picture, I bet it sounds great for the budget.

[Peter J]

I'm gonna plug one I've got for sale. I don't know if it has the aesthetic you're looking for, but it has lived in a mid-century house it's whole life...does that count?

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=132460.msg1403493#msg1403493

[FullRangeMan]

Actually the Decware model "Rachel" looks like a great amp. If the description gives an accurate picture, I bet it sounds great for the budget.

The Rachel is good, but the Lolita is better and inexpensive, also the transformers are big as see on top table, the Rachel OPTs are so small they sit underside.
http://www.wrightaudio.us/lolita.htm

[Ericus Rex]

You could find a used Rogue Cronus (maybe even Cronus Magnum) for $1,500.  I'm guessing you want exposed tubes to look more vintage.  Also look into Jolida and AES and Cary and Antique Sound Labs.  The turntable input will kill many contenders (not the Rogue though!).

[geowak]

I would say that Rogue is a good choice, Cary makes a good unit and Primaluna. I had heard these three and liked them, but ultimately went with Line Magnetic Audio which I heard and fell in luv with. I like the Cayin tube amps (there is one on audiogon.com now) and of course a used Audio Research would be my first choice. ARC seems to really keep a resale value very well.

[RDavidson]

What type of sound are you looking for?

If you're looking for somewhat of a "vintage" sound (to match your vintage gear), but in a modern package (with remote volume and source selection), I recommend the Cayin A50T. These often go for less than $900 used. They're produced by the same manufacturer as PrimaLuna.
If you don't need remote, there are a couple of Cayin TA30's on Audio Asylum. Those have garnered quite a following, particularly with the Bizzy Bee mods. They don't show up often, so it is a little surprising to see 2 for sale simultaneously.

The recommendations for the Rogue Cronus and Cary options are also great, if you want a generally more "modern" tube amp sound.

[FullRangeMan]

Actually the Decware model "Rachel" looks like a great amp. If the description gives an accurate picture, I bet it sounds great for the budget.

Anyone knows what kind of transformers the Rachel use at output?
http://www.decware.com/newsite/SE34I.htm
The site inform its not an output transformer.
Would be an OTL circuit?

[geowak]

Anyone knows what kind of transformers the Rachel use?
http://www.decware.com/newsite/SE34I.htm
The site inform its not an output transformer.

FRM
I think they are made by this company, Lenard Audio. I don't own a Decware, but I have heard nothing but positive things about their tube amps!
http://education.lenardaudio.com/en/14_valve_amps_5.html

[FullRangeMan]

Thanks, this link is very interesting. I also never read Decware have bad sound.
This paragraph on Rachel page inform it sont use a OPT:
because of it's transformer-coupled output stage.  This creates a hand-shake between the amplifier and the loudspeaker and protects the speaker from DC voltages should a tube ever fail.  Of course most tube amplifiers use output transformers,
??

[jarcher]

Just sold an Audio Note Oto SE with phono stage for $1800 which would be a good choice for an efficient speaker (10wpc SET / class A). Still have my Manley Stingray which I bought a few years ago for about $1300 - not a vintage piece but it has a very cool retro hot rod look - maybe hard to find used.

In new I'd agree with Geowak that its hard to beat a Line Magnetic. The 211ia has a classic tube sound and goes for about $1800 new. If you need / want a bit more power for a bit more money the 216ia is a good option.

[jarcher]

If your looking for something cheap and mid century, a friend / repairman/ dealer is selling a Scott integrated amp with phono stage asking $600 :

http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649191174-hh-scott-222c-tube-integrated-amp/

In cheap vintage tube integrated amps, Scott's are good choices. Hipsters haven't yet seemed to glom onto these like vintage solid state sansuis, pioneers, marantz etc. Scott and Fisher prices haven't gone through the roof yet.

[rodge827]

The iFi Retro is basically all of the very well reviewed iFi products (iTube, iDSD Micro, iPhono, iUsb) coupled with an el84x power amp and upgraded power supply.

Here are some pics of the Retro that looks similar to vintage Luxman and Marantz:

The Stereo 50 can be purchased without the speakers.



Rear of Stereo 50.








 

[Scott F.]

iFi Retro could be a good choice:

http://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/retro-stereo-50/

I can't knock the iFi retro. Knowing Thorston's ear, it will sound great plus it has a USB DAC for streaming. Though it looks sorta retro it resembles a late 60s to early 70s receiver. You may want something a bit more mid-century looking.

An HH Scott 299 is a prefect choice. Gold face, gold knobs, true mid-century. These NEED to be completely overhauled. they need to be re-capped front to back, the selenium rectifiers need to be replaced and critical resistors need to be replaced. They also need (well maybe not need) to be converted to a fixed bias, that or have the bias pot circuit simplified to modern standards.

You can pick up a cosmetically nice one for about $400. You could have Bill Scott rebuild it but he isn't cheap and usually has quite a backlog (months). Mike Missle here in St Louis (MJM Sound, for on our GAS Circle) does a fine job restoring and repairing the old Scotts and is darned affordable. Also, he'll install any cottage industry caps or resistors you might want. Your $1500 budget will get you a killer rebuild on an old Scott. Oh, it has a really nice phono stage too. On the R2R side, it can handle a low level output from a tape head.

On the slightly more expensive side (retail), Leben makes a really sweet integrated
http://lebenhifi.com/products/cs300xs.html
It has really nice sound and would fit the mid-century scheme perfectly. It doesn't have a phono stage though...and its a bit pricey. Not sure about the used market.

[borism]

I would also consider a used Leben CS300. New, they are more than $3000. Used ones may still be more than your limit. However, Leben has gotten great reviews (Stereophile, Six Moons) and has the looks you desire.

[luckyguy]

Urge you to check the Eico HF-81 EL 84 based integrated amp.  Much has been written about this piece and I have had one of these classics for more than 5 years.  If you have efficient speakers this amp will do it all for you.  Sound stage and clarity as close to holographic as can be imagined.  Currently running my Tannoy SGM 3000 monitors(about 94 db) and the only amp that barely beats it is my paralell 2A3 custom SET and I do mean barely.  Be sure it has been thoroughly updated and "quiet".  Bonus if you can get the walnut case.        Ron