Cheap and cheerful Tube Audio amp?

chgolatin2 · « **on:** 5 Sep 2015, 11:39 pm »

I have a Jolida FX10, modded, wonderful little gem, however. I am looking to upgrade to something with more power. So far I have looked into Primaluna products, Jolida, etc. Looking to spend between $1000 or $2000 besides the options I mention, any other good solid recommendations?

Of course that I am talking about a Integrated Tube Audio

Thanks~

Ps, been away for while but I always come back~

Mortsnets · « **Reply #1 on:** 6 Sep 2015, 01:16 am »

I would also check out the offerings from Cayin, AudioSpace and Line Magnetic.

jarcher · « **Reply #2 on:** 6 Sep 2015, 05:19 am »

+1 Line Magnetic. There are at least three options under $2000.

Rogue Audio makes a hybrid under $2K as well - don't know if you'd consider a hybrid as well. The Sphinx is one of the better ones.

mresseguie · « **Reply #3 on:** 6 Sep 2015, 07:14 am »

Welcome back, man.

I recall one guy posted a long list of tube amps a couple days ago hoping to start up a thread. I do not remember if they were integrated or separates. It was maybe two days ago(?) and I'm sorry I don't recall which circle it was posted in. I'll glance through to see if I can find it.

Michael

I found it in the Tube-o-phile circle, but it wasn't what I had half-remembered. Link:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=136916.0

sunnydaze · « **Reply #4 on:** 6 Sep 2015, 01:40 pm »

What are your speakers, and how do you define "a little more power"?

Absent that info, off the top of my head I'd recommend:

PrimaLuna -- I owned the Dialogue 2 integrated......excellent
Rogue -- I currently own Atlas Magnum amp. Really good.
Line Magnetic -- based on user comments /reviews
Inspire by Dennis Had of Cary (if enough power) -- based on user comments / reviews

Buy used for best buck bang. For your $2k budget you can get something that lists up to 5 - 6k, if the piece is a bit older or discontinued.

roscoeiii · « **Reply #5 on:** 6 Sep 2015, 03:00 pm »

If you'd consider separates, I've got a Rogue Stereo 90 with KT-120s and upgraded to Super Magnum status. Big plus, I'm here in Chicago so no shipping cost or risk of shipping damage.

NiToNi · « **Reply #6 on:** 7 Sep 2015, 02:37 pm »

Quote from: mresseguie on 6 Sep 2015, 07:14 am

I recall one guy posted a long list of tube amps a couple days ago hoping to start up a thread.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=136916.0

That would've been me... but I got discouraged by some of the replies so I dropped it, thinking it wouldn't gain any traction by the looks of it....

mresseguie · « **Reply #7 on:** 7 Sep 2015, 04:32 pm »

Intoning,

Sometimes if a thread isn't attracting conversation, a couple attempts at altering the delivery by the OP can generate more interest. If you select two or three of the amps in your list to talk about, that may spark a better reaction in would be posters. I'm actually interested in your idea on them, but I'm literally in the middle of moving out of my house to fly to Taiwan in one week. I have so little time right now.

Michael

Sorry to jack this thread OP.

mick wolfe · « **Reply #8 on:** 7 Sep 2015, 04:54 pm »

Quote from: Mortsnets on 6 Sep 2015, 01:16 am

I would also check out the offerings from Cayin, AudioSpace and Line Magnetic.

Good suggestions. Both the Line Magnetic 211ia and 216ia have been well received and fit your budget. If you feel the need to approach 100 watts/channel, the Rogue integrated using KT 120's is your best bet........ although it exceeds your budget a bit.

I.Greyhound Fan · « **Reply #9 on:** 7 Sep 2015, 09:53 pm »

AVA makes a very nice tube amp called the Ultra Valve and it puts out a nice 35pwc for $1599. It has some very good reviews. I have heard this amp and it sounds beautiful. And AVA has the best customer service in the business.

http://www.avahifi.com/

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/audio-by-van-alstine-ultravalve-power-amplifier-salk-sound-songtower-qwt-loudspeaker-tas-204/

http://www.tonepublications.com/review/ava-ultravalve-vacuum-tube-amplifier/

Poultrygeist · « **Reply #10 on:** 7 Sep 2015, 11:57 pm »

For a lot less money and with near SET amp performance I'd consider the TPA3116 with a good tube preamp. I had a Primaluna Prologue which didn't sound nearly as good as the TPA3116.

I.Greyhound Fan · « **Reply #11 on:** 8 Sep 2015, 01:28 am »

If you are looking for high power, there is a used Audio Reasearch VT100 MKII for sale on audiogon-

https://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-audio-research-vt-100-mkii-tube-amplifier-2015-08-31-amplifiers-92679-coto-de-caza-ca

I would love to have this amp.

This BAT VK-200 amp is another beauty-

https://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-balanced-audio-technology-vk-200-stereo-amplifier-55-off-free-ground-shipping-1-ye-2015-08-20-amplifiers-14303-1231-niagara-falls-ny

Letitroll98 · « **Reply #12 on:** 8 Sep 2015, 02:01 am »

Sorry guys, this discussion is very interesting, but has no place in Cheap & Cheerful, everything discussed has been way over guidelines. It's headed for the tube o phile circle where I'm sure you'll get an even greater response.

chgolatin2 · « **Reply #13 on:** 8 Sep 2015, 02:24 am »

How do you compare the Primaluna against the Rogue? I like the Cronus Magnum from Rogue, real nice unit however I haven't seen one in person or tested on. Well, what I meant by power is for the simple reason to power speakers which are inefficient or better said, need more power to be played...

I currrently have a few bookshelf speakers and 2 towers called the (VR 2's) which I love and had them for years...

Quote from: sunnydaze on 6 Sep 2015, 01:40 pm

What are your speakers, and how do you define "a little more power"?

Absent that info, off the top of my head I'd recommend:

PrimaLuna -- I owned the Dialogue 2 integrated......excellent
Rogue -- I currently own Atlas Magnum amp. Really good.
Line Magnetic -- based on user comments /reviews
Inspire by Dennis Had of Cary (if enough power) -- based on user comments / reviews

Buy used for best buck bang. For your $2k budget you can get something that lists up to 5 - 6k, if the piece is a bit older or discontinued.

chgolatin2 · « **Reply #14 on:** 8 Sep 2015, 02:26 am »

Quote from: Poultrygeist on 7 Sep 2015, 11:57 pm

For a lot less money and with near SET amp performance I'd consider the TPA3116 with a good tube preamp. I had a Primaluna Prologue which didn't sound nearly as good as the TPA3116.

The Primaluna amp didn't sound good??? That's odd, many people raved about the Primaluna products and you can't find them on the used market often... Have to look into the TPA

Poultrygeist · « **Reply #15 on:** 8 Sep 2015, 09:40 am »

My Prologue had decent power but it lacked the resolution of the ebay dual chip TPA3116 which at $10.98 is almost too cheap for C&C.

I added a $25 Pyramid PS-3KS regulated power supply from Walmart online and of course the Nobsound NS-O1P which sells for $260 on Amazon.

The Nobsound ( perfect match for the TPA ) is shipped from a US warehouse and since it's sold on Amazon it could easily be returned. But once you hear it that won't happen.

The total comes to less than a third of the OP's base budget yet performs at a comparable or superior level to anything discussed so far.

The TPA3116 is almost plug and play but for anyone uncomfortable with a little DIY for the case and connections there are complete units available.

Fleawatt builds some gorgeous custom designed TPA3116's for not much money. Another good completed unit is available from Yuan Jing Audio. There are others on Amazon as well.

The long and exhaustive threads at AC, AK and at diyAudio speak volumes about just how good this little giant killer is.

roscoeiii · « **Reply #16 on:** 8 Sep 2015, 01:37 pm »

My understanding of the Primaluna vs the Rogue I'd that the Primaluna is a bit warmer, less detailed and has a bit less bass. So a little more traditional tube sound.

sunnydaze · « **Reply #17 on:** 8 Sep 2015, 02:33 pm »

Quote from: chgolatin2 on 8 Sep 2015, 02:24 am

How do you compare the Primaluna against the Rogue? I like the Cronus Magnum from Rogue, real nice unit however I haven't seen one in person or tested on. Well, what I meant by power is for the simple reason to power speakers which are inefficient or better said, need more power to be played...

I currrently have a few bookshelf speakers and 2 towers called the (VR 2's) which I love and had them for years...

In the case of lower sensitivity / harder to drive speakers, I think you'd be better served by the Rogue Cronus. It has better grip, torque, slam and speed than the PL. Having said that, I love the sonic direction in which the PL leans. My thing is immersion and involvement. On the right speakers, the PL can give a beautiful haunting sound. But if memory serves, the PL integrateds only offer about 40 wpc.

I'd watch for a used Cronus Magnum. With KT-120's it will drive almost anything. I've seen them used for about $1500. Buy used and the risk is low. Try it in your own setting, if it doesn't work re-sell and recover all / most of your outlay.

In loose general terms I'd say:

PrimaLuna = plush, full, rich, warm, toney. Still plenty of detail but leans toward vintage tube.

Rogue = fast, tight, dynamic. The dimensionality and touch of warmth tell you it's tubes, but it's comparatively a bit cooler. A more "modern" tube sound, if you will.

sunnydaze · « **Reply #18 on:** 8 Sep 2015, 02:39 pm »

Quote from: I.Greyhound Fan on 8 Sep 2015, 01:28 am

If you are looking for high power, there is a used Audio Reasearch VT100 MKII for sale on audiogon-

https://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-audio-research-vt-100-mkii-tube-amplifier-2015-08-31-amplifiers-92679-coto-de-caza-ca

I would love to have this amp.

This BAT VK-200 amp is another beauty-

https://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-balanced-audio-technology-vk-200-stereo-amplifier-55-off-free-ground-shipping-1-ye-2015-08-20-amplifiers-14303-1231-niagara-falls-ny

These are amps. The OP specifically states that he seeks a tube integrated.

chgolatin2 · « **Reply #19 on:** 8 Sep 2015, 11:24 pm »

Quote from: sunnydaze on 8 Sep 2015, 02:33 pm

In the case of lower sensitivity / harder to drive speakers, I think you'd be better served by the Rogue Cronus. It has better grip, torque, slam and speed than the PL. Having said that, I love the sonic direction in which the PL leans. My thing is immersion and involvement. On the right speakers, the PL can give a beautiful haunting sound. But if memory serves, the PL integrateds only offer about 40 wpc.

I'd watch for a used Cronus Magnum. With KT-120's it will drive almost anything. I've seen them used for about $1500. Buy used and the risk is low. Try it in your own setting, if it doesn't work re-sell and recover all / most of your outlay.

In loose general terms I'd say:

PrimaLuna = plush, full, rich, warm, toney. Still plenty of detail but leans toward vintage tube.

Rogue = fast, tight, dynamic. The dimensionality and touch of warmth tell you it's tubes, but it's comparatively a bit cooler. A more "modern" tube sound, if you will.

I am going to check out the Primaluna, Jolida and the Rogue. I tend to lean on the plush, full, rich warm vintage tube sound. IMO is the best sound. As per my understanding Rogue uses a board and not PTP wiring, which is something more new age, or better said leaning towards the solid state but I maybe wrong...