[rpf]

Hi guys,

I'm looking for an Integrated Amp for a second system, probably mostly computer (Internet radio) based. An amp I can leave on all day.

As I'm a tube fan I've been thinking about a hybrid amp but I might consider a very tube like SS piece. Can't spend a lot after finishing my main system so it'll apparently be used, under a grand definitely. Something with at least 50 and preferably between 70 and 100 wpc (could then do back-up duty for the main rig) and a remote volume control.

Some possible contenders: Consonance A120, Unison Unico, Jolida 1501 RC, Audio Analogue Prima or Puccini. The first few are available in modded versions and I'd love to hear any comments about them vs. the stock ones.

Thoughts, recommendations?

TIA,
Rob

[saisunil]

All of your choices sound good.
For under a grand, a used Naim Nait 5i looks promising. This is one on sale on audiocircle and a couple of audiogon.

Good Luck

[rpf]

Thanks saisunil. I'm not a fan of Naim. Looking for something more tube like.

R

[Wind Chaser]

I recently bought a Little Dot T-100.  It is a hybrid Tripath powered, 60 + 60 watts into 8 ohms and 90 + 90 watts into 4 ohms.  It also has a remote and sounds very good.  I prefer it hands down to the Trends (Michael Mardis modified at that) however in the 2007 DIGITAL AMP SHOOTOUT it was edged out in the semi finals by the Trends.  The only way I could see that happening is if they used a tube pre or buffer going into the Trends.  The Trends is very detailed and has a terrific bottom end, but it's too sterile for my taste.

[rpf]

Thanks, looks interesting. Will do some more research.
Rob

[Wind Chaser]

I believe Obad Imports is the exclusive distributor for Little Tube in North America.  The T-100 is out of stock.  Here's a link the T-150 - $500

http://www.obadimports.com/catalog/item/4377302/4639260.htm

I believe they have a 30 money back satisfaction guarantee.

[rpf]

Found the link in one of your earlier posts on the T-100. Will do some more reading on it.

What are you using it with? Have you heard any other inexpensive hybrid integrateds?

Thanks again,
Rob

[RAW]

I recently bought a Little Dot T-100.  It is a hybrid Tripath powered, 60 + 60 watts into 8 ohms and 90 + 90 watts into 4 ohms.  It also has a remote and sounds very good.  I prefer it hands down to the Trends (Michael Mardis modified at that) however in the 2007 DIGITAL AMP SHOOTOUT it was edged out in the semi finals by the Trends.  The only way I could see that happening is if they used a tube pre or buffer going into the Trends.  The Trends is very detailed and has a terrific bottom end, but it's too sterile for my taste.

Wonder were you got to listen to that amp?

[HiFiSoundGuy]

  This not a hybrid but is very tube-like.... Cayin 265ai or if you are looking for one of the best at any price go listen to the new Mcintosh ma7000

[Wind Chaser]

Wonder were you got to listen to that amp?

In your wife's house, in her favorite chair.   Thanks, Al.

I picked up some Mullard NOS tubes and ordered tube dampers from Herbie's Audio Lab.  My only real criticism is the tempermental remote.  Maybe I have bum unit?  But as for the sound of the amp, it's a keeper and outstanding value.  You can pay more for a modified Trends, which IMO and experience isn't a bad amp, but my preference is with the Little Dot and I suspect those tubes have much to do with it.

The one thing I especially like about having some tubes in the system is being able to swap them in and out and thus change the sound of the system.  Another benefit is tube dampers, something you can't put on transistors.  My experience with Herbie's dampers has been very positive.  A mere $40 investment and the difference they made in my system was far more substantial than a $2000 power cord.  Go figure.

[gus6464]

Wonder were you got to listen to that amp?

In your wife's house, in her favorite chair.   Thanks, Al.

I picked up some Mullard NOS tubes and ordered tube dampers from Herbie's Audio Lab.  My only real criticism is the tempermental remote.  Maybe I have bum unit?  But as for the sound of the amp, it's a keeper and outstanding value.  You can pay more for a modified Trends, which IMO and experience isn't a bad amp, but my preference is with the Little Dot and I suspect those tubes have much to do with it.

The one thing I especially like about having some tubes in the system is being able to swap them in and out and thus change the sound of the system.  Another benefit is tube dampers, something you can't put on transistors.  My experience with Herbie's dampers has been very positive.  A mere $40 investment and the difference they made in my system was far more substantial than a $2000 power cord.  Go figure.

Glad to hear you are enjoying the Little Dot Wind Chaser. I recently scored an awesome deal on a demo pair of Dali Ikon 2 and also got a deal on a used Arcam A80 but I am getting rid of the Arcam because it sounds no different that my Sony AVR which I was using before it. So after I finish selling the Arcam I will still be looking for an amp and I think I will be giving the Little Dot a try. The Dali are very efficient speakers so the T100 will be enough but I have to wait for obad to get it back in stock. I think a tube preamp section is what I am looking for to liven my system. Did those tubes you buy make a big difference in the sound?

[rockadanny]

I'll second the Consonance a120. This is a very good sounding amp and well built with great functionality for the price. It ran out of steam for me because my room was too large (24'x26'x11') and speakers not quite efficient enough (87dB) for the occasional higher volumes I needed when rocking out. Otherwise I would have kept it.

[doug s.]

at asking price of $1200, this is a bit above your budget.  but, if i were condemned to suffer w/solid state - especially for the preamp - this is what i'd do:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1207854413



or... buy this amp for $400:
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1208892160


and then combine it w/this preamp
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1208310788


you will be hard pressed to surpass the sound of that preamp at three times its asking price, imo...

doug s.

[rpf]

at asking price of $1200, this is a bit above your budget.  but, if i were condemned to suffer w/solid state - especially for the preamp - this is what i'd do

 

Like you Doug, I love tubes. So unless a SS amp is very tube like, I'll stick to a hybrid.

That Melos/Electrocompaniet combo looks nice but, for space reasons, I'm looking for a one box solution.

[Wind Chaser]

Did those tubes you buy make a big difference in the sound?

Just received the NOS Mullard's last week and I haven't had the time to install them yet.  I'm keeping my eye open for some more by Amperex and Seimens.

[doug s.]

at asking price of $1200, this is a bit above your budget.  but, if i were condemned to suffer w/solid state - especially for the preamp - this is what i'd do

 

Like you Doug, I love tubes. So unless a SS amp is very tube like, I'll stick to a hybrid.

That Melos/Electrocompaniet combo looks nice but, for space reasons, I'm looking for a one box solution.

then get the one-box integrated for $1200...

if you can live w/15wpc, then splurge - ~$200 shipped on this two-input all-tube integrated.  tiny, and it sounds great - i used to own one...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290209841220
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300202690507

this one sold for $160 shipped:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300199263956


this is yust the tip of the iceberg on amps/integrated amps awailable from china.  tubed/hybrid/solid state...  for starters, yust search "yaqin"

doug s.

[bikes and beats]

And the Jolida 1501 RC is chopped liver? I saw several on Audiogon for less than $600.00. 100watts but I don't think it doubles into 4 ohm. I'd recommend it for normal to high efficency speakers. Worked great with my 87db Vifa/ Scan Speak homebrew two-way towers. Mine has Sovtek tubes and they sound good. I'll be selling it soon however due to my new, more demanding speakers. Magnepans. I'm wondering what the most musical and inexpensive high-current option is for those....
-Mike

[Brad]

Doug - if shipping from Hong Kong is almost $200, are they selling the amp for less than the cost of the shipping?
(this is referring to the first ad)

I did see the one that went for $160.
I'm guessing we'll be bidding against each other for the 2nd ad with shipping listed as free. 

[doug s.]

shipping via surface mail is a bit cheaper, & it takes a long time.  but, if you're not in a hurry...    and yes, many of these amps sell for a lot less than the shipping costs.  you will notice the one that sold for $160 had free shipping...

do not worry, i won't be bidding against you - i'd like to reduce my amp collection, not increase it!     but, others here might - to awoid getting into a bidding war, use a snipe service that will place your proxy bid for you w/5 seconds or so left in the auction - you either win, or not; if not, you bid on the next one.     and, using a bid service prewents others from being able to drive up the price, which would occur if you placed your proxy bid early directly on ebay.  here's a free bid service i use:

http://www.gixen.com/

of course, you could skip all this foolishness, & yust make me an offer on my excellent sounding single-ended triode amp...     but, it's only 4.5wpc...
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=51398.msg460977#msg460977

doug s.

Doug - if shipping from Hong Kong is almost $200, are they selling the amp for less than the cost of the shipping?
(this is referring to the first ad)

I did see the one that went for $160.
I'm guessing we'll be bidding against each other for the 2nd ad with shipping listed as free. 

[rpf]

Definitely interesting stuff coming out of China. I'm going to get something with a US distributor.

The Jolida 1501RC is looking more and more interesting. Mike, let me know when you go to sell yours?

Rob