Such thing as a "good" $1500 100WPC Tube Amplifier?

kirch · « **on:** 13 Apr 2008, 08:56 pm »

Hi GAS Guys - long time no participate. Things have been quite busy the past year - moved to a new place and am looking to make some system changes.

Trying to see if there is such a thing as a good 100WPC tube amplifier for $1500 +/-.

You guys have any recommendations (he asks knowingly)?

Thanks -

Kirch

DeanSheen · « **Reply #1 on:** 13 Apr 2008, 09:09 pm »

* no experience with tube amplifiers.
** never heard AVA products.

This gets you pretty close though w/a tube output stage, not all tubes.

http://www.avahifi.com/root/equipment/amplifier/fetvalve_amps.htm

sbrtoy · « **Reply #2 on:** 13 Apr 2008, 09:22 pm »

Might be able to find a used V12 Cary fro a little more than $1500, it is a very nice amp IMO...

richidoo · « **Reply #3 on:** 13 Apr 2008, 09:55 pm »

FetValve is tube input, solid state output. You should stand back a little from a V12 that only costs 1500

but I agree it is a beauty!

The used market can give you some bargains, if you know what you are looking for and stand ready to pounce. A bargain like that will not last. But I don't know of any good sounding brand new tube amp with that kind of power/price.

You might be able to build one yourself with surplus output transformers. That's the most expensive part, for good reason.
Rich

kirch · « **Reply #4 on:** 13 Apr 2008, 09:59 pm »

I've seen the Cary V12 from 1500 to 1900 or so. I'll keep an eye out for that. I want to stick with 100% tube unless someone gives me a good reason to consider hybrid. I just sold my solid state Musical Fidelity ss integrated to make room for a tube amp.

Thanks -

kirch

Mathew_M · « **Reply #5 on:** 13 Apr 2008, 10:12 pm »

You can sometimes find used pairs of VTL 125 monoblocks in that price range. I would say that they are much better than "good" and would probably be the type of amp you would hang onto for a long time.

richidoo · « **Reply #6 on:** 13 Apr 2008, 10:20 pm »

Quote from: kirch on 13 Apr 2008, 09:59 pm

I've seen the Cary V12 from 1500 to 1900 or so.

Yup,,, you're right, sorry. Weird that V12 ($5000 new) sells that low when their $3500 SLI-80 still holds solid at 1800+.

sbrtoy · « **Reply #7 on:** 14 Apr 2008, 12:06 am »

The V12 was around for quite a while, so some are older versions. Cost of the V12 was originally as low as around $3800 I believe...

sturgus · « **Reply #8 on:** 14 Apr 2008, 12:33 am »

Kirsch, this is close to your budget. http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1212622327
Also Mer Rev has a VTL he may be getting rid of. I think it's around 85 watts or so.
Sturgus

sabes · « **Reply #9 on:** 14 Apr 2008, 12:48 am »

how about a "great" one? i think you can find a VAC pa100/100 in the $1800 range, and it is a fantastic amp with fantastic support. upgradeable, too, methinks...

Scott F. · « **Reply #10 on:** 14 Apr 2008, 12:57 am »

Hey Kirch,

Long time no hear from.

One thing about the Cary and the VTL's, you'll need a preamp with that. I assume you are looking for a 100wpc, tube integrated. You've got the JoLida 1000 (integrated) but I'm not sure it will be refined enough for your taste. If you go for it, be sure to match it to a fairly forward sounding pair of speakers and it will sound pretty nice.

A 100wpc integrated at your price point, it could be slim pickin's. Let me ask a question, how big of room are to trying to fill? What kind of speakers are you trying to drive? Are they your Audio Notes? Do you still have that little EL34?

kirch · « **Reply #11 on:** 14 Apr 2008, 01:06 am »

Hey Scott - Actually, I have a pre on order - Blueberry Xtreme from Juicy Music audio and will be running everything thru my Quad22L's. Right now I'm running the Jolida 302b - sounds very sweet - huuuuge soundstage, but I want more power and have very high expectations for the Blueberry based on reviews and customer feedbacks. (I moved into a much larger place here in UCity and have a 26x15x9 living room just waiting for more power.) Was wondering about getting the Jolida 1000RC and using it as an amp - talked to Walter about it, but can't pull the trigger on another integrated. I've got my mind set on an amp.

So, again, any ideas about a $1500 tube amp? Getting some decent recommendations thus far. And Sturg - I'd seen the Aronov's on Audiogon - very interesting. Still awaiting more suggestions.

And I still have the Audio Note speakers and the little 40 watt EL34, but they're in storage in the basement.

Good to hear from you!

Scott F. · « **Reply #12 on:** 14 Apr 2008, 01:25 am »

Cool,you've got a pre. Tell you what, MerRev's VTL's sound pretty darned good. They may only be 85wpc but that should be more than enough to give you the juice you need. Best part is Chris is local (St Charles). Then again, the Aronov's are pretty sweet too.

After you get your new amps, sounds like you need to host a gathering

mfsoa · « **Reply #13 on:** 14 Apr 2008, 01:52 am »

A 2nd on the VAC amp (I have one).

Worth checking around for, IMHO.

-Mike

Gtasound · « **Reply #14 on:** 14 Apr 2008, 03:26 am »

McAlister Audio PP-150 75w per channel = $1500 or mb-130 130w per channel for first class sound equal to or better than the best around.

opnly bafld · « **Reply #15 on:** 14 Apr 2008, 03:29 am »

Quote from: Gtasound on 14 Apr 2008, 03:26 am

McAlister Audio PP-150 75w per channel = $1500 or mb-130 130w per channel = $2700 for first class sound equal to or better than the best around.

I agree, but it might take a while to get it.

Lin

MerRev · « **Reply #16 on:** 14 Apr 2008, 03:46 am »

hi Kirch,

I've had an absolute blast with this amp and really like it with the Winged C's. You're more than welcome to drop by and hear it.

Merrev

kirch · « **Reply #17 on:** 14 Apr 2008, 11:35 pm »

Quote

(Scott) After you get your new amps, sounds like you need to host a gathering

Actually - I might do that, assuming I'm up and running with the new system - maybe even with the existing one.

Was thinking maybe on the music tour thing. Since I'm directly behind the loop on Westgate, we can walk to my house from Vintage Vinyl, that's just a block or so away from my street. We could do it before or after VV or before the Delmar Lounge - probably not a good idea to do it afterwards with the wife and daughter at home. Unless they're not around that day - I'll work on that one.

So far the recommendations include the 85 wpc VTL, Cary V12 or some version thereof and possibly the Aronov monos. I have a space issue that could throw a wrench into the works with monos though. I have a specific built-in cabinet things have to fit into in order to preserve the "aesthetics" of the 100 year old living room. Also, I really do need to stick close to the $1500 price point. I always stray too far north of my budget, and this time I'm gonna try and stick to my guns budget-wise.

Still open to suggestions everyone! Thanks for the great input thus far ~ Keep 'em coming!

Kirch

JoshK · « **Reply #18 on:** 15 Apr 2008, 01:12 am »

I'd skip the V12....I used to own one and now I am into designing my own tube amps. Go for the McCalister, an AudioPrism Debut, anything used Manley you could touch for this price.

marvda1 · « **Reply #19 on:** 15 Apr 2008, 01:24 am »

you might want to check these out, quicksilver monos.
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1213119478