[Light-Echo]

I've taken the plunge and will build the N3. I have a couple of NAD THX amps but would like to try a decent tube amp(s). Any opinions?

Regards
Dave

[TrungT]

What's your budget for the amp?

[jtwrace]

I've taken the plunge and will build the N3. I have a couple of NAD THX amps but would like to try a decent tube amp(s). Any opinions?

Regards
Dave

I'm sure Danny could answer but I would give the Dodd Battery Powered a look. 
http://doddaudio.com/battery_powered_amp.aspx
Sensitivity is 90.5 dB (1watt/1m)
Recommended amplification is 8-100 watts RMS
Impedance 8 ohms nominal and 5.2 ohms minimal in the top end.

yeah with those specs I don't think you'll have an issue....at $995 it's almost a no brainer

[Danny Richie]

I have this beautiful set of 50 watt mono-blocks for sale:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=65521.0

They are a steal for the $2,800 price I am asking for them.

[Light-Echo]

jtwrace        Thanks, I'll read up on that one. It looks right up my alley.

Danny          Crap. Everything about me except for the wife says yes. Those are beautiful.

So in other words, I have about a grand to play with. Thx guys. I love the passion found in these forums.

Dave

[dvenardos]

Not a tube amp, but the tripath amps have a very warm sound to them.
I had the demo Neo 2x here and they sounded great with the Virtue 2. Virtue is releasing their updated integrated in the next 60 days.
See Danny's comments on the Virtue amps.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=68341.0
http://virtueaudio.com

Also, I have not heard the Dodd amps but the stereo amp is $995 plus shipping.
http://doddaudio.com/battery_powered_amp.aspx

[Danny Richie]

I'll have some of the new Virtue amps as soon as they are available. They may be the bang for the buck kings.

[S Clark]

I've taken the plunge and will build the N3. I have a couple of NAD THX amps but would like to try a decent tube amp(s). Any opinions?

Regards
Dave

I'm sure Danny could answer but I would give the Dodd Battery Powered a look. 
http://doddaudio.com/battery_powered_amp.aspx
Sensitivity is 90.5 dB (1watt/1m)
Recommended amplification is 8-100 watts RMS
Impedance 8 ohms nominal and 5.2 ohms minimal in the top end.

yeah with those specs I don't think you'll have an issue....at $995 it's almost a no brainer

+1   Cutting edge amp, zero noise with stock JJ tubes, plenty of power for effecient speakers. These little guys play VERY big and create an extremely realistic soundstage.  Get Gary to send you one to try out... it will only cost you shipping

[Danny Richie]

Get Gary to send you one to try out... it will only cost you shipping

That's a great idea!

[RHA]

Look at Odyssey.

[Voiceray]

Why don't you build the F5:

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/firstwatt7/f5.html

Ray

[keenween]

I use an Odyssey and I'm a happy camper. I've never tried anything else with the N3's, so I have no comparisons. Good luck!

[S Clark]

Although I am sure that there are many amps that will work well with the N3, remember that it was designed using Dodd amps.  For that reason alone, I'd consider the Dodd the first choice and the others secondary- just less guesswork involved. 

[yoder]

If you are looking for an integrated, I have found the Grant Fidelity A-348 to be a great performer. It is on sale right now for $950.  I have not heard N3's, but the A-348 has made all speakers I've tried it on sound better.  I find it to be better than solid state separates I've heard in the $1500 price range.  Also, Ian at Grant Fidelity is a great resource if you have any questions.  You didn't mention what pre you would use.  I was told a solid state pre and tube amp combo is sortof the worst of both worlds though I am sure it depends on what equipment you are using. 

http://grantfidelity.com/site/Grant_Fidelity_A348_Integrated_Tube_amp