Jay, it seems as if you've loosened your budget a bit. If not, go with the C-J CAV-50 if you LIKE a rich, warm, romantic(some would argue overly, not me), "classic" tube sound. From all that I've listened to from Rogue, their new integrated would be on the other end of the spectrum. More "new tube sound"; more neutral, many would say better and more accurate. If you are in the middle, check out the Jolida 801, just be sure to instantly upgrade to some European tubes(and use KT88's for output), and a Synergistic Research power cord. If your budget has loosened, BUY(!!!) a Jadis Orchestra Reference. Look the ad up in The Absolute Sound. One of the most beautiful amps you've ever seen, you say? Forget that, the SOUND puts its looks to shame!
<2K amp for Shearwaters
Now that I have a nice pair of speakers,... I want tubes. I've set my budget, and am trying to decide beween: 1. an integrated- like the Cary sli80, VTL IT85, CJ,. 2. Use the volume on my Marantz CD63 to control the level into a power amp- VTL ST85, or many used pieces I've noticed on Audiogon.. or go with some inexpensive mono blocks, ss or used tube. I mean, I think I really want tube power, I love the sound, the few times I've listened. and the speaker maker highly reccommends tube power for his product. Any advice from Shearwater owners (89dB) or anybody else is appreciated. Jay