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A reasonable integrated w/ remote - possibly tube?

I've done extensive searching in the archives, but would love some "fresh" answers. I'm looking for a quality integrated with remote in the sub $2k range, preferrably around $1500. I'm thinking about my first foray into tubes, but since my listening tastes run from Oakenfold/Underworld/Techno to Brahms and classical, I'm a little leery about some of the traditional drawbacks of tubes, namely bass impact. Currently my system is a Naim 92R, 90/3, Flatcap, Planet 2000, and Mission 774s. It's nowhere near the best in soundstaging, but I love the rhythmic drive and pace provided by the Naim gear.

Plinius? Rogue Audio? Jolida? I would be very interested in any suggestions, hints, warnings, caveats, etc. A remote is strongly desired, but not absolutely necessary I suppose. Thanks for your time!
ryanp100
rbirke
144 posts
 
I'm very happy with a Bryston B-60. Solid state, of course, but great sound and built like all Bryston products -- to last forever. I bought mine used with remote and phono stage for around 1250, less than a year old, and at that price, it's a great piece.
joe_b
421 posts
 
I recently changed from a tube amp to an Audio Refinement Complete and I am reasonably satisfied. However, as good as the ARC sounds, it is not a tube amp. It does not have the bloomy, airy sound of good tubes. It is "good for solid state". I have found it somewhat sensitive to the cables used with it and was almost going to sell it until I stumbled onto a combination of i/c and speaker cables that "work". If you want to get an inexpensive tube amp suggest you check on Ebay for an AMC CVT3030 or AMC tube separates. I briefly tried an AMC tube amp and really liked the sound-better than many solid state amps. Unfortunately, it needed more ventilation than my cabinet would provide and I wanted to downsize my system and get out of separates.
ryanp100 OP
8 posts
 
Thanks for all of your input! I suppose it will now be a long, strenuous process to do some listening demos, and I'm sure I'll enjoy every minute. To abecollins above: I don't really need a fully functional remote, just volume and maybe mute would do. On another note, what about the Cary SLI-80 Integrated? Any thoughts on that puppy? I've got a Cary dealer literally right across the street...
chazzbo
1,007 posts
 
Depends on what tubes you want to use too.A used piece which runs EL34's is going to give you mid magic like a CJ or a VTL and the Rogue can give you the KT88 slam and bass.Nice to be able to switch from inexpensive 6550's or choose the pricey 88's.Eveybody tells me that seperate amp or int get some old NOS which is a whole fifty threads of advise.The drivers will last longer and be way cheaper than the output tubes.One neophyte to another.Oh yeah I lucked out and foound a Mesa Baron $4K amp for $1250.Uses more utilitarian 6L6's but can switch in banks of thirds from pentode to triode i.e all triode with Sarah Vaughn,two thirds triode with Segovia and pentode with P-Funk.Think htere's one up for $2K right now.Dicker and buy! WILL NOT BE SORRY!!!!!
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