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A tubed integrated amp for Joseph Audio Pulsars?

I'm running a modified Jolida 502B integrated of long use with my Pulsars. Thinking it's near time to try something new. I want to continue in the tube integrated realm and it's very hard to get a take-home amp to test. I'm interested in synergy and an amp with the ability to handle more demanding passages. I love a grand, full, tactile mid-range, but don't want to skirt elsewhere. A little tempo is important. Flabby bass unforgivable if it comes out of tight, little speakers like these. Extension? Soundstaging?  Bring it!
I have a hard time understanding what kind of power I need for these Pulsars, knowing not all wattage is created equally. So I worry about attractive amps like Leben or Luxman or anything not over 50w, even though that worry might be unfounded. I want to make magic. So, what's a perfect fit? Who has been down this road with these speakers and has tales to tell and guidance to share? Under $10K, please.Oh, and it's got to be built to last for-evah.
beeswax
beeswax OP
56 posts
 
No more than a TV show being top-rated would make me watch it. How you extrapolated what you wrote from my post is beyond me.
whitestix
710 posts
 
I completely agree with the recommendation of the Rogers tube integrated amp.   I heard them together at the CAS a few years ago and was blown away, thinking that their was a pair of subwoofers playing.   The combination was amazing, with the amp having plenty of power!
jcss7
3 posts
 
I was intrested in buying the Pulsar 2 after having heard them at Axpona. It was the first time I heard any of his products.  Long story short I purchased a new pair of the current production model.  Jeff Joseph responded to an email I sent indicating that the upgrade of the current model to a Pulsar 2 wll cost 2300.00 plus round trip shipping.  Worth considering depending on the price one paid for the current model.
rooze's avatar
rooze
635 posts
 
I’m also looking for a good tubed integrated amp but for a different speaker.
I heard the Synthesis A100T that @audiotroy mentions and it’s a fantastic amp. I’ve owned and heard a lot of gear over the years yet can’t recall another component that impressed me as much.

There’s also its smaller stablemate with 40 watts that sounds almost as good.

I should also mention that I heard both amps at Deja Vu in Vienna VA on Monday this week. I had an incredible experience there courtesy of owner Vu, who spent a great deal of time showing me around their impressive facility.

Anyway, I don’t want to step on Audiotroy’s toes by mentioning another Synthesis dealer but feel it’s only fair to give a shout out to Deja Vu since that’s where I heard the amps.

Had $8k (or even $6.5k for the 40w) been in my budget I wouldn’t have hesitated.

Good luck with your search!

Rooze

verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,499 posts
 
Have you seen the KR VA830i? It is a 40w, Push Pull 300B. Amazing sound and runs $9K wo within your budget. Can’t say enough good things about KRs sound. This is amazingly powerful little amp and delivers a 300B soundstage in a much more powerful package.  KR has an A+ service center in Michigan. I sell their tubes and offer them for upgrade to Art Audio amps.  I also work with them whenever an Art Audio amp doesn’t meet a customers needs.

I am the exclusive importer and dealer for Art audio - not for KR as there are multiple dealers in the US.
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