Affordable US Made Tube Pre/Power or Integrated Options
I'm considering switching to tube amplification from solid state. I'm fine with separate pre/power or an integrated. I'll be driving Enzo XL's in a smallish room (17x14) and listening levels are almost always <90db so 30-40 watts should be more than enough. My budget is fairly modest, $2-3k all in. I don't need phono or more than 3 inputs but I would like remote for volume at minimum. Quality build and sound is a priority as is ease of support/repairs if needed. The one unique requirement is that my preference would be for US made if at all possible. Obviously, this limits the options quite a bit but I'd like to see if I can make it work. If not, I'm willing to look at other options.
Here's what I've found so far
Preamps: Mapletree Line 2CRM, $800 (not US but close) LTA MZ2- $1595
Power Amps: Tubes4hifi ST70-35w, $1300 Audio by Van Alstine Ultravalve-35w?, $1599 Quicksilver Mid Mono-40w each, $1995/pair
Integrated: Rogue Cronus- 100w, $2395 Any others?
I'm open to any other options you may know of. Also, if there's any insight or positive experiences with matching pre/power amp please share. I'm new to tubes so I have a lot to learn.
As for having enough power, I use my Decware with Zu Omen speakers and Reference 3a Decapo’s which are about the same sensitivity as your Enzos and have had no problem with lack of power.
I have an Aric Audio amp paired with Tektons,a great combination.Also a pair of Quicky mid monos that it replaced.I hang on to them as back ups as I can't quite talk myself into selling them.Both brands are very well made and have outstanding customer service.
@mesch Aric looks interesting. The Transcend SE is w/in the budget and looks to be powerful enough with the right tube. Just sent them an email with a few questions. @jtcf Any chance you might be "talked into" selling the Mid Monos?
I’ll be the third to recommend Aric Audio. I currently run two of his preamps in two systems. They are simply wonderful. There are some very good reviews online. His products are reasonably priced,and solidly built.
Aric Audio looks really excellent to my eye. Question for the tube people here -- my tube preamp has two 12AX7 tubes. These Arics have many more tubes. Can you tell me why someone might prefer a preamp with two vs. more than two tubes? If the OP is considering the costs of tube replacement, that might bear on the OP's question. It's certainly something I'm curious about. @mesch , others, any thoughts?
@hilde45 More tubes are used for the power supply in my preamps, being both tube rectified and tube regulated- the two 12A_7 tubes do the stage amplification and buffer job. A tube rectifier is smoother than diodes as there's no diode switching occurring, and instead of using an IC-based "chip" regulator, I use gas-charged neon tubes which were used in lab equipment before solid state was invented. The 5U4GB rectifier will last a good long time (up to 5 years for the NOS tubes) as they're only being used at about 5% of their capacity. The same goes for the regulators, but regulators are a cheaper tube, so they may fail after a couple of years respectively. All of this helps provide a very organic and smooth sounding power supply, and in tube-based gear, all of this is audible as the signal rides on the high voltage supply. Typically good NOS rectifiers run $10-$15 and the OD3 regulators are about the same per pair. Best regards, Aric
@aric Wow, thanks so much for that explanation. That would totally put my mind at ease about the number of tubes issue. If I had not made a choice on my amps already, I'd be ringing your phone!
A tube rectifier is smoother than diodes as there’s no diode switching occurring
Aric, please provide measurements that show SS diode noise in a tube amplifier output.
Tube rectifiers have a sound that some enjoy. Others think it mushy.
Diode switching noise is around 12MHz and tanked in the filter caps.
Tube rectifiers have slower transient response and sag voltage when called upon for more current. Many power amps with tube rectifiers should have two.
I do agree that power supplies have a tremendous affect on the sound.
I do have issues with ascribing sonics to the wrong attributes.
Tell me, what is the phase response of the the neon tube?
Some chip regulators have terrible phase response. Others are quite good. Some can be improved dramatically. All regulators interact with the powered circuit and program.
Power supplies are however one of the most misunderstood and neglected areas, especially by tinkerers who lack the requisite tools to properly analyze dynamic performance.
The Rogue Cronus Magnum is an excellent choice if you like more dynamics. refined neutrality and low end impact. Small signal tube updates are a must IMHO but not expensive to realize a big sonic upgrade.
The Raven Audio Nighthawk is not as powerful as the Rogue amp but will sound better out of the box- more refined and transparent and will not need tube updates.
Although my Freya/Had Firebottle combo works perfectly and sounds fabulous, I've been thinking about the Had Dragon Inspire QMB-25 mono blocks...just thinking...around 4 grand a pair new...hmmm...
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