The VTL EL-34 has a remote and used is right in your price range, sweet sonics and great California company. Rogue, Quicksilver are also excellent
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.
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.
71 responses Add your response
Quicksilver’s preamp is $1295 and very hard to beat; sounds great, point to point wiring, American made, comments which helped me toward this unit testified to rugged reliability and great customer service. I also bought the 60wpc amps. That’s above your price point but the 40 watts would fit the bill. At list preamp and monoblocks would be $3290. Quicksilver also makes a nice integrated for $1995 that I heard power some 85db Dynaudios. You might consider the Erhard's Basie amp, too -- http://www.erhard-audio.com/Basie.html |
I also recommend Raven Audio Nighthawk integrated. And they have a 45-day trial, can return if you don't like it, minus return shipping. I got one after listening to Primaluna and Rogue at dealers. All sounded good, just each have different character and I preferred Raven. Probably also helped that I could listen to Raven in my house with my system. Upscale Audio sells Primaluna and I believe has a 60 day trial period minus shipping and tubes. Not sure about Rogue. |
Manley Labs. I have 2 systems. The more expensive one has Cary a SLP-05 preamp and Pass Labs XA 60.5 power amps. At less than 1/4 the price for amplification, the cheaper system with a Manley Stingray II sounds better. Of couse there many other variables, including room effects, but both systems are otherwise comparable. It demonstrates that a low-powered all tube integrated can sound great in the right system and setting. |
From your list LTA, Van Alstine, and Quicksilver are highly regarded. Used: Integrated... https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa3056-conrad-johnson-cav-45-tube Power... https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa27h1-yamamoto-soundcraft-a-08s-stereo-amplifier-w-nos-used-tun.... Power... https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa04gj-ear-yoshino-534-power-amp-tube Full disclosure: this is my amp made in UK. Many high-end preamps do not have remote volume control. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa305j-aric-audio-transcend-6sn7-linestage-tube https://www.schiit.com/products/freya-1 |
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