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Best Integrated All-tube Amp?

Hi,

My question: What are the best (and affordable) integrated tube amps in your opinion? (Not hybrid. All tubes.) Specifically, the best single-ended triode with zero feedback and ideally decent wattage.
So far, my list has only two:

1. Viva Solista. The problem with this one is that it simply gives you 17 wpc. It is way more powerful than most other amps that claim to have more power, but still I doubt it can drive extended low frequency speakers. (Currently I own Triangle Antal but in the future I might upgrade to deeper bass.) Nevertheless, I prefer sensitive speakers
2. McIntosh MA2275. I tested with B&W 800 and sounded awesome. But still it is not single ended (it is push-pull) and as far as I know it has some negative feedback. Plus, it a bit too pricey. (So is the Viva.) But I am still willing to consider.

What is your list, and why?

THANKS!

Josep
josep_hernandez

Showing 2 responses by gregc

gregc
16 posts
 
I love my Jolida 302B (Level 1 upgrade from Parts Connexion). I did a lot of tube rolling and ended up with two 1950's GE 12AX7 tubes, two NOS Phillips PQ 12AT7 tubes, and four NOS Japanese Ratheon EL34 tubes that I liked better than Mullards. The integrated sounds fully extended, balanced, and musical. Perfect for a secondary bedroom system. For the money you will be hard pressed to beat the performance, but of course your mileage may vary.
gregc
16 posts
 
I was the first person to respond on this thread and I just checked back to see that many other people have provided some useful and helpful information.

I am more familiar with solid state gear and my Jolida 302B is my first experience with a pure tube setup. It has point to point wiring, excellent build quality, and a full range sound that sounds both accurate and emotionally involving to my ears. I have never heard the stock unit, but I am thrilled with my Level 1 mods from Parts Connexion.

I have my 302B partnered up with an Origin Live Ultra TT/OL Silver arm/Shelter 501 II cartridge/Bel Canto Phono1 TT setup, a modded Music Hall CD-25 CD player, and Quad 21L speakers. The system is supremely satisfying (especially as a secondary system). When you look at just the CD player, speakers, and 302B, the system is a sonic bargain. Of course you can get a better sounding system, but the rule of diminishing returns definitely applies.

My Jolida 302B costs far less than my primary system, but it comes extremely close in terms of musical involvement and enjoyment. I wish I knew more technically in regards to the tube knowledge demonstrated by many of the others on this thread. However, I can say that for the money I have not heard a system I like any better than my modded Jolida 302B.

Regards,
Greg
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