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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 raquel

raquel
841 posts
 
I am not aware of an integrated amp that meets your requirements (single-ended, triode, 300B-based, class-A, no negative feedback, low distorsion, point-to-point wiring, good bass, and a well-known brand), especially one that is "affordable", whatever you mean by that.

The VAC Avatar is about the only thing that comes close, and I believe it is $3k-$4k used. The VAC Renaissance 70/70 Mk. III amp (not integrated) meets all of those requirements other than being single-ended (it is push-pull), but costs $5k-$6k used and you would need a preamp. The VAC amps do come close to the single-ended sound and avoid the significant disadvantages. Singer in Union Square carries VAC -- ask for Dave Lalin.
raquel
841 posts
 
Single-ended amps tend to have wild output impedences that interact greatly with most speakers, the result being that the frequency response of the speaker can have a number of huge dips and crests, i.e., the sound is not accurate nor faithful to the source. The sound can still be very pleasing, but oftentimes it is not. You don't have to worry as much about this issue with push-pull amps.

You really need to know which single-ended amps go well with which speakers, and as a general rule, you need to use them with speakers that do not dip below 6 Ohms or so (8+ Ohms is better). Single-ended amps tend to be low powered as well, meaning that you need to use them speakers that are extremely efficient (92 db+/watt/meter at a minimum).

Finally, you really need to spend some money to get a good single-ended tube amp (or any tube amp for that matter), as the output transformers in them are critical to their performance and good transformers are extremely expensive. Lamm, Air Tight and to a somewhat lesser extent, Jadis (good, but way overpriced) are examples of excellent (build quality and sound quality) single-ended gear. CAT, VAC and Audio Valve make excellent (build quality and sound quality) push-pull amps.

As for dealers, call Dave Lalin at Singer or Bob Herman at Lyric and tell them what you you are looking for. I think you'll be treated properly.
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