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 1 response by sufentanil

I do think you are being a little too picky in your requirements. I would suggest broadening your search and then audition some of them; you might be surprised of the results and how they might conflict with your prejudices.

I own an Audio Valve Assistent integrated. It's supposedly rated at 20 or 25 W/Ch, but I consider it to be more like 10 because it has a hard time driving anything except very efficient speakers. When mated to an efficient, tube-friendly speaker, though, it sounds excellent. But alas, it's push-pull, so it won't satisfy your stringent requirements.

I also have a Jolida 302b and for the price I cannot recomment an integrated more highly. I have a nice "big system" that sounds great, and adjacent to it sits my "little system" which is powered by the 302b. Many of my friends actually prefer the little system.

The Jolida can drive real-world speakers that the Audio Valve can't. For most people, it would get my recommendation. If, however, you have efficient, tube-friendly speakers, then the Audio Valve will astound you.

I think you're going to have to drop some of your requirements to find something in your price range; just let your ears be the guide rather than the specifications.

Michael