Best tube amp $2000-2500?


I am thinking tubes for my next purchase. Probably leaning toward Coincident as my next speaker, and if so, definitely will go with tubes.

What tube amps are good choices at this price range (used on A'gon)? I am looking for something with body, but not overly "tubey". Probably more along the lines of a KT88 tube, not an EL34 (the EL34 amps I have heard in my system from Cary were a little tubbier than I was looking for). I was thinking perhaps ARC VS110, Mcintosh MC275, something from C-J in that price range, Rogue, Quicksilver, VAC. Any specific recommendations? I need around 50 watts, 75 would be plenty.
komaki

Showing 1 response by trelja

As someone who owns both Coincident loudspeakers and AtmaSphere amplifiers, my opinion is that despite what is normally said, this isn't the best of matchups. Each of these components is on the more forward, lively, and engaging side, and I often find the combination can be a bit leaner than I prefer. I realize Israel Blume advertises that he uses AtmaSphere amplifiers, but he's also gone out of his way over the past decade to get into the amplifier business.

Personally, my Atma Spheres sound best with my older Fried (A/6 and, especially, Valhalla) loudspeakers, which present a more resistive load than the Coincidents. In fact, I've not heard the Atmas find a better companion. My Coincidents do best with transformer coupled tube amplifiers with more power than what most of their advertising goes towards, such as my Jadis. So, if you're leaning towards Coincident, I'd personally look into brands like AES, Air Tight, Audio Note, BAT, Cary, DeHavilland, Jadis, Manley, Music Reference, Quicksilver, and VAC.