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Best Tube Amp under 10K?

Having every audio dealer in town recommend their line as "the best unless you want to spend $25K" and buy a ..." is frustrating. Well, like most of us, I can't spend $25K on amps ... but I am curious to know what others consider their "final" amp upgrade under $10K. My listening tastes are wide ranging but will mostly include SACD jazz and classical. I do not have a turntable ... yet. And I ususally play at low to moderate volumes only (the wife factor)-- speakers are reasonably efficient 91DB KEF Ref 4's that I hope to upgrade.
lornecherry
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
A used CAT JL2 will be hard to beat IMHO. See Soundstage's review comparing it to the ARC Ref 110 and Atmasphere MA1s. I decribe it is SET midrange with Krell bass. A delicate beast that can drive most anything. Does run hot though with 16 (6550s) in Class A, Triode.
pavpet
121 posts
 
blue max by NORTH AUDIO , hand built 1 by 1 by steven vickers, at $7000 A PAIR, out of this world
kjl
31 posts
 
I would look for a pair of Thor Audio used monoblocks.
They are 60 watts each monoblock and are wonderful amps.
I had them in my system and upgraded to the tpa 150 watt monblocks. The 60 watters are in your budget and with a reasonably sensitive speaker you will enjoy them. Just make sure there is a warranty by the seller as Thor Audio went out of business.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Is Thor still in business?
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>Just make sure there is a warranty by the seller as Thor Audio went out of business<<

Good luck with that angle.
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