2. amps-preamps
  3. 991329042

Best Tube Amp under 5K

I'm in the market for a tube amp to drive a pair of B&W DM-640i's, matched with an Acurus ACT-3 pre/pro. The main application will be listening to acoustic jazz in 2 channel. I heard the Rouge Audio 120 monoblocks and for around $2,700 was very impressed. Would the new Rogues be a better value than a used Audio Research? Or should I consider other alternatives?
herbl4

Showing 2 responses by abecollins

abecollins
219 posts
 
A pair of used Conrad-Johnson Premier 12 mono blocks might be nice. I really like the sound of my CJ Premier 11a. I also recently picked up a used Audio Research VT100MKII. It's a fine sounding amp with good bass authority and over all more neutral sounding than the CJ - which isn't a good or a bad thing. It's a matter of taste. The CJ is a bit sweeter without being too sappy. I kind of like it.
abecollins
219 posts
 
Upscaleaudio is right.
The ARC amp requires closely matched tubes and you have to remove the lid and use a digital voltmeter to set the bias correctly. The CJ Premier amps on the other hand are open chassis designs and bias is independently adjustable for each tube using a built-in LED indicator for each adjustment. It's a more forgiving design and also easier if you enjoy "tube rolling".

Here's me screwing around with the ARC VT100MKII earlier today. I just retubed it replaceing all 16 tubes. Ouch!

http://mycollins.net/audio/vtcj4.html
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