Can someone suggest a lush tube integrated under $3000 used


My main system it’s solid state preamp and amp. I’ll through in a tube preamp on occasions. Somedays I just miss the lush involving syrupy tube sound with small jazz and blues recordings. I know highs may be rolled off,  not a lot of slam but can be so involving you lose track of time. This amp will be matched with some Joseph Audio first gen Pulsar, LSA 2 statement tower with ribbon tweeter and some Tiny Dancers. 

I’ve heard good things of the Cary, Ayon, maybe an old Conrad Johnson cav 50, I just don’t have much experience with integrated amps. My speakers aren’t the most efficient. 


paulcreed

Showing 8 responses by charles1dad

Congratulations @paulcreed. Pure class A push pull topology.  I haven't heard this brand but  reportedly they have very robust power supply and output transformers.  I hope this amplifier works out well with your particular speakers. 
Charles 
@paulcreed, 

"That’s not what I’m looking for. I grew up in New Orleans going in little jazz clubs with maybe 10 or 30 people in there with all acoustic instruments no microphones no board only the acoustics of the room, and hope it’s a good room. Maybe a better word is I’m looking for natural or organic tones on the warm side."

Yep! Understanding completely what you want, organic, full bodied tone and instrumental weight and warmth. Nothing to do with "syrupy".
I share a similar background as you. Many years attending intimate jazz venues and hearing acoustic instruments up close and without  microphones (Unnecessary in the small clubs). Doing this for 30 years has definitely left an imprint 😃.

It's very difficult for audio components to reproduce that genuine  dynamic full warm tone of those live instruments.  However some very good tube components come closer than other alternatives in my opinion. 
Charles 
@ozzy62,

"With shipping both ways and restock fee that could get kind of pricey. But it’s the only way to know for sure"

You are right,  the shipping cost is a consideration. But if truly interested how else can @paulcreed determine if the Raven works out for his needs.
The very informed and thoughtful post from @arafigpq addressing the 20 watt Raven-lower sensitivity pairing is exactly why a home trial audition is so valuable.

What didn’t work for @arafiq could possibly work for another. Getting the amplifier into the home audio system and ’just listen’ is the way to go.
Charles



@paulcreed,
One thing is for sure, all 20 watt tube amplifiers aren't the same nor are 87 db sensitivity speakers (Some are simply easier impedance loads than others). Sensitivity alone doesn't present the entire picture.

Fortunately Raven Audio has a very generous 45 day home trial period.  No better way to determine if their 20 watt amplifier is right for your particular situation. 
Charles 
@paulcreed ,
I would suggest you reach out to Auric Audio. They may be able to build you what you want near your budget target. Excellent quality work and customer service.Let him know what you desire. Choice of transformers, capacitors, resistors and wire can tailor the sonic signature of an amplifier.
Charles
@paulcreed ,
Thanks for the "syrupy" clarification, makes more sense as to what you are seeking. If you are cautious of 20 watts, consider various  used Quicksilver, VAC and conrad johnson options These 3 represent good engineering/design/sound quality/reliability  and customer service..
Charles
@paulcreed, 
A well designed and implemented tube amplifier can offer beautiful and realistic full bodied tonality,  timbre and harmonic overtones. In my opinion these are very desirable and coveted sonic characteristics.  You can have all of this without "syrupy" signature.

I could be misunderstanding your use of that term. Syrupy has a negative connotation to my interpretation. Tubes can provide the positive qualities I mentioned without sacrificing resolution, inner detail and nuance. 
Charles