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CJ CAV 50 vs. VTL IT 85 vs. Rogue Tempest

I recently bought a pair of mini-utopias to replace my dynaudio 1.3MkII. Currently, i am looking for a substitute for my plinius 8200MkII integrated amp.

I have always used SS amps as I am bit apprehensive in the hassles of tube maintenance and hate long warm up periods. Thus, as of now, I am thinking of getting a yba passion integre for the jm labs. However, this amp is not readily available where i live (Philippines) and the distributor is in Singapore. Hence, warrantiy may become a problem.

But assuming that i would venture into integrated tube amplification, which would be the better choice?

These three products (cav 50, IT85 and Rogue Tempest) are available in my country (Philippines) and are almost priced the same.

However, I am not yet familiar with tubes... so to all previous owners of these amps which one do you think would:
a) most likely sound best with the mini-utopia;
b) be easier to maintain (i.e. biasing, tube switching);
c) have more functions (i.e. switchable to diff modes);
d) most likely become obsolete soon due to a change or upgrade by the manufacturer.

The rest of system is a MF Nuvista 3D player, analysis plus oval 9 cable, DH labs air matrix iconnect, audio
prism foundation 2 (sorry dont have any power cables as i am not really convinced by it after several demos). Room is 14wx22lx8h and music preference is jazz and vocals.

Thanks.
jermometer

Showing 1 response by loontoon

loontoon
301 posts
 
Zaikesman is right on the warm up time.

I would suggest you do this: buy an older tube amp of the audiogon or bay like a Cary SLA 70, take it play with it, do the tweaky thing, experiment with tubes, and caps.

Figure out if this is the sound your after. You can re-wire the amp to go triode if you want. Thats why you buy an old used one. Figure out if this is where you want to be.

If your a set it and forget it guy, SS is you.

jeff
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