Class A integrated amp recommendations


Greetings 'goners after a prolonged absence from posting here but  eavesdropping on your conversations in the interim! I was hoping to get some feedback on your experiences with class A integrated amps. My audio journey thus far provides some context.

The core of my system, Sim Audio Moon I5 integrated, Joseph Audio RM7si Signature on 20” Sound Anchor stands has remained unchanged for about 20 years. Sources are Sim Audio Moon Nova and Rega Jupiter2000 CD players, Sim Audio Moon LP3 phono for my AR ES-1 turntable with Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH cartridge. Cables are Zu Audio.

Primary music interests are acoustic jazz, small scale classical, classical/crossover, some orchestral; but I can, and do, veer all over the map when a bout of nostalgia hits: classic and prog rock, punk, grunge, reggae, singer/songwriter. For me, it’s always been about the music. The stereo is only a tool. It is not the work. During that time I’ve not felt the need or urge to chase gear. I enjoy music.

Until about 6 months ago when I acquired a new turntable: Technics SL-1210GR with Audio Technica AT33PTG/II and Ortofon 2M Black cartridges. Then a PS Audio Stellar phono. And now, as I’m about to retire, I feel like a kid! Those Blue Note reissues have awakened some kind of Mr. Hyde in me that wants to try new stuff!

Hence this post. Your experiences with Class A integrateds feeding speakers similar to mine would be greatly appreciated. I'm intrigued by, but have not heard, gear from Pass Labs, Sugden, and Luxman. Of course, cost is a concern as the law of diminishing returns keeps me away from the insanity of uber-pricing.

Kind Regards

jlamb

what is least expensive Class A which  I could pair with Buchardt S400 MkII ????

I still loved my Krell K300i amps.it’s sound good and little warmer and punches bass along with Hegel H390 which I own couple years since I switched back to Krell and fall in love with new sound from Krell….

EAR 834 and 8L6 are push pull class A tube amps that a very musical sounding an new, are affordably priced around $6750.  Both are 50 watts and play well into most speakers (not those with multiple really big woofers with low impedances based on my experience with Legscy Focus but great with Legacy Signature IIIs).  Even sweeter is the EAR 899 (discontinued) with 70 watts using a kinkless tetrode K90 tube configuration (or KT88 if one prefers, which I do and own a pair of 890s).  

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