Entry Level Tube Integrated Amps


I’d like to dip my toe into the tube world. Does anyone have experience, or have listened to, an LSA-70T or a Willsenton R300 tube integrated amp? Thanks in advance for your opinion(s)!

scotthiga

Thanks for the many and interesting responses. I own Klipsch Heresy IV’s (99 dB sensitivity) and Omega DynaTen XRS’s (90 db sensitivity). On both speaker sets I’ve paired them with REL T9x subwoofers. Electronics on the Omega DynaTen XRS’s is a Naim Uniti Atom. The Klipsch Heresy IV’s are paired with a Technics SU-G700. Both systems use Maze Audio cables. Music is streamed (I don't own a turntable). The Klipsch Heresy IV's use a BluSound Node 2i for streaming. Thanks for your continuing commentary!

Nice.  Sounds to me like you have many options given those speakers and subs..  Now it would be good to know what kind of sound you are seeking.  What is it that your currents amps are not bringing to the table?  What kind of music do you enjoy and at what spl do you tend to listen?

Interesting entry level would be the Black Ice FX10 or the Musical Paradise MP-301 Mk3 (both are integrated amps).

The FX10 is PP EL84 coming in @ around 12 watts for $800, or so, and the MP-301 is single ended (various output tube choices) coming in @ around 6 watts for approx. $500.

Both are well reviewed/Google them.

Once you move on either would be super for a desk top or other 2nd system (or as a gift to someone else starting out).

 

DeKaY

The Technics SU-G700 (paired with the Heresy IV's + the REL T9x) that I currently have are a clean, neutral sound. It's a very nice sound, but I'd like to get a bigger, broader soundstage and a warmer, meaty, fat midrange.

Sounds like what you are looking for is definitely a tube setup.  With those speaker choices you are in good shape.  Lots of good info provided already.  I will chime in with my two tube experiences.  I had a Jolida 502 brc (entry-level for sure) with 6550 tubes pushing about 60 watts.  Loved the imaging, soundstage, and midrange texture. But, not enough oomph for my Snell speakers.  So, went up to a Rogue Atlas 100 watt amp using KT-120 tubes.  Much better dynamics and bass but not as good in the imaging, soundstage, and midrange dept IMO.  Still very enjoyable though.  I have heard el34 based systems that blew me away with their midrange and palpability so maybe that is where you should look.