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Good Suggestions for Tube Amps under 6k

I wanted to see if there were any group suggestions for an integrated tube amp or tube / solid-state combo under 10k or, even better, under 6k. Still looking for my final purchase in this part of my system.  Thanks everyone.

gregjacob

Showing 2 responses by jtgofish

jtgofish
490 posts
 

Cayin Class A

https://www.ebay.com/itm/134140747460?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=17ceb1b6-e488-11ed-9b72-623161363362

I have Cayin A88T, couldn’t be happier. Terrific build quality

Yes I own one too.They are OK...ish.Much better with EL34s than KT88s.A They are somewhere between 2d and 3D sounding.About 2.2 with KT88 s and maybe 2.5 with EL34s in Triode mode.Too much negative feedback is my hunch.I think they are decent value but nothing special .My 54 year old Australian made Trimax EL34 Mullard 520 design monoblocks are much better .

jtgofish
490 posts
 

"In my experience, there is a spacious dimensionality in high-quality tube amps that I never quite hear in SS amps of the same caliber / price range. Texture and tone, particularly in acoustic and wood instruments. Also, the assured warmth without loss of lucid definition. And today’s good tubes don’t suffer from labels such as "slow," "tubey" or from any background hiss. Certainly, SS is easier to manage at all the points we all know... I went from British SS amps to tube amps a while back, and it’s hard to go back. But I’m always listening for good SS as well... Recommendations?"

I generally agree but there are exceptions.

You should hear Bakoon amps.They are incredibly 3D sounding Class A/B.

I have owned and used some pretty decent SETs and other tube amps and the Bakoons at least match them for deep layered soundstage and ambience.

 

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