Integrated amp for tube lover


Downsizing and looking for an integrated amp of 100 or more watts/ channel that will satisfy a tube lover. Not many tube integrated amps fit that power requirement, but open to tube or solid state. Considering Krell K300i, CODA CSiB, Boulder 866 (doubt that it is "tube-like" enough), and Gryphon Diablo 300 (more expensive than I’d like). Can use separate phono and/or DAC. Thoughts on these or others?

hedwigstheme

Octave nice but v70 just 70 watts into 4 ohms.  v80se ($13.5k) closer at 120 into 4.  Audio Hungary x2000 great amp at less than $7k!  Trafomatic Eon about same price as Octave.

I’m assuming you don’t want tubes based on your OP but how about a hybrid amp? I noticed in the classifieds that member Grannyring is selling a Circle Labs hybrid integrated those sound excellent. 

 

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisbee92-circle-labs-a200-hybrid-int-amp-newest-upgraded-right-and-left-output-boards-read-on-tube

The 70watts from the Octave v70 are more than enough for my room which is 24x30.  At 50% its well over 90db from where i sit which is about 14' back.  My speakers are 92db sensitive with powered woofers however.   It drives my speakers better then my 225wpc anthem amp.  It's a beast.  

For “warm” sounding SS, either a sliding class A bias (like the Krell) or a GanFET amp.  Limited options for integrated though

I really like my Advance Paris A-10 classic. It has a high bias switch that emulates class A up to about 10 watts per channel.  Combined with my Denafrips Ares 15th, it comes really close to a vinyl sound.