Looking for... Integrated tube amp with phono

Just hopping around looking, not much produces 80 wpc.

I have an alternate idea:

Phase 1: Sell the existing speakers, buy efficient speakers

You probably lose some money, but you will save more by getting yourself down into the 35-40-45 wpc category.

Phase 2: New Or Used 35-40-45 wpc tube integrated. reduced cost/weight/heat; increased placement options (remote beam)

Lots of Vintage with all the desired features, more affordable new choices, .....

This has some info. You don't need to max out your budget.

@elliottbnewcombjr

Umm, I already found 4 models that meet the power requirements.

New speaker shopping is way too much work; I really don’t have time for that. BTW, my current tube amp is 60wpc and I used to have a Rogue that was around 90. There are plenty available.

@noromance

That’s a good list, thanks. I’ve owned that same Vincent and a very similar Rogue, years ago.

I already considered that BAT and the Roger’s High Fidelity but neither can be had with a phono stage, from what I found. Same with PrimaLuna. 

The VAC is an excellent choice.  Provides the watts noted in your search, excellent sounds quality, and a phono section that performs at a very high level.  

Modwright

PrimaLuna

Denon 110 Anniversary

The Octave V80 ALL TUBES (Yay) is the only one on your list with

all your requirements (except optional requirement: dac)

1. headphones

2. tape loop

3. additional processor loop

4. optional phono (choose MM or MC, not both)

Seems to be a winner

..............................................

audio research, has a dac, has remote balance which I love, mute ((not sure Octave remote has mute) but I don’t see either tone controls or tape loop for an equalizer

The VAC is reaaly nice. Even the older Avatar can be had for around $3400 used. Use the extra cash to take your neighbors to lunch. 

Let us know what you end up with. "Pump up the Volume..."

Rogue Cronus Magnum 3.  I believe they make a Dark version of it for more$$$.  100 watts per channel.

@stereo5

I had a Rogue Tempest ii (90 wpc) about 8-9 years ago. It was decent, but I would want something completely different if I bought another Rogue. Just to change it up; I had no real issues with it (that I can remember).

@stereo5

If I had $40k in my amp budget, I surely wouldn't be buying an integrated amp. The L2i looks interesting, but I don't have a Vinnie Rossi budget, even for the L2i.

Full disclosure, I am going to recommend taking a look at a Margules ACRH3, that is for sale currently, on The Music Room's site, yes it is mine. It may have what you are looking for. I found it to have plenty of power 100wpc, an excellent phono stage for MM, MI or high output MC. The remote is functional, hefty and functional. The input stage is tubed. I really enjoyed my time with it. Very musical and easy to listen to. 

Thanks, I previously saw that Margules and had to look up the company. That’s the problem… resale. I don’t mind buying from a small company, but I worry about resale, especially non-domestic manufacturers.

Also, I question whether that would sound better than my Conrad Johnson separates.

Margules,Rouge, Audio Hungary, Octave, Prima Luna, all good choices. 

@ron325  Honestly that's a tough one. I have listened and sold some CJ gear when I worked in the hifi store. One of my favorites was the CJ MF200, that was a great amp for sure. I have never heard the 60, though I have read it's really good as most CJ is. 

I think the Margules would hold it's own. I found it to be pretty dynamic, it has some weight and dynamics for sure. Very musical, I never felt any fatigue while listening. Maybe an area where it edges out the CJ is that its a very easy to live with unit. Ease of use and all that. It's also pretty unique, if that's something that matters to you. 

I too had to do some research on the company. Turns out they are one of the oldest companies in home and pro audio in Mexico. I heard several other Margulese units at the recent Florida show in Feb. I was very impressed. 

So, the GSi75 is off my list (assuming I want an EQ option). I emailed ARC and asked if there was a way to connect one and they said “no” (other than between the source and the amp, which is not an option).

I looked closer at the Rogue and that is nicely upgraded from the one I owned. I asked them about adding an EQ and they can install a processor loop for $350. I think the lack of tone controls is why I sold my Tempest II years ago. Seems like a great amp for the money, but not sure it’s better than my CJ stuff. Especially the SS phono stage in the Rogue.

@ron325 i owned a Rogue Atlas 3 a couple years ago. That was a damn good amp. Well made, authoritative and musical sounding, built like a tank. I like Rogue as a company, they were always responsive when I had a question. Hard to go wrong there.

@doyle3433 

Right, but I've already owned a Rogue and I don't think it's in the same league as VAC (or, the CJ stuff I already own). I could be wrong, but I'm just guessing here.

OP,

You are correct. The Rogue is not in the same league as VAC and Conrad Johnson. 

@ghdprentice 

Thanks for the sanity check.

Please don't get me wrong, I do agree that Rogue is not in the same league as CJ, VAC, BAT, Mac, Lux and even Cary. I believe Rogue fits into a close proximity sonically, and meets a mid fi need for lower cost/high value. All the way around my Cary SLI80HS is a far better integrated than Rogue and even the Margules. Fit and finish, as well as it's overall sound quality. 

Resale funny like you are buying a car. Resale in electronics is a misnomer, you will not even recover 50%. It is like buying a mobil home as a real estate investment. Buy what you like and when it is time to upgrade, take your lumps just like you do when buying a car. Or just buy used and save yourself the anxiety over resale value.😭😭🤑🤑

Couldn't agree with you more @ericgale 

Big difference in prices. Though they still fit in your budget, and list.

audionote cobra

rogue Cronus magnum 3

best luck.. 

or go the speaker route..

Devore fidelity 

Audionote 

Dadelus

they all make stand monitors which will work perfectly with tube integrated 

@ericgale

"Or just buy used and save yourself the anxiety over resale value."

The original post says I'm only looking for used.

As far as I know, Audionote doesn't make any high-powered integrated amps with a phono section.

Audio Research I/50 integrated amplifier, which costs $5500, optional MM/high-output MC phono module ($750) if it is installed. (There is also an optional DAC module for $1000.) comes w remote. Very positive reviews here and here. Since this is a newer product, one can expect superior sonics price/performance especially from the established AR brand.

Try a Luxman integrated 505 

@ron325 Margules dealer here. The Margules ACRH-4 runs $4,800, and it is significantly better than the ACRH-3. It’s very involving and sounds like a true tube amplifier given warmth and harmonics despite its hybrid design, while having good control to drive less sensitive speakers. The built in phono stage is really good, too, but unfortunately only MM. Happy to answer any questions you may have on this unit if it lands in your consideration list.