Lush and Romantic Tube Amps

I'll try to respond to all other postings over the next few days! I have read them all and appreciate all the insights. I really enjoy this board for the education from folks who know way more than me and can help guide my decision-making. 

@kota1 - thank you for this suggestion. I’ve seen Bob Carver’s name on this board before, but as I’m new to audio equipment, have no familiarity with his equipment. That 85 watt amp looks extremely compelling. I have been on the fence, nearly ready to plunk down the money for the Conrad Johnson classic 120se, possibly with EL34 tubes, but the price tag is substantial and I’m a little afraid the sound signature will be similar to the CJ art 150 which I tried in my home already. From your experience, how would you describe Carver’s equipment sound signature? I did listen to a few online tidbits I could find and frankly what I heard I liked - a lot. You get the sense of warmth, which is what I’m after. 
 

@jasonbourne71 - thank you for the suggestion. I will look into them a a bit more. 
 

@rodman99999 - thanks for the wisdom on the NOS tubes! 
 

@rcprince - I’ve heard from several posters that the older CJ amps are what I should be looking for. My apprehension has been around maintenance of an older unit. I know CJ still maintains older equipment, but packing and shipping gives me pause. Would you have similar concerns? Or do you feel otherwise? 
 

@dhcod - I’ve read about Leben, but am afraid that amp might not be powerful enough. I also have a bit of a live affair with my LTA preamp! 
 

@carlsbad2 - I’ve read about Decware and all the positive feedback. However, I’ve found, in this space, I really need a lot of watts. The Qualiton / Audio Hungary that I own currently is great with 100 watts. I am really looking for an amp with a similar sound signature, preferably with a USA-based manufacturer. 

Hi Everyone - 

I really appreciate all the valuable feedback. Lots of food for thought. Would respond as replies come in, but during the week I'm preoccupied with my work duties. 

As I've followed the thread, it has actually dawned on me that what I might actually be looking for isn't necessarily "warmth" but air, bloom, and decay. The combination of my current 100 watt tube power amp (Qualiton) and the LTA delivers an almost supernatural sense of ethereal magic. My wife, who generally tells me to turn music down, enjoys listening to this combo due to it's lack of stridency. There are tons of details, but zero harshness. There is a softness that make it easy to listen to music for hours on end. I'm eager to replicate that magic, but ideally with an American-based tube amp where care and maintenance is a little easier. I am realizing, however, the wonderful qualities of the Audio Hungary power amp. It truly  delivers on the qualities associated with a high quality tube amp.

@marco1 - Congrats on the QLN speakers! In my main room, I couldn't be happier with the QLN prestige 3 speakers. They are incredibly balanced and just fill a room with music. I prefer them to the initial pair I purchased (Dynaudio Heritage Speakers which I'll be looking to sell shortly). 

@vgmbpty - I'm not familiar with the brand. Please share more details on the sound you achieve with the integrated. I'm sure many on this thread would be curiuos. 

@jimmyblues1959 - I've been intrigued with the Jadis amps. Have you heard them? How would you describe them from first hand listening? Also, do you have a asense on how hard or easy it is to get them serviced? Are there a lot of tube amp repair guys in the USA? Or do they have repair center in the USA to your knowledge? 

Hi All - 

I’ve been slammed with work and have not had the time to reply to everyone. I did want to provide an update. After doing an in-house audition of a Rogue hybrid amp (tube and class d), and then a pass labs xa30.8 in my home for a week, I finally pulled the trigger on a Conrad Johnson classic 120 with EL 34 tubes. 
 

I’ll report back once it arrives and I’ve had a chance to let it play for a few days.   

@marco1 - I look forward to your thoughts on those class d amps. I thought about the same model from Ralph/Atmasphere along right the AGD amps too. The feedback on the boards has been very positive. 
 

When I went to demo a rogue amp, the local dealer told me they recommend the rogue hybrid (tube and class d), but my wife ended up not liking it. Then I went through a phase where I thought “do I really want to deal with more tubes?” and was able to audition the pass labs amp, which is just ridiculously too heavy. I liked it  for certain types of music, but felt it didn’t give me the same emotional and immersive experience as my Audio Hungary amp. 
 

I think I might be addicted to second order harmonics? 
 

BTW - how are you enjoying the QLN speakers?