2. amps-preamps
  3. 131478-7805

Member's recommendations for tube amplification

Your thoughts on options to consider:

- I'd prefer SET (open to DHT but not a requirement).

- I'm not looking for overtly warm, romantic or lush options.

- Minimum power in the teens to twenties, 10W being the floor.

- Open to higher power push-pull amps, but let's limit ceiling to around 60W.

- Single ended is fine though having XLR inputs would be nice (doesn't have to be true balanced)

- I'm cool with single chassis or monos.

- I have preferences for tube types, but leaving it open ended to get broad recommendations.

- I'm currently running an all solid state system, though have had tube based systems built around ARC, BAT, Ayon, Melody, Pathos, etc.

- Preamp will be a Pass XP-20 or the Metrum Adagio DAC direct to the amp.

- I'd like to stay around 3K used but can push the budget to 6K new/used.

- Speaker sensitivity is 94dB and higher.

THANKS!
david_ten

Showing 2 responses by kdude66

kdude66
1,200 posts
 
David,

I have heard all of the LM Intergrated amps with the exception of the 508 but if I get the chance to borrow one that is local to me you can beat I will.

The 508 will most definitely accept preamp input and I do believe that the 508 has a pretty good preamp section as is vs other brands of tubed Intergrated amps that I have owned or heard.

Kenny.
kdude66
1,200 posts
 
David,

I would agree with Charles,
Vac made and sold quite a lot of the Phi-200 amps,probably was their best seller and I do believe several folks have upgraded or would like to.

I only have experience with the much older 30/30 and it was a very good amplifier that I wish I would have kept at the time.I had Maggie's at that time and needed more Pwr.


Kenny.
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