If you'd like to go with a SET amplifier with some power, then the 805 based amps should be high on your list. The Cary gets lots of praise though I haven't heard it. I do own the JAS Array 2.1 which has a built-in passive line stage than can be bypassed. I usually run the amp directly with a Consonance Droplet 5.0 and am quite pleased with the transparency and detail. It's certainly not a warm or lush sound but it has a directness, a palpability that makes most other amps seem opaque and under-involving in comparison. It also uses a pair of 300B so they are in there affecting the sound as well. JAS also makes a pair of monoblocks using 805s with 2a3s. And Antique Sound Lab has the Explorer 805 which Stereophile reviewed some years ago. The Psvane 805 are pretty good and affordable at about $250/pr and a big step up from the stock Shuguangs but are bettered a bit by the vintage RCA/GE 805s. Be aware though that 805 tubes get very hot and would be dangerous to kids and/or pets. Best of luck with your choice!
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!
- 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!