Moving from integrated to separates


So far, I have mostly owned integrated amplifiers. The only time I owned separates was when I had Parasound A21 and Parasound P6. Since then I have bought many integrated amps, and they have all been excellent for the most part. My current amp is the Audio Hungary Qualiton a50i which is by far the best integrated tube amp I have owned. It is a pure class A amp that is surprisingly powerful even though it provides only 50 watts. However, I recently bought new speakers -- Joseph Audio Perspective2 Graphene (which are replacing Harbeth SHL5+). Given the low sensitivity, I was expecting the Qualiton won’t be able to handle the speakers, but I think the rather benign (relatively speaking) impedance of the speakers helps, and to my surprise the amp is driving the speakers quite well. Even the bass is quite tight and punchy a far as tube amps go. To be very honest, I can easily live with this amp for a long time. But what’s the fun in being an audiophile then :)

That being said, I realize that 50 watts are 50 watts. I have a feeling that the Perspective2’s will scale even better with more power. Instead of looking for another integrated, I think I’m ready to give another shot to separates. But what is not negotiable at this time is that I simply won’t move to solid state, not even hybrid. I have tried a few integrated SS amps (last one was Luxman 590AXII), and while most of them were amazing in their own right, I have realized that I am at heart a tube guy. I’m not naive and I certainly understand the negatives associated with tubes (less bass, some loss of dynamics, etc.), but for now I’m looking for an all-tube solution.

So fellow audiogoners, please provide suggestions as you see fit. A few key asks:

1. Both the amp and pre-amp must be tube-based. No hybrids at this time. If you suggest an amplifier please also suggest the accompanying pre-amp that mates well. I’m not very savvy when it comes to matching the components so feel free to educate me :)

2. I’m also open to mono-blocks, but my budget might be a limiting factor. Total budget is $12,000 (for both pieces). To get the most mileage I think I will have to buy used.

3. I’m not a fan of the ’modern’ tube sound. I owned Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II and thought it sounded more like an SS amp at times. However, this does not mean I’m looking for the vintage ’romantic’ sound of the past. My Qualiton a50i is a good example of straddling the fine line between sounding too modern and overly lush or romantic. Something in between is highly desirable.

4. I love my Qualiton a50i and don’t plan on selling it. I’ll move it to my second system. The only reason I want to try out separates is to get more power. I’m thinking at least 100 watts if not more - preferably in class A but not carved in stone. However, more power should not come at the expense of losing the ’magic’ of tubes.

5. I don’t need any built-in phono, DAC, tone controls, etc. in the preamp. But a remote control is a must.

6. And lastly it has to look good. I know, I know ... looks should be secondary to SQ, but what can I say. Maybe I’m vain when it comes to audio.

I really appreciate any recommendations. I know I’m asking for a lot and maybe you guys will tell me that $12K is not enough given the desired attributes. Since I’m buying used I’m prepared to create a short list of maybe 4-5 suggested combinations and buy as and when the components become available in the market. Also, feel free to educate me as to what to look for to create the right synergy between the preamp and amp beyond just the technicalities.

Thank you in advance for your help.

128x128arafiq

Check out the Manley Snapper and the Jumbo Shrimp!

Manley Laboratories – Upscale Audio

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If you can find yourself an Audio Research ref 75 se coupled with one of their pre's, I think you may be quite pleased.

ARC seems to have the ability to combine the sweetness of tubes with the power of SS by the use of Jfets within their circuits. 

A nice blend in my opinion.

I'd look at Parasound JC5 Stereo Amp, with 90 amps peak current both channels that's huge to help make those excellent JA speakers sing! I heard those speakers at Pacific Audio Fest in Seattle and were my favs of the show.

Stretch your budget and get pair of JC1+ mono blocks with peak current at 180 amps!!!!

@larryi 

I don’t know your situation as to ability to actually hear different amps.  If you can, hear something that runs something other than KT 88, KT 120, or KT 150s.

I should have mentioned that I have owned other tube amps (all integrated though) that were not KTxx-based. I owned a VTL IT-85 (EL34), Rogers 65v2 (EL34 SET), Raven Audio Blackhawk (6L6GC), VAC Sigma 160i (KT88), and a few others. They all excelled in one way or another. One thing I had read about KT120's and 150's is that when they first came out, a lot of manufacturers simply tweaked their existing amps to support the new design. The results were not always favorable. A common complaint was that while the dynamics and power improved, the special midrange magic was somewhat lost. This probably left a lasting impression on some people. However, I feel that the newer versions (e.g., my Qualiton a50i) which were designed from the ground up to support KT120/150 compete quite favorably with other tube designs.

I feel that KT120/150 are more versatile in terms of handling a variety of music genres. This is of course based on my own experience.

I was listening to music a couple of nights ago, and it was sounding just amazing. I have been fiddling around with positioning (both speakers and subs) and to be honest I’m finding it hard to find fault with what I’m experiencing. For reference, the volume knob used to be at 10’o clock when I had the SHL5+ in the main system. The JA’s are of course less efficient, but they sound plenty loud (with no discernible distortion as far as I can tell) when the volume is at 11’0 clock. It gets VERY loud if I go beyond 1’o clock. The Joseph Audios have this magical thing about them that they just pull you in where you’re only listening to music and not the equipment. The SHL5+ also did it, but the Perspectives just do it more and better. The soundstage is very wide, deep, and imaging is just about perfect. The pair of REL S/510’s have finally blended in well. But honestly, I don’t really need them for 80% of the music that I usually listen to.

I’m seriously questioning why I’m even entertaining the idea of switching to another amp. I have had many amps in the past, and so far no other amp has checked all the boxes for me the way the Qualiton a50i has. I listed a few amps that I owned in the previous post, but forgot to add that I also owned an Audio Research GSi75 (KT150). While it was an excellent amp, I find the Qualiton to be more balanced and for whatever reason it sounds more powerful.

I think I’m going to take it slow and enjoy what I have. Maybe I’ll think about upgrading next year, but for now I feel I’m in a very good place. I mean why fix it if it ain’t broke :)

I appreciate the wonderful suggestions and advice.