My first tube integrated: which one to get?


Hello Audiogoners. I have had only Solid State equipment for my entire life. Recently, I have been considering a purchase of an integrated tube unit. My budget is around $4.000 USD. I have been looking at two units in particular: Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III and the Cary Audio SLI-100. I’m having trouble deciding on which one to purchase. I was hoping the Audiogon community could advise me as to which one to get.

My current system consist of a pair of Emotiva XPA-100 mono blocks, Parasound P6 and a Music Hall 9.3 TT with an Goldring Erotica LX cart. My speakers are Focal Aria 926. I have a smallish room, 11’7” (3.56m) x 15’7” (4.78m). I should also note that I’m planning on getting a DAC after my integrated amp purchase.

Both tube units I’m considering provide 100 watts/channel in Ultralinear but the Rogue Audio is switchable to triode mode at 60watts/channel. The Rogue unit is of a KT120 configuration whereas the Cary unit is a KT150 design. The Rogue has an onboard MM/MC phono stage albeit solid state. The Cary has no phone stage therefore I’ll need to get some sort of step-up phono stage from my MC cart. The Cary unit, normally a $6,000 plus system is on sale for $3700. The Rogue unit is $3400. I listen to manly rock from the 60s to current and some classical. However, I have been enjoying my friends jazz collection he gave me, inspiring my to seek out more contemporary jazz recordings.

My question are:

Should I even consider this purchase?

Will I experience the upgraded tube-quality sound I’m hoping for?

Should I consider instead a tube-based preamp to go with my 250watts into 8 ohms mono blocks?

If you recommend the pre-amp path, what sorts of things should I be paying attention to?

How important is it to have the ability to switch to triode mode? I understand that acoustic jazz sounds much better in triode mode?


Is there anything else that I should be considering with this possible purchase?

I should also say that I don’t mind used if I can achieve a bigger bang for my buck. Buying either the Rogue or the Cary new provides me with a generous 3-year warranty.

There you have it. I look forward to your input. Thank you all in advance for your help.
 

diminishedchord

Stretch to $5.5K and get the new AR I/50, wonderful amp I heard at my AR dealer in town, its 50 watts at 8 ohms drove a pair of Dynaudio Heritage Specials with only 85dB sensitivity easily, although it was a smallish room. Also buying AR ensures good warranty service and resale value. Kinda like why I buy BMW for example, apart from them being good cars.

I spent the last 35 or so years listening to SS only and last year I ended up in the same place you are now. I looked at a bunch of "starter" tube integrateds, probably same stuff you came across too: Cary (used), Quicksilver, Rogue, Raven, Decware, Jolida/Black Ice. Primaluna, Line Magnetic, etc. Also got curious about Belles Aria and Croft Phono Integrated along the way. Ended up with a used Conrad-Johnson CAV45. No pre- or phono, so not good for your situation.

I am responding to your question about whether it's worth it. In general, I feel more engaged in the music. Hard to put a finger on with my 50+ year-old ears, but undeniable. Could also just be that it's interestingly different from my previous SS amp (Classe, which I also really liked). Anyway, I'm really glad I took the leap to try tubes and didn't go to my grave wondering about it. I concluded I would be happy with tubes or SS, but that right now I prefer the tubes.

I also think it's worth mentioning some non-musical factors that influenced me: tubes are a fun, interactive niche in the world of 2 channel audio (itself a niche at this point); CJ is a local business for me (ease of service in a hobby where this is inevitable); the gold faceplate reminds me of my childhood wandering around Myer-Emco in awe; and the CAV-45 itself has a very minimalist design, which is my style. A bit of a digression, but one or more of these factors could tip the scales for you if you feel comfortable giving weight to psychoacoustics.

As the purchaser of the AR VSi-60 @runwell mentioned from TMR, I can agree this is a smart way to go to see if your particular set up matches with tubes. The AR is indeed a fine piece of equipment, and can now be had at great value. The looks may or may not be your cup of tea. I went from SS to a Heaven 11 Billie hybrid integrated, which did sound quite good, especially for the price. But my Sonus Faber Signums were asking for more. The less-than-half quoted power of the AR brought more life to the speakers than the Heaven 11. And I'm a vocal / midrange guy so the pairing was good. (Not to say I might not want to keep experimenting!)

 

Good luck. 

Was in the same place a few years ago and decided to try a tube preamp with my Mac MC250 which is tubish sounding. Got a budget Chinese tube pre from YS Audio/Audio Expressions and a CJ PV 10. Both were eye openers and really increased my enjoyment especially of jazz, acoustic music, and my favorite female vocals. I ultimately went in a different direction but primarily because my wife was uncomfortable with the tube operations and living in HI the heat was kind of rough. Likely not as bad as a tube power amp but it made its impact known. If you like your power amps, I would suggest trying a pre first. BTW I did hear the CJ45/50 in a store in Memphis and LOVED it. It was superior to the Cronus and much more of the tube sound. The Cm seemed to me to be a SS amp with soft edges. I also liked the Quicksilver but felt it would not work well with my Ohm Walsh 2s. But both of those are quite nice and give the tube experience. I also have heard Raven Audio and Primaluna and would rate Raven highly. I am not sure of their prices these days but the unit I heard at a friends in NY was very nice playing thru Kef LS50s in a small NYC apartment. Good luck.

I've had a Jolida JD-1000A Integrated Amp for many years and it been an outstanding performer and without mechanical issues.  If was looking I'd have a look at the Jolida/Black Ice product line.