Recommend me a tube integrated amplifier


I'm at a point where I'd like to try a tube integrated amplifier.

I currently have a Luxman L-509x driving a pair of Audio Note AN-K/SPx SEs.

I use a Marantz SA-KI Ruby CD/SACD player and a Technics SL1200Mk2 and AT-33SA LOMC for sources.

I also use a Rythmik E15HP/PEQ3 subwoofer to fill in the bottom end.

I listen mostly to jazz, classic rock at low to mid-level volumes, and my budget would be around $4k-ish used or new.

So, I'd like to get some recommendations for an integrated that would pair well with the AN-Ks.  Subwoofer connection mandatory either pre-outs or compatible for speaker level connection.  Phono pre inputs for MC desired, but optional.

No hybrids, high power not needed. No headphones either.  A remote would be nice, but I could suffer without one.

TIA

erikt

Showing 2 responses by chenry

Audio research i/50 can be had used in your budget.

Margules 240i harder to find, but possibly similar price.

A Willsenton R8 will be cheaper even with tube rolling

if you are looking for transmitter tube integrateds (211s, 845s, 805s) you might find used Line Magnetic

 

gbmcleod:

The AR i/50 is not a hybrid tube integrated. The audio signal path is all tube, push-pull design. 50W. The solid state elements are the panel controls and the Lexie tube displays. It has a headphone amp that may be solid state and optional solid state DAC and phono preamp modules. Hybrid implies that some components in the audio path are solid state (e.g. tubes in the preamp section but solid state in the amp or the reverse.) The i/50 has tubes in the driver and power sections.