2. amps-preamps
  3. 190682-7079

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 1 response by dz13

dz13
281 posts
 

I suggest the Don Sach’s Valhalla integrated tube amp.

http://www.dsachsconsulting.com/valhalla%20integrated.html

Lynn Olson, whom I met at Pacific Audio Fest in 2023, told me that he thought that the Valhalla amp was as good as $15k tube amps. I haven’t heard a lot of tube amps but I’ve heard a Cary amp, an LTA amp and a Rogers amp and there is no contest in my mind. I’ve also heard other audiophiles’ systems and I don’t think any of them sound better. The Valhalla amp, even though it puts out 33 wpc seems capable of driving most speakers very well, even 4 ohm speakers. Plus it has a decent remote, auto biasing, a balanced input and an easy way to check the biasing of the power tubes.

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