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.
+1. The i50 is my favorite integrated. Whenever I hear one I instantly close my eyes and fall into the music. The most musical and fulfilling integrated I know of. I am constantly wanting to buy one even though I have no where to use it.
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.
I had a Music Fidelity A1 for 10 years before i gave it to my sister. It’s a great little amp, but it doesn’t do what tubes do, which is to present a much more holographic presentation (assuming that that is what’s on the record). It is, however, very clear.
Heard Synthesis amps with Audio Note, Harbeth, and ProAc speakers up at Deja Vu audio near DC and fell in love with the sound. I can't recall the model amps I heard that day but I was fortunate enough to get a good deal on a Synthesis A100 Titan from my local shop and it's a great sounding integrated amp, as I've mentioned elsewhere.
I believe the Audio Research I-50 is a hybrid, not an all-tube integrated. I sold a Vsi60 a while back, and what I disliked about it - despite its other sterling qualities - was that the sound was a bit "washed out" in the same way that Audio Research SP-11 preamplifier was back in the late '80, when I owned it. It certainly didn’t have the accurate tonal color of instruments the way they sound in any of the halls I frequented (Carnegie, The Metropolitan Opera, David B. Geffen (Avery Fisher at the time!) or the Baltimore Symphony Hall (Meyerhoff), and, if I’m on the West Coast, Davies Hall in San Francisco. The Vsi60 had some great qualities, to be sure, but tonal accuracy? I’m afraid not.
Maybe a Vsi 75 is a better candidate for an "integrated tube amp," perhaps?
I have a Line Magnetic 216ia and a Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III in a second audio system. Both can be see on my systems page. The LM Audio is designed and made in China and it’s great. A transformer went out once, but my dealer sent it to an authorized repair facility here in the USA. No problem getting it fixed. Push pull design and it punches way above its output which is like 26-32 wattts per side. The Rogue is a beast and is closer to 100wpc. I really like them both but the Rogue is made in PA and I live in OH, therefore getting it serviced shouldn’t be an issue. My vote is for Rogue Audio. I put in Gold Lion reissue tubes and NOS Sylvania in the preamp section. Sounds very sweet, detailed, organic with sufficient bass. I think there are many companies making really good tube amps. ARC, Cary, Decware and others. I would look at the reputation of the service each one offers. That’s a big part of the overall process that often gets overlooked.
Got my TT hooked up (Technics SL1200MK2, tonearm rewire/Cardas ICs, KAB tonearm damper, Isonoe feet, Audio Technica AT33Sa LOMC) up last week and have spent some time listening to some jazz LPs.
Wonderful sounding. I keep coming back to the feeling that the sonics are "relaxed" and "natural". I’ve yet to tax the OTO to see how loud it goes - no need so far as I can easily get room filling sound thru the AN-K’s. Very satisfying sound.
Raven Audio provides a relatively inexpensive Integrated tube amp that provides 20 solid watts with a sub out which relieves the amp of needing to pump out those low frequencies, Some positives are 1) Texas based company 2) The owners take personal care of each customer with service. upgrades. and all things tubes. 3) This Raven Audio Blackhawk is reliable and tube novice friendly, While 20 watts seemed too little. "tube" watts are stubborn things, Once they grab ahold of your speakers it holds tight. No headphone jack. But let me just say, (listening now) the realism or human quality to vocals is stunning. Very satisfying unit
Got the OTO Line SE up and running. I'm only using my Marantz SA-KI Ruby as a source as I'm still waiting on some interconnects to get my TT connected.
First impressions are that the OTO and my Luxman L-509x are more alike than different. I'm not hearing a night/day difference in tonality, soundstaging, resolution. That speaks, to me, of the quality of both the OTO and the Luxman.
I was ready for 'dark' warm etc, but really the OTO is tonally balanced. Yes, there is a teeny bit more body in the mid-range and the top end does sound a weensy bit softer, but overall I'd characterize the sonic presentation as relaxed and natural.
I've only started with some jazz at low/moderate levels - but it's a vg match to my AN-K/SPx SEs.
I received the Audio Note OTO Line SE yesterday in good shape. All the tubes are seated snugly in and an internal inspection shows everything is in good shape for a 1998 unit. It's a legit AN unit.
I've cleaned up all the RCA, speaker, and power cable connectors with Deoxit.
I'm expecting some needed speaker cables hopefully today so I can have a listen later.
@freediver I have not used integrated amps since my 1973 Yamaha CA 1000 which had 10 watts Class A switch (sounded great on chamber music). If I were to get an integrated amp, I would probably prefer a Class A power type as I have been a life long tube user and currently switched to equivalent quality Westminster Labs REI Class A solid state monoblocks (50 years later). I've heard very nice tube integrateds at shows. My distributor/dealer sells the 8 different Trafomatic brand tube integrateds which I heard two models (SET & 100 watt push/pull) that sounded quite nice with modern tubes (not like Audio Note with really NOS non-manufactured tubes).
Prima Luna has some highly recommended and reviewed tube amps including their integrateds. I am very happy with their Dialougue Premium HP, which is now the Evo 400 I think. I run it into Ohm Walsh 2000s and a Rythmik F12G from the preout.
I love the idea of an AN integrated for you. Are you getting the Oto thru an AN dealer? Didn’t recommend cuz thought it would be tough with your budget. Are you getting Oto thru an AN dealer?
Someone mentioned the Octave that’s a very nice amp, I tried it before the Audio Hungary and they are different. AH is more of tube amp. Octave is more neutral.
+1 for Rogue's Cronus Magnum iii, but upgrade to the Dark edition at your price range. I have the Dark edition paired with Maggie 3.7s and a Perlisten D15s sub, and I love the combination.
I will throw my hat in the ring and suggest the OP look at the Ars-Sonum Filarmonia SM used unit ($2,950) I have listed for sale right now here on Audiogon. Push-Pull Class A pentode 28W/ch EL34 magic. Not fancy feature wise (no remote, no subwoofer output but there is no problem with connecting a sub to the speaker terminals via speaker level input). Great build quality and since I am the USA dealer/distributor for these amps I can offer a 90 day warranty on the amp (30 days on tubes) and will even extend a full 30 day trial period with full refund on the amp.
Self bias operation means you just hook it up, turn it on, and it makes (great music). Sound is not stereotypical warm/mushy tubes and not solid state like sounding Audio Research. Clean, pure, great tone and soundstage.
You have a wonderful system and the perfect integrated would be the Audio Note Cobra. We have had one for awhile, replacing our Quad amp when it finally died. The Cobra runs our 45-year old Quad ESL-57s perfectly, and they are picky about type of power. The Cobra is very musical, always pulling you back to listen a bit more.
VAC makes very nice integrated units and used ones can be found near your price range. Used VAC equipment will also hold their value in the future. You will have no regrets.
I have a Luxman 550ax2 the baby 20w class an into my tannoy Arden beasts.
only one I would consider is a allnic t2000 30th anniversary one ( the T-2000 30th Anniversary provides 120 watts per channel of push-pull, pentode power or more than 60 watts SET sounding watts in triode mode;…..)
https://allnicaudio.com/product/t-2000-30th/
icon audio is good bet but this is like that in Luxman attention to detail style
The Cary SLI 100 is exceptional. Right at that price point. Made in the USA. Yes , I own it. TRUE bang for buck. Couldn’t be happier. Good luck on your search
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.
Someone mention in a earlier post Crutchfield will let you try it for 60 days if you don't like the sound return it. Hopefully they carry something you would be interested in.
Cary Direct and Music Direct also have an audition period. MD's is 60 days, I am not positive about Cary's.
A tube preamp will get you in the right direction. Someone mention in a earlier post Crutchfield will let you try it for 60 days if you don't like the sound return it. Hopefully they carry something you would be interested in.
Love the thread. I have an Audio Note P2SE from 1997 which I really like. But what really drove me wild is the Audio Note Cobra- just amazing sound. Tight. If you have an Audio Note dealership in your area, they will drop one home for you to listen in your environment. That’s how I fell in love with it.
another one that is doing the routines these days, but haven’t heard it myself is the Galion.
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