Recommendation Tube Integrated


At this juncture (nearly 2024) what are folks' best recommendagtion for a tube integrated amp.  Constraints would be $10K (preferrably $5K or less), at least 35 watts per channel.  New or used.  Goal would be smooth, creamy sound.  My current system, which I would consider very good solid state sound, can still be a little ...hard.... to my sensitive ears at times, and I'm thinking a tube option would be nice.  Thanks.

mathiasmingus

I just picked up a Jadis DA50S. 30 Watts pure class A. I would have never believed an amp in the $10k range could perform this well until I heard this thing in my home.

 

FWIW I am currently auditioning the Lamizator Poseidon with it. Fantastic combo.

Octave Audio, V40 SE - upgrade the tubes w/HQ NOS 12ax7 & 6922 and pick your poison for KT88, KT90 or 6550. Amazing integrated and can sneak it all in with tube upgrade for about $6K. Toss in a Black Box offboard power supply for another $1500 and drop the mic, you’re done!

Totally agree with marcasazza. Rogue Audio products are fantastic. Dependable, reliable and that’s the staff as well as the Products. I’ve owned the Cronus Magnum, (2) Sphinx and now the Pharaoh II. All are under your budget parameters and American made. Mark and Nick always available for questions/issues but issues are few. NO reliance on Russian tubes. More than adequate power. Clean and quiet. I can’t recommend their products and services strongly enough!

Cool, everyone agrees, so out with the checkbook! 😀  But seriously, a lot of great information here and this has expanded my research.  Thanks everyone.  One of the fun parts of this hobby is cruising for decent deals on used stuff, and this thread certainly expands the "zone of consideration"!

Have you considered a little tube rolling in that Pacific to get a little closer to the sound you're looking for?  If you're using the stock provided tubes from Lampi that may be the reason you are looking for a little more tubey sound.  That's a great DAC but it is very responsive to tube changes.