Retirement integrated amp for a “fiscal conservative”

Yamaha A-S3200 comes in right at your max budget but can be found on sale or open box. The Technics SU-R1000 also gets good reviews but may be hard to find and is over budget unless you find an open box.  PS Audio Stellar Strata MK2 comes in about half your max budget. 

There’s a used Aesthetix Mimas here

Before you buy any of these really expensive amps, check out the Advance Paris A10 ($2,500) or A12 ($3,700). They have numerous analog and digital inputs, beautifully designed circuitry, including a high-bias setting with which the first several watts of output are in Class A, and, frankly, they look cool with big blue VU meters and two preamp tubes. They have a warmth that is missing in most solid-state amplifiers.

If you're happy with the Rose 150B, you might take a look at their integrated amps.  The RA180 or RA280.  I have the RA280 paired with the Hifi Rose RS250 DAC/streamer that I'm very happy with.

Heed Lagrange. 

@celtic66 the T is running a bit slower these days than in 1896 so walking it is :)

Again my many thanks to your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions!

@corelli thank you for the link to the original JA Perspective Stereophile review. I had read that back when doing my speaker research. 
 

I see a Pass Labs INT-250 on US Audiomart for $7,600 that seems to match several Audiogon member recommendations and should provide the same synergies John Atkinson described in his article. 

Yes, we'll actually nod to the Celts of GB, but appreciate the pickup.  Radiology contracts near Boston allowed several visits....by "T" and pedestrian.  Driving amongst "Mass-holes" is a death wish.  Enjoyed my time touristing.  

@celtic66 not to get off topic, but my wife and I lived in Boston 1980 - 1982. Great time to be a Celtics fan and go to the Boston Garden!

Congratulations on joining the rank of us retired. I purchased a Pass amp as my retirement gift and I'm glad I did as it's given me hours of musical enjoyment. Another company I haven't seen mentioned is Parasound, both of these companies have a somewhat tube like sound and put out plenty of power to the speakers. 

Good luck, enjoy the music.

Sugden, Luxman or Accuphase.  Many come around to that conclusion.  I've owned, appreciated and enjoyed immensely several high end tubed components over decades.  All American handmade;  Manley, VTL, De Havilland.  In the end I tired of the tube chase.

8K brings really nice stuff.  Best of luck in your search.

as others have pointed out, your speakers, measured by Atkinson at under 84 db efficiency, do limit your choices.  And given that you’re going from all-tube and still want warmth, even more limited.  Agree with the Pass Labs and Accuphase recommendations therefore.  The Class A Accuphase behemoths are wonderful, but pricey.  But one of their Class ABs would also be really nice.  

The Denon PMA A110 is an excellent integrated that punches way above its price class, and in my system sounds nearly indistinguishable from the $9K Luxman 507Z.

It even has a lower noise floor than the Luxman and very similar in tactile build quality. 

Ez streams: congratulations on your retirement!
You have a wonderful system. I have David Belles separates and really like them.

In the system now is a Cronus Magnum 2 by Rogue and I had a JJ preamp tube and wanted to test out what people were saying about the change. I put in aTelefunken nos from Andy Boman at Vintage Audio Tube and I was amazed at the change. For $200 it was a great investment . 
 

Good luck with your search you have some wonderful recommendations. I heard the Luxman with Magico at AXPONA 2024 and was in love. But the price tag was way  beyond my reach. Luxman  makes some wonderful equipment .

Ez streams: congratulations on your retirement! You have a wonderful system. I have David Belles separates and really like them. In the system now is a Crnus Magnum 2 by Rogue and I had a JJ preamp tube and wanted to test out what people were saying about the change. I put in aTelefunken nos from Andy Boman at Vintage Audio Tube and I was amazed at the change. For $200 it was a great investment . 
 

good luck you have some wonderful recommendations. I heard the Luxman with Magico at AXPONA 2024 and was in love. But the price tag was way  beyond my reach. Luxman  makes some wonderful equipment .

So I second the suggestion that the Marantz PM-10 could do the trick. I'm currently breaking one in. It is driving New Legacy Signature SEs. It's a great Amp, imo. Sounding better with every hour. Analog only, dual mono, fully balanced. And acoustic instruments sound wonderful. On top of that, Music Direct is selling them at $5k, and you have a 60-day trial period. When I was looking for a new amp for the Legacys, I saw a lot of interesting used options but committed to not buying anything without being able to audition it. At the end of the day, it's got to sound great with your system in your room. My two bits. 

The Vinnie Rossi Brama mentioned above is way above your budget. His previous series included an integrated amplifier, L2i- SE, which established the design  with a 300B tube preamp section and a Mosfet solid-state amplifier section. Depending on the add-ons, it will still set you back between 10 and $12,000. Very nice sound and outstanding domestic construction.

@bassbuyer agreed, I will save this post, great list/recommendations. If ever I will have anywhere near this budget, not that I am not happy now

You’ve received a lot of great suggestions and at 8K you are beyond my budget.  Good for you!  Just wanted to say welcome to the club and hope you enjoy your retirement!  Music is a great hobby to grow old with in my experience.  

I am going to second the suggestion of Lab12 Integre4. 

I am using it for my main system and the realism of the instrument is incredible. It certainly renders cello and double bass more accurately compared to all other amps I have heard so far. I am using 4 KT170s, will cost around $500 to replace, but supposedly Lab12 claims their design will prolong tube life significantly. One and half year of heavy usage with this amp, and so far, the tubes are still working perfectly. If tube cost replacement is a concern, you can always go with a quad of 6CA7 or EL34, which will cost around $100-120.

Another option you can consider is a hybrid design. Pathos Inpol2 MK2 is a hybrid pure class A with tube pre. Just slightly more than your $8K budget. 

The new Hegel H400 Integrated is supposed to be great.  I have the H390, the model the H400 replaced and it is pretty amazing.  Very quiet, very fast and a bit on the warm side.  Another thought is to look at a Hybrid,  where the input section has a couple of tubes and the output is SS. In my main listening room, I went with PS Audio.  Their BHK preamp and the BHK Signature 300 and or the new 600’s all have two tubes in them. Currently I’m using NOS RCA Cleartop 12au7’s paid $100 for a matched  pair from Brent Jesse and in the amps, I’m currently using some new Gold Lion 6922’s that I paid $140 for matched pairs.

All the best.

@ezstreams 

I, like you, am intolerant of any edge or harshness.  I am also semi-retired and very much enjoying my increased music listening time.  Congrats and best wishes.

One thing I would suggest you do is read this review of your speaker.  As JA points out, your speaker can be particular of what amp it is paired to.  Look the article over in detail including the measurements:

https://www.stereophile.com/content/joseph-audio-perspective-loudspeaker

As I noted, years ago I owned your same Prima Luna integrated (with stock tubes) driving a pair of VSA VR-33's.  Both good pieces of gear but that pairing never really did anything for me.  No magic it seemed. Never pulled me in and had me grabbing for one CD after another. Similar to your experience, I did not feel the PL had impressive control/power in the bass.  The midrange seemed a bit forward in this system. This was my first tube amp and it really did not do for me what I had read about.  In fact, it sounded rather solid state to me. Both were eventually sold.

Fast forward.  In that same space I now have a Erhard Ray SET (three tubes total!) driving a pair of Omega Super 7 speakers. Recently added a pair of REL t/5x subs. The result---SYNERGY!  Now I could appreciate the "tube magic" I was seeking.  Sound that was so live, dimensional, dynamic, with "saturated sonic colors".  Even though it is not my primary system, I listen to this system more and more.  

I would agree that it would be worthwhile to consider an amp that hopefully will better pair with your current speakers.  Sounds to me like an integrated that resists any tendency to sound bright or edgy would be best.  I am not sure I would recommend tube rolling with your amp.  Way too expensive of a game with an amp that has 14 tubes!

Out of the solid state integrated amps I have heard, I might suggest the Marantz KI Ruby.  I'm guessing this would have nice synergy with your speakers.  Very smooth without sacrificing detail, great soundstage, powerful controlled bass. That rich "woody resonance" your after should be apparent.  Heck, with your budget you could even afford the Marantz PM-10. I am sure it is very similarly voiced.

Good luck in your search.

we sell many high end integrated amplifiers from: naim,krell, synthesis,rega unison, atoll coda and many others.

the best integrated amplifiers  we have ever had is the coda csib and norma revo 140

Dave and Troy

audio intellect NJ

Perhaps there’s a different way to approach this.

You might want to connect with Ralph at Atmosphere regarding his Class D amps which are supposed to be wonderful (please note - I haven’t heard them). Ralph is a long time tube amp manufacturer who is now selling class D amps which have the tonal richness of tubes, though a lower distortion profile and is more stable with impedance variables. You could acquire his class D monos and put the remainder toward a nice preamp all while staying within your budget. 

At least something to consider.

McIntosh MA 8950.

Sugden Masterclass IA-4 (Class A integrated 33 wpc into 8ohms)

$5000 on the used market

Thank you ALL for your thoughts and suggestions and especially the congrats on retirement (its going to be an adjustment).   Lots of suggestions … i can enjoy the thrill of doing research on then going to listen to!
My JA Perspectives only have a sensitivity of ~84 dB, but do present a pretty stable 8 ohm load. I’m thinking my current 70 w/ch doesn't provide “sufficient headroom” for these speakers.  @chenry I know there’s more to delivering dynamics and bass note attack/decay than watts, but I’m not sure a lower powered amp like the Sugden Signature, at 30 w/ch will provide the improvement I’m looking for. 
@soix , I’m definitely open to and leaning towards the Hybrid integrated architecture to play to both their strengths.

 @corelli to answer your question, maybe, with age, I’ve become sensitive to the upper register instruments. An alto sax is like fingers on a chalkboard. That was the same with my previous Vincent integrated. As a result, i avoid listening to music featuring them. 
@ghdprentice I’ve read many of your posts over the years and because of that, have kept my eye on Audio Research products looking for deals on the used marketplaces. I’m definitely in the fiscal conservative stage of early retirement making AR out of reach even used and still would have tubes to replace. 
@noromance I hear you on the cost of replacement tubes ($340 is a little on the low side for 8 power tubes though depending on the tube). As i mentioned, I’m also wanting to improve the SQ of my current all tube amp. If you’re suggesting I can achieve the SQ I described by merely switching just to a different pre-amp tube for the current 6 Primaluna label tubes then that is yet another path that I hadn’t considered. 

@tomaswv 

Nritish = British?

I also just retired....When I got up this morning I had nothing to do and when I went to bed I only had got a quarter of it done.

I have been using this amp hard for over four years and have not replaced a tube. (a phone call and you could buy this in your price range..hint hint) I wouldn't worry about replacing tubes. Most tubes are not expensive landing in the $50-$100 range.

An Accuphase new or used is another fine choice. 

First of all congratulations on retiring did it two years ago myself And enjoying every minute of it

Like some other posters have said hybrid is a good way to go. I have aesthetix Gear myself which is hybrid my preamp is the Pallini and The amp is the atlas great sounding gear. Jim White is an awesome designer. Their integrated amp is called the Mimus And it’s hybrid and you can get it with DACor Photo stages and is in your budget

when I retired, I thought I’d be listening to a lot of music myself. I moved from New Jersey to North Carolina. The weather down here is beautiful so we spend most of our time outside. Don’t listen to my stereo as much as I thought I was going to.

Enjoy your retirement and you’re listening. Hope this helps.

the best integrated amplifiers we have ever had coda csib and the norma revo 140

we sell many integrated amplifiers from naim, krell, coda, synthesis atoll, unison, esoteric and many others.

Dave and Troy,

audio intellect NJ

@ezstreams I had the PrimaLuna Evo 400 integrated and at the same time had the Coda CsIB, Krell 300i and a Krell 300xd amp that I paired with various Pre’s.  Owned the Primaluna and Coda and had the Krell for about a week.  Gave me ample time to compare.  Primaluna is built like a tank, was a great Integrated, in my experience living with it, didn’t have the traditional tube sound, in some ways sounded more SS than the Coda and for sure the Krell. 

If you are looking for a tube like sound with SS oomph it’s really tough to beat the Krell 300i.  Out of all the Integrated units I’ve been lucky enough to try in my system, Krell was my favorite.  Coda was also outstanding, the sound signature was a bit different with the Krell sounding a bit more musical to me.  If you are looking to capture some “tube” like magic but with the ability to control, drive speakers and bass associated with SS, Krell would be tops on my list.  Pass, Boulder, Hegel all make fantastic Integrated units as well.  Coda, in my opinion is one of the most underrated HiFi companies out there, the design / build quality and parts used is off the charts when compared to other much more expensive gear from some other manufactures.  A hybrid also a great option.  When I want some tube magic I drop in a Tube Pre to pair with my Amp and it yields a great balance of tube magic with the pluses of SS amplification.

Congratulations on retirement!!  Good Luck on the search / hunt for a new integrated. 
 

There’s a Luxman L-590AxII available on Audiogon right now in your price range. Last of the big Class A Luxman integrated amps.  Class A up to 30 WPC into 8 ohms and 60 WPC into 4 ohms. It moves into Class AB doing 95 WPC into 8 and 165 WPC into 4 ohms. Should be more than enough power, best of both worlds. Great MM/MC phono stage, too. Highly recommended!

If possible, listen to BelCanto e1X 

Check out Technics newest integateds ~ 4 years to current

Congrats on retirement! I did so about 7 years ago and am more into my equipment and music than I ever have been. You may want to look into the Modwright KWH 225i integrated. I bought one used at a significant discount, and The Music Room carries the Modwright line, new and used. It has a tube-based front end and SS amp section, the first 25 being Class A. Its 225w will drive about any speaker. You can roll 6922 tubes and equivalents and not have to worry about power tubes. This may be worth your time for a look. I am in no way associated with Modwright or TMR. Hope this helps.

@ezstreams CONGRATTULATIONS on making it to the light at the end of the tunnel!

That's an awfully lovely TT to let lie fallow!  I also have a record collection predominantly from the 60s through the 80s which are in great shape.  I'm in the process of slowly cleaning them, again, using an ultrasonic cleaning system this time around.  If you haven't done that with your collection, I strongly recommend it.

With regard to equipment, I tend not to recommend anything I haven't owned and can vouch for or have spent a serious amount of seat-time with in serious auditions.  On this note, I can unhesitatingly recommend McIntosh, Simaudio Moon and Luxman SS amps worthy of your serious consideration.  These will have the sound signature you're after.

Now, if you want a wood stand-up bass to sound as real as possible when the musician(s) play notes below low E, a sub-woofer would definitely help with that.  Helps with piano and other instruments, as well.

Another vote for the Boulder 866! Superb amp! Get the digital version if you can. Good luck! 

The Chord Ultima integrated has me intrigued.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8I_deaVNTU

This should be your ticket. I own one and is the finest integrated at that price point, used.

Luxman L-509Z Stereo Integrated Amplifier; MM & MC Phono For Sale - US Audio Mart

or, is that is too pricy look at this one.

Luxman L-509X For Sale | Audiogon

I recently upgraded my system for retirement.  My SQ goals similar to what you describe.  I finally chose Burmester. The house sound is clear, true timbre, light fast transients and solid dynamics, dense images, and excellently staging with tube-like liquid treble and midrange.  New would be above your budget but you can find a use 082 in, or possibly an 032 (more power) just above your budget.  Highly recommend adding both models to your audition list.  

Another vote for Pass Labs INT-60

and/or talking with Mikey @ 11stereo.com

I think that the Vincent SV-737 would warrant looking at. Tube hybrid with great power and craftsmanship. 

Rolling 7581A in place of the EL34 will fix the bass.

I’d like to get additional damping factor bass control than my current amp provides

Look no further! Ayre Acoustics AX-5 Twenty. Zero feedback fully balanced is the solid state which sounds the most like tubes. I own full R Series and QX-5 Twenty for dac after selling my dCS Bartok Apex.

Aesthetix Mimas should be on your list. Retired myself in Feb 2024, bought Mimas on June 2024! Very nice sounding Integrated. I added the built in DAC which is also very nice sounding. 

If you want to buy one time and really find your end game amp give Mike a call at 11 stereo….otherwise it’s all guess work…I too am loving retirement and at our age with time going by so fast we don’t have time for mistakes….no one here can give you the best advice.. he won’t sell you something you don’t need…his customers like me belong to his tribe, he takes a personal interest in our systems and has never sold me anything that didn’t match my system and make it sing..

$340 for 8 tubes every few years or $8000 now?