Robert Lee recommends Triode Corp, but...


In conversation with Robert Lee of Acoustic Zen, I learned that he recommends Triode Corporation's amps and integrated for synergy with his speakers.

But...those amps are few and far between on the used market. I've put out a wanted ad for a power amp or anintegrated rated at 35W or more (Lee's advice for my Adagios).

In the meantime, can anyone offer a similar sounding tube amp/integrated under $3K that would mate/meld well with the AZ Adagios?

I'm running an LSA Statement integrated fed by a Jolida JD9 phono pre. The LSA is golden and is rated at 150W. It's a tad dry, but nothing to really complain about as I consider it a beautiful integrated. Still, in this hobby there's always the exploration avenue.

Thank you - and happy holidays!

s
128x128simao
@jayrossi13

Definitely! I rolled in the Amperex 7308's last year with awesome results.
@simao 

Have you tried rolling the preamp tubes on the LSA? 

I owned an LSA Statement and was really able to tailor the sound by tube rolling. 

I liked all of the following Amperex 7308 gold pin, Telefunken E88CC and Ediswan CV2492/6922. 

Jason
@cjaronica Thanks - just PM'd you.

@steakster I'm using AZ cabling throughout except for some homemade 8402 IC's I made. I'm running the amp through an AZ Tsunami II cord off a dedicated outlet.
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I drove my Acoustic Zens with a Triode of Japan Intergraded 300B with only 8 watts. I'm not using the Amp anymore since changing speakers, If interested let me know.
You all are awesome for your thoughtful suggestions. And thank you in particular to the AZ owners for their ideas on synergy and cautions, too. Keep those suggestions coming in.

Again, My LSA is stellar, but in this hobby there's almost always the 'What else..." motif. Not the need for improvement or anything "better", but simply a curiousity as to what else is out there.

The same motif does not apply, of course, to my marriage.
Let me give you another choice that would be fantastic on your speakers. Von Gaylord LM Triode monoblock tube amps. PP amps with 50 watts of glorious tube power and no mods needed. These are amazing amps and so beautiful sounding. Ray’s gear flies under the radar and is so very special. A set is for sale now for $2200 I think. Great buy.
I own the a Crescendo speakers and use two amps to great effect. I find one amp has a group of strengths that no tube amp can match while the other amp has qualities no SS amp can match on these speakers. Don’t rule out SS.

I use a Lyngdorf 2170 which is a stellar Class D unit. The bass impact and control of the speaker is wonderful and better than the numerous tube amps I have put on the Crescendo. If I want a different sound that is more richly detailed and lite up from within, I use my highly modified Cary Rocket 88r. I find 30 watts in triode nice, but the speaker really comes to life with more power in my larger space. I know the builder says SET amps work great with this speaker and they do. However at 90db efficient and 6ohm I find they like more power than 30 watts or so.

Cary and LM tube amps are both highly recommended for you. The Cary Rocket 88r can be found used for under $950 and with some mods sounds very much like a powerful SET amp. Upgrade the coupling caps, remove every electrolytic cap in the power supply and replace with film caps. Use better hook-up wire in key spots and get SR Black fuses.
I am using Cary 805AD for AZ Crescendos. They are great together. You might look for older 805 for under $3K.
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Line Magnetic 518 or 508IA is nearly identical but at half the cost of Triode; I'm using 508 IA which is a 48 Watt SET and drives my Crescendos beautifully...

Wig
Tom, thank you for the suggestions! 

To specify, what about an SET amp or integrated that puts out more than 25w? Also under $3K used? And holds up well against the LSA?

or is that a pipedream? ? 
Something from Cary or Manley would work nicely. I am also partial to Unison. I owned their Unico SE integrated  a few years ago and was quite pleased with the quality and musicality of it.