Sad to say I need a new amp…

@bekeske Beautiful stuff !  Got back into reviews and such while needing an amp for a bedroom system ( and waiting for main amp to return from service). Never heard of Belles. Those amps look great, but I’m looking to downsize the big system and the Belles Aria definitely an option to have if I don’t want to run the serviced Mesa all day when it returns. Not nearly as cool looking as those 400As though..

Unico Primo integrated for $2500. Has a 12ax7 in the preamp stage. Luscious sounding amp with great tonality. A Schiit Freya and a pair of Aegir amps is hard to beat in that price range. $2550 plus a cable. I use an Audience Ohno cable. and one Aegir in stereo in my system. I have both amps and setups love both of them. 

Update here as well. Finally decided to purchase some very nice Belles MB200 monos to replace the old 400A.

I guess life could be worse 😁

Now the B&K 3030 will be a back-up, or find a way into my bedroom system eventually.

Update:  I’m in deep wait mode for the Mesa, down to just the bedroom stereo which was never great so the upgrade bug is buzzing. Always used cheap WiFi or Bluetooth devices (Audioengine bifi, b1 andIFi Zen blue) to stream from my phone.

The new Exposure amp arrived and things had to change. Added an old Electrocampaniet ECD1 DAC ($700) and I’m using the audioengine’s WiFi streaming via optical connection. Huge, lovely musical improvement. With my subwoofer removed, plenty of bass. Clearly, in my system, none of the low cost devices produced the midrange and bass of the ECD1… now I don’t leave the bedroom. This isn’t healthy lol.

last: when streaming via Bluetooth (using Zen Blue or b1) it sounded a bit like pushing the loudness button on an old stereo. Sound wasn’t nearly as pure or sweet sounding (I actually like a DAC !) as when it was streamed via WiFi…

The B&K EX-442 Sonata is a stud of an amp.  Extremely tube like.  Had one years ago, sold it & then immediately plugged in a pair of Paoli M70 (heavily moded Dyna MkIII’s) expecting to hear a big difference, and couldn’t tell the amps apart.

BYW, I always leave my gear running 24/7 and have never had a problem.

I highly recommend the LSA Voyager 350 GaN amp (it will make you forget about tubes). It plays all kinds of music wonderfully MSRP $3000 or the LSA 150 $1200

Thanks, your right about the Mites, though I’m starting to think they are meant for closer listening.  I think they sound much better when you get closer than usual. Now that it’s my only stereo - playing around with it and getting the speakers on proper stands and getting closer helped a lot.  Office/bedroom in flux lol

op

the small totems are pretty revealing, so you shouldn’t cheap out on the amp - you have a good list

i would add, potentially, a lower model hegel or the sony ta1-1es... lovely sound, modest price at the $1300-1700 price level

@wb27 

Watching this thread with interest.

If I were you, I would do further research on who to use, for shipping: USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.

 Good Luck on your Mesa repair.

Lol. 

@wb27 so when the wife/spouse says why are u spending big dollars on an amplifier u have a much better excuse than most of us. I tell my wife, I just wanted another amp. At least u can say that your amp died on you!

Thanks.. Hope to have it back in a few months.. I’m borrowing a small Parasound Zamp and gotta say it’s pretty dull sounding compared to the Mesa. Nothing sounds real. Not much of an audiophile since really only listened through the Mesa for twenty years, but it’s easy to hear the loss of clarity and drive..

also thinking about a used or new Croft integrated for my office. Supposedly has a tube like presentation..

If you love the sound of that "Mesa", you will be sorry if you do not have them fix and also go through it as advised!

(Speaking from exp. over here)...

And I am STILL sorry I sold that set of (50 Cal.) amplifiers from Mesa way back in 1989!

Great gear! Good Luck!

Have a look at Orchard audio amps. Class D, very powerful, well within your budget, very efficient and using the latest GaN transistors which make class D almost better than class AB.

Fellow at Mesa said they made a couple hundred of these… gotta keep it going. Thanks.

Good news. Glad you found a solution to your amp problem!

UPDATE :  spoke with Mesa and they advised I send it in.  The rep sounded like they are confident they can fix/restore the amp, it’s going to take a few months bit jazzed they were so positive. Btw, the rep noted that many of their guitar amps are more complicated than their Tigris stereo amp. He also advised new coupling caps and electrolytic as needed… I’m here for it… amp weighs 50+ pounds so USPS OR UPS I guess… thanks all..

Even the older B&K amps are closer to throw-away at this juncture. Enjoy as long as you can. Best NOT to leave them on, bakes the bits inside. I was sad to see my dual mono EX-4420 and later 3030 go for parts after the boards and MOSFET OPTs were no longer available, or in short supply. Repaired mine multiple times extending life longer. Pick up spare amps for parts if you must, some of the earlier amps and boards are simpler and easier to repair than the later side-mount/longboard units. A guy bought both my amps and hacked them back together with spare parts he had. Its possible if you are handy with spare parts.  

ATI bought B&K Components name, kept no parts around, and shelved the name for a while. At one point they were supposed to bring back a piece or two. No dice yet. Use sparingly and turn them off after you are done, they might last a while longer.

pray it was the mains transformer and not the outputs - far easier to replace..

lovely amp

Definitely staying with tubes in my bigger system. Talking to Mesa tomorrow so I’ll get some clarity about servicing it soon.  Long Long waiting lines for lots of new gear…there’s a minty B&k st1200 60w amp on audiogon now, for 200.00. The Mesa was 28w but really sounded more powerful.. I’m guessing my little totem mites would be fine with 60w in my office. Seems to be well reviewed…

@hartf36

FWIW, I’m still running my B&K EX-442 Sonata into Maggies and consider it anything BUT a "beater", and it’s older than the ST3030. 350 wpc/4 ohm and high current (75 amp p-p), it’s a beautiful-sounding amp and I feel zero need to replace or "upgrade" it.

🙂 Yes, I used ‘beater’ as a term as a stop-gap before deciding on something else, not meant to be demeaning. The ST3030 is extremely good for the money, as I said, had an ST125.2 prior, and looking back, should have kept it as a back-up. I’m a big B&K fan regardless of the controversy surrounding their original 140. With the mosfet design, very musical and ‘tube-like’.

That said, listening much yesterday, yea, my old Belles did some things better, which I miss, and the B&K does some things better, probably due to newer circuitry and caps, etc. (more authority and control especially with the bass and mid-bass). So, I can live with the ST3030 quite easily, but know I will be seeking some of the magic the old Belles 400A is capable of. Whether another used or new Belles, or something else. And ‘anything else’ may be moving towards a tube amp. Possibly.

Give the LSA voyager GaN 350 a hard look. It has a tube like magical midrange, and could find its way into your main rig at some point: MSRP $3000, but they do run specials for ~ $2400

FWIW, I'm still running my B&K EX-442 Sonata into Maggies and consider it anything BUT a "beater", and it's older than the ST3030.  350 wpc/4 ohm and high current (75 amp p-p), it's a beautiful-sounding amp and I feel zero need to replace or "upgrade" it. 

no way to generalize, but, to me, the sonic benefits make owning tube gear worthwhile.

+1

True, tube gear often requires more $ outlay and maintenance than SS, but it most often offers a midrange that can sound magical especially on voices. Also, one can tube roll to taste and/or variety. Some tube gear may be good in the winter, not so much in the summer :) (Northern hemisphere...of the earth not brain)

The same can be said of vinyl which is generally a lot more expensive than digital, especially content. Then we have reel to reel......

Often convenience is at the expense of sonics.

@analogj You should correct your post…

Yes.  Never heard anything bad about Rogue Service or build quality 

Often times there will be smoke when a tube amp goes, even when it can be easily repaired.  Some tube amps may require more maintenance, in the form of tube replacement, but, they are far less prone to fatal damage than solid state gear.  So many solid state devices are unrepairable, because the transformer or chip is no longer in stock, or because they are too complicated to make it practical to hunt down the problem.  

I have not had any repair issues, including replacing worn tubes, in more than fifteen years with my current gear.  A lot depends on the specific model--type of tubes it runs, how hard it runs the tubes, and quality of parts and build, so here is no way to generalize, but, to me, the sonic benefits make owning tube gear worthwhile.  

@larry5729

This is why some prefer tubes. There is not anymore maintenance on a tube amp and a solid state amp. Tubes last a lot longer than you might think!!

Yes, the little Decware amp would likely sound great with my record system speakers….. just checked Decware’s waiting list… 1,400 orders !

It seems like there is a lot of maintenance and expense to maintain a tube amp.  Still not sure why some choose a tube amp over solid state.  I believe they sound warmer.  However, who would want to keep up with buying replacement tubes.  My son is thinking about buying a tube amp and I think I might talk him out of it.

I've only heard the Rega Brio within your target items - a very solid entry integrated amp.

It's important to balance budget and any future upgrades into your selection.  If you are merely looking to have an amp within the current system a PS Audio Sprout or other all in one like the NAD 3020 could be a good fit.

Another poster stated NAD products break after their warranty - that's not my experience and my stereo is on most of the time as I leave music on for my dog when I'm not home.  

You’re using a Bluetooth source, so I wouldn’t waste $$$ on a good amp unless you’re planning on upgrading to streaming Qobuz, etc.  Just get a PS Audio Sprout 100 and be done with it.  Sorry to be a wet blanket, but Bluetooth just won’t cut it. 

Decware amps are a great value in Hi-Fi. Lifetime warranty, responsive staff and as previously mentioned, they never come up for resale. With my O 96's , in my opinion , the sound is gorgeous. Also, Decware amps are super quiet.

If long term reliability is a priority, I would stay clear of NAD. Excellent engineering & sound quality for the $ but build quality lacking. Had a preamp & their best surround sound receiver fail just after the warranties expired. Receiver was supposedly upgradable w/ plug in modules which turned out not to be the case as well. Anthem & Bryston products are well made, sound good & should last a long time. Maybe check  them out. 

take a look at Decware the plus is lifetime warranty don't see much of resale side from what I have found is they are pretty good all hand built

Ibmjunkman: Mesa got in and out of the home stereo space years ago and pretty quickly. They also had a amplifier known as the Baron which was I believe more powerful.

Underwood Audio is releasing new equipment including amps.  In my opinion cannot beat the price performance.  I would give them a call.

I would buy anything but VanAlstine.  I had a worse situation with them than scuba535 with Upscale.  Granted this was over 20 years ago, but had a very much loved early ss amp of theirs.  It went on the fritz, wouldn't power up.  Called and was told that they don't work on their older products.  I asked if they could send schematics that I could take to a repair shop.  The answer was, no, those are proprietary.  So, what I ended up with, that was once a wonderful sounding amp, was now a good door stop.  This eventually ended up in the trash.  Yes, I did get some grief from friends with McIntosh and Audio Research that had older gear than mine that was getting serviced when needed.  I hold a grudge that lasts forever.  Great sounding unit, but just enjoy it while it works. 

Don’t see the Tigris listed. Maybe it has another name?

https://el34world.com/charts/Schematics/files/Mesa_boogie/Mesa_boogie_schematics.htm

Hmmm... Bryston is looking pretty good now!

I think I would look to Parts Connexion or somewhere similar to get it fixed.

PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE DOING ANY BUSINESS WITH UPSCALE AUDIO

Let me share my experience with Upscale Audio. On 1-25-2022 I purchased a PrimaLuna EVO 400 Integrated amplifier. After about 3-4 weeks I noticed the left channel was dropping in & out. Since they have a 60 day return policy I decided this amp has some reliability issues and returned it. I contacted Upscale Audio  explained the situation and they gave me a return #. 

1. I paid $300.00 for shipping & Insurance to return a defective amp.

2.I had to talk to several different people to obtain any info regarding my refund. I never spoke to any Customer Service folks I think they were all salesmen

3.Finally Upscale Audio salesman Josh calls me and tries to extort $400.00 from to pay for the repair of the defective amp. He accused me of abusing the amp and causing the transformer to blow, said I was listening to excessive volume levels, pushing the amp beyond it's limits.

4. Insinuated I was a liar when I told him I never listen to loud music.

5. At 64 years old my ears certainly can't take volume levels high enough to blow a transformer and still be able to hear the next day.

6. They have had my amp nearly 2 weeks, no word, no refund.

Thanks for your time

Thanks all. Yes, the Mesa had 28watts in full pentode mode and killed it with rock and electric music. Could startle you sometimes. Btw, you could switch the sound to triode, at least to me with some records, piano was great in triode. Never had an issue, three new sets of Mesa tubes over 20 years..

Look at the Heed Elexir. Sounds better than it has a right to and designed to be left on 24/7. Very good headphone jack and MM phono stage as well. I think Heed builds SS stuff for people who like tubes. 

@wb27 

@bkeske

Gentlemen, I am in New Jersey if you want me to repair your components.

PM me - Peter

NAD M10? Lots of functionality, incl all the streaming options you’d want.  The non-masters version (can’t remember the model number) a less expensive option

Have fun, there’s so much amazing equipment out there in your budget range

Have a great day!

I would get the VanAlstine. I bought a Synergy 450 used, off his website as a backup to my tube monos. I love it and it sounds great with both my tube pre amps. Talk about value for your dollar. Highly recommended. I love the simplicity of the black case and single rocker switch. If I was in the market for equipment now I would look again at AVA. 

Sorry this is not quite answering your question but for jazz/classical over bluetooth in a bedroom/office, $2500, KEF LS50W partnered with your REL would be perfect. Also I agree to phase out valve amps when they break - we audiophiles should do our part in the global warming challenge.

If your Mesa had any of the attributes of the Mesa Boogie guitar amp that sat around here for some years - I'd see about getting it fixed. That amp was mean...and with authority....it growled
I'm running a Rogue, enjoy it and am unaware of any problems as posted above. They have always been helpful with any questions and from what I understand up grades and service.

@rocray +1

@analogj You should correct your post…

Are Rogue Audio products manufactured in the United States? Yes! Every single Rogue Audio product is hand built at our factory here in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania. And from the software on the programmable chips to the amplifiers circuitry, all of our products are designed in house by our engineering team.

Sad you fostered bad info…

I really like the Parasound A21. But if I were to buy another amp I might buy the Musical Fidelity M6 500i. An integrated amp but a very, very good dual mono design. A beast with finesse. I have heard it with Vandersteen speakers, just wonderfully musical.