SS Substitute for Tube Integrated?


Monitoring world events and not optimistic regarding the future of my much loved PrimaLuna tube integrated.  What would you all tend to recommend as an interim substitute from the world of solid state?  I’ve been running Mullard (reissue) EL 34s in my PL with the stock, smaller tubes it came from the factory with and I’d like to approximate that sound as close as possible within the limitations of the different technologies and a $2000-ish US budget (preferably new but I try to keep an open mind……intermittent earner in my mid 60s.  I prob. do better to have a warranty for a bit at least.).  I listen to literally everything except rap and bluegrass…….a lot of jazz.  Nothing approaching sheetrock cracking decibels.  My speakers are JBL L65s, sources are vinyl (have a phono preamp) and a Node 2i (the workhorse of my system for a year now).  Would like to stay away from integrateds with built-in DACs but, again, will try to keep an open mind…

Thanks in advance!

lg1

Showing 2 responses by ghdprentice

I’m sorry, I don’t understand the issue. If you own a great integrated ( I own one also). What is the problem. After 50 years in audio, I assure you I am not going back to solid state… the musicality of well designed tube equipment is amazing. So, you care about the tubes? Buy an extra set.  Failure? Buy a superior american brand like Rouge or Audio Research if that ever fails. I don’t see a problem. 

Glad you brought this up. I always have an xtra set of tubes for all my equipment. But my amps use KT 150… so I bought an extra quad… I am sure alternative sources will come on line at some point. Tubes tend to last a very long time. But better safe than sorry.