Stereo Tube Amp Comparisons


Can you offer any comparisons for the following stereo tube amps? I am looking for a musical amp, great mid range, great soundstage with decent bass control for a 10" woofer. I do realize that there is no "best" amp but I would like to narrow down my search by sonics as stated above, plus amps that are easy to live with, easy to bias, good manufacturer for assistance and repair, easy to get good tubes for, fair resale value. I have read many posts about the amps but I would like to see if anyone has more details about these amps and would like input from someone who has lived with more that one of these amps.

I am putting together a system for a friend who has:
CEC TL-2X transport
Audio Logic 34 DAC
Alon V speakers (3 way, 10" woofer, can be tri-wired)
Counterpoint SA-5000 preamp.
Currently using a Kinergetics KBA-75 class A 75 wpc SS amp

BAT VK-60
BAT VK-75 (non-se version) is this worth the extra $$$ over the VK-60?
VTL ST-125
VAC Standard 105
Cary 805C
CJ Premier 140
Music Referenece RM-200
ARC VT-100 MKII
Quicksilver V-4

Thanks and Happy Listening.
bigkidz

Showing 1 response by tubegroover

I'm curious Bigkidz, you have run a litany of threads requesting info on tube amps. Have you gotten a chance to listen to the Berning yet? At the price point of the amps on your list it should be on the list, its in the price range of several of those amps and quite a bit less than several.

I've heard several of the amps on your list and like Sean, a few I wouldn't even consider. The reason the Berning holds its value so well is limited availability and if there is a tube amp better at its price or up to double I haven't heard it. Bass control? Yeah, I think it could handle a 10" woofer depending on impedance characteristics of course but that is true for the others as well. The zh270 does it all, very true to the music, 3-d, warm, ultra transparent, natural timbres, frequency extension at both ends like ss, fast like ss. Not like tubes nor ss but the best of both and not euphonic which may preclude if from those that prefer that type of presentation.