Blindjim, FWIW, I recently bought a Cayin A100T out of curiosity. I've only had it for a month or so but so far I'm not only pleased but surprised. While this is an integrated amp it has in input for a preamp which bypasses the 'front-end' of the Cayin so if you want to use your pre amp its easy to do. It also has the ability to switch from triode (laid back, less focused) to ultralinear (which is a very focused sound)on the fly with the remote. I prefer high resolution w/out brightness and a very focused image. My speakers and ears prefer the ultralinear but I'm sure many would like the triode or both. The best part is the sound! The unit (after fiddling with the tubes a bit) has real balls (heft!) but is not boomy at all, the mid range is very liquid and the highs are fine as well (again with a few tube changes). It is very linear, if a tad warm with my stuff and the tube changes. In my set up I'm getting my typical wide and high imaging, and focus depth (which has been more prominent in the center) some pretty good depth on the soundstage rear sides as well. If you develope any interest in this unit, send me an e-mail and I'll answer any questions (that I can).
Sweet sounding SE tube amps under $3K USED
I'm looking for some imput on tube amps... mono blocks or stereo, doesn't matter. Needs be SE for sure, XLR in as well as option is OK.
Sonically? Superior mid range, great bottom end, and sweet top end without lack.
I would prefer self biasing, but a stable amp once biased properly or one easy to bias, would be FINE.
Stock tubes should be sufficient to provide a very good sound and the neeed to retube with NOS not a mandatory thing to accomplish that end.
Retubing should not cost a ridiculous amount.
If the overall cast of the sound leans towards the euphonic or musically colored side of the scale... that's all the better too.
Power? I'd guess anything over 10 - 15 wpc, to ???... though I would prefer 30+ wpc.
Are there such amps?
I sure would like to know. BTW the less costly, the better.