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Tube amp recommendation for $1000

Hi everybody,
I'm looking for a used tube amplifier or integrated tube amplifier between 20 to 50 watts, and my budget is $1000 max.
There are lots of amps like Primaluna, Cayin, Cary Rocket 88, Conrad Johnson MV55 etc--too many choices; I'm confused and don't know which one to buy. I'm a solid state guy so I want something reliable and quiet. I hate amplifiers that are noisy either coming from the amp itself or hissing from the speaker. I listen mostly to female vocals and both classic and modern jazz. I'm looking for rich, involving sound which is at the same time neutral. Good bass and balance input is a plus. I need to hear from an oldtimer, if you had $1000, which one would you buy?
royy

Showing 1 response by aball

aball
2,018 posts
 
Sounds like a tube amp is not for you - many of them make transformer noise, especially $1000 ones. I have an MV55 but it too makes a little noise.

The only amp I can think of that fits ALL your criteria is a McIntosh MC7100 which is a SS amp. Dead quiet and is quite rich sounding. It is actually more "tubey" sounding than my MV55.

But there are a zillion good choices - you are better off just buying and trying something rather than asking for opinions here! Good luck! Arthur
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