Tube amps under $7500


Ready to experiment with combinations never before (or not recently) tried. Step one requires a tube amp. Now looking at Prima Luna EVO 400 which sells for 5K. Any other tube amps I should consider in this price/feature range? Must come in silver with balanced input. For pairing experimentally with various tube and SS preamps. Efficient 4 ohm Legacy speakers (and the room/setup) are the constants.

 

hickamore

Showing 4 responses by mikhailark

BAT is the least tubey. It is still tube sound, but to my ears almost transitions to SS MOSFET like Pass Labs. Built like a tank, lasts forever, resells fast, if needed.

@hickamore - It may be a great amp, but I personally not sure about buying from a single-man shop $$$ amp. What about service? What happens if the business goes belly up or owner decides to retire or otherwise to move on?

I would rather buy used BAT or find bigger manufacturer with good service. Speaking of - Audiogon lists Balanced Audio Technology VK80t for $7290 right now from a dealer.

@hickamore - I have opposite view actually. I would rather enjoy my gear before zombie apocalypses takes over even if only for a few weeks or months. :-)

The US is not the only country on the globe that has electricity :-)

@hickamore - many countries are significantly cheaper than the US, provide universal healthcare and gladly accept retirees. But anyway, it is definitely not for everyone. I moved between countries twice in my life, so this is not a problem for me at all. YMMV, of course.