Tube Integrated Amp - Help Please


Recently sold my hybrid Rogue Integrated and am now looking for a used tube integrated. I'm using Verity Audio Tamino X2 speakers - 89db (and told by Verity that these speakers are easy to drive and do well with Tube amplification). I listen to different genres but I love the soulful sound of a female jazz singer and classical music featuring the cello (looking for a warm midrange I suppose). I have a small room 15x14 (ugh) and listen at fairly moderate levels. Other gear includes a Hegel HD25dac and a Clearaudio Concept TT (Dynavector 10x5 cartridge). I'll probably buy a separate phono stage so the new Integrated amp does not have to include phono. 

My ear gravitates toward a lush warm sound, nice extended highs and tight bass. Any help would be greatly appreciated. My budget is $4000 and under. Thanks

Considering Rogers EHF-100 MK2 (no local dealers) or Line Magnetic (dealer is about an hour away). If keeping things a little cheaper on the budget, I thought the Sound Antique  AQ1001 Mark II DT or the Rogue Cronus Magnum may fit the bill. 
chaseyourdream

Showing 2 responses by ronrags

I own the Primaluna Dialogue Premium Int (list price $3400) along with the Hegel HD25 and I too listen to female jazz singers and classical music. I find the combination of the Primaluna and Hegel to be very musical and holographic. In fact I sold the PS Audio Directstream Dac since I found the Hegel to be more musical and fuller sounding.

 BTW- My room basement listening room is 13x18 with only a 6-1/2' ceiling so don't fret.

 I never listened to Verity Audio speakers and not sure of their sonic character. I own the Lawrence Violin SE speakers which use a ribbon tweeter and find the sound quite engrossing with a warm sound and a good tight bass. I previously owned the Focal 1027be speakers but the beryllium tweeters would get on my nerves especially with poorly recordings or long listening sessions.

I originally used both the original PL EL34 and KT120 tubes but purchased the Golden Lion KT77  since I prefer their warmer sound. I still get plenty of bass but the midrange really stands out. I also replaced the PL 12AU7 tubes with Cifte tubes which gave it a holographic 3d sound which I prefer. Recently l played Pictures at an Exhibition for a friend who used to play violin and he was totally impressed by the sound and dynamics. 

 I purchased everything from Kevin at Upscale Audio and he recommended these tubes based on my musical preferences. If interested, I recommend you call Kevin from Upscale and he will guide you the right direction. He may also have a used or demo Dialogue Premium on hand.
BTW-  I changed the stock fuses in both the Primaluna and Hegel to Audio Horizon fuses and they really added to the dynamics and smoothness to both pieces