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Tube integrated amp recommendations?

Hi, I'm just getting into this hobby, and like a lot of people I'm starting out with a limited budget. In short, I don't know what I'm doing, so I'm hoping you can give me some guidance. Here's my experience so far. I've heard a bunch of solid state amps (Rega Brio, Arcam A18), a hybrid (Jolida 1501), and a full tube amp (Jolida 302 modified)...I liked the all tube Jolida 302 by far! The hybrid had no high end to speak of, and the others had no soundstage.

I guess I should say that my goal is to have great soundstage because I want to feel like I'm hearing the band right there.

As for speakers, I tested everything on Quad 22L but they were too bassy for me. I was originally decided on getting the Focal JM Labs 807v for their accurate high end and instrument separation, which gave that feeling of being right there in the show, but since they lack midrange...I was won over by Dynaudio's. The excite line as a starter...x12 or x16.

So my questions are these: I can't seem to find a Jolida 302 for under $900 unmodified, so that would be like $1200 modified after I'm done. My alternative is spending $600 on a Cambridge Audio Azur 550 (recommended for the dyn's), which I don't want to do because it doesn't give me that great soundstage. Is there a comparable tube amp I can get for $700-$800?

Also, do you think the tubes would work well with an already warm speaker like the dynaudio? (btw, i live in los angeles, and think i've traveled to every audio specialist in the city to audition...most of whom carry b&w and paradigm which i don't especially like. i don't know if there's anything else available for me to try at this point.)

Thanks for listening, and I appreciate your help.
Jeremy
01jeremy
13 responses Add your response
layman
34 posts
 
Just got the March 2010 issue of Stereophile in the mail. The issue includes a review of the Dynaudio Excite X12.

Let me start by saying that the speaker's published measurements are superb (as per usual with Dynaudio) but they do reveal some significant changes in this Excite line compared to previous Dynaudios.

1st and formost, the new models do not appear to be impedance corrected (despite what is said in the article per the manufacturer). The Excite X12's graph of impedance vs. frequency shows no correction. This contrasts with all other Dynaudio models who's measurements have been published (compare the impedance plot of the X12 to other Dynaudio models in Stereophile's data base).

This change is important when it comes to matching a Dynaudio speaker with a tube with a typically high output imdedance. The Excite X12 won't sound as balanced with a tube amp as previous (impedance corrected) Dyaudio models.

Another crucial change in the Excite X12 is lower sensitiviy. Stereophile measure 84.8 dB/w/1meter (again despite the manufacturers claim of 86 dB/w/1meter). Contrast this with Stereophile's 86.1 dB/w/1meter measurement of the Dyaudio Focus 140.

http://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/506dynaudio/index3.html

This reduction of sensitivity is important again when choosing an amplifier and suggests that a tube amp might not be the ideal match for speakers from the Excite line. A better choice would be a used Audience line speaker or one of the current Focus, Contour or Confidence ranges.
01jeremy OP
4 posts
 
that's what i'm thinking. thanks for your help!
layman
34 posts
 
I don't think the more modern genres sound awful with my set-up but it's certainly not the last word in speed, treble extension, and transient snap...for that you might need different speakers and/or a different (kind of) amp (I am thinking a Focal speaker with a Bryston or Parasound amp would give that type of sound). Still, the Dynaudio/tube amp combo might be worth trying to see if you like it.
01jeremy OP
4 posts
 
I think I might like that, since female vocals is usually my biggest interest. ANd I lean towards the melodic with classical. But I also like electronic, rock, and international music that might require a little more energy. Would those be awful on this setup?
layman
34 posts
 
I have matched a Dynaudio Focus 140 with a Primaluna Prologue One. I like the combination. It's a romantic, sweet (slightly sepia-tinted) combination that still has enough detail to satisfy (me). That's the type of sound I like.
garyjames
48 posts
 
the speakers you are looking at are not very efficient so you need to be careful that any tube amp you get has enough power. if you want to try out tube options, you might want to consider a more efficient speaker.
01jeremy OP
4 posts
 
That's what I'm worried about. Don't know what direction to go, though. I'm thinking of reconsidering the Dynaudios because I'd still like to keep the tube soundstage, but not sure if that's the best decision.
layman
34 posts
 
Tube amps are normally chosen for a "romantic" high end i.e. smooth and melifluous. The Jolida hybrids also have that type of sound.

I am not sure if you will find a tube amp bright enough for your tastes. Have you considered a solid state amp? They usually sound a lot brighter in the treble.

Also condsider that the Dynaudio (esotar, esotec etc) tweeter if far sweeter and more mellow sounding than the equivalent Focal metal dome...so mating Dynaudio with a tube amp may give an overall sound that's too romantic for your tastes.
mekong56
137 posts
 
Cayin A-50t is quite good and should be available around $800 used here on Agon.
leatherneck1812
116 posts
 
No there is not an amp for 700 to 900 that will compare, sorry.

There is a Jolida 502brc for sale right now for $1,250.00 It was modded by response audio, a well respected audio dealer, builder and modifier. It was my amp last year. I also made the wood panels that are selling with it.
A change of speakers and audionervosa is the only reason I sold it. If you liked the 302 you will love this 502. It is a wonderful integrated amp.
01jeremy OP
4 posts
 
I was originally thinking of getting the hybrid, but it didn't seem to have as much high end as the all tube jolida.

Anyway, any ideas where I can find either the Jolidas or Prima Lunas in my price range? I don't see any in the classifieds here.
rbstehno
1,437 posts
 
i would look at the prima luna's and the jolida's. i have a couple of the jolida hybrids for my den and family room and i like them very much. i have the usher x-719 teamed up with the jolida 1701 and the jolida 1301 with totem in-walls. i have replaced the original tubes with better tubes and use a quality power cable for the 1701.
grinnell
1,096 posts
 
Look at the Primalunas, should be able to find one in your price range used. Great sound and the PL2 gives you a range of tubes you can use from kt88 to el34
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