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What s the best Class A integrated tube amp over 80W

I am using Sound Lab ESL speakers, which have a very high impedance at low frequency (30 ohms). At high frequency, SL speakers have very low impedance (3 ohms). I loved the class A in Pass Labs amp, but it took too long to FULLY warm up in my small room (9x11)-5-6 hours. I have a thread on Agon on this topic, but now I would like some recommendations on the best Class A tube integrated amp with >80W. Usually, integrated are the budget model of the line, but must be GREAT class A tube integrateds. Any recommendations?
chungjh

Showing 5 responses by jjss49

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@bifwynne

good advice given to op

speaker maker will know best what works well with their product(s)

they may not have tried every amp out there but they have tried what they have tried and hopefully are willing to share (most are) info on what works synergistically

at a minimum they will tell you what attributes of high compatible amps are for their speakers...
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
lowtubes

Something like these amps made today would cost so much money and might not have the same high quality parts and workmanship.

well the grandson of the vt100-2 or 3 is the current ref150/se @ $13,000, so you are on point ...

https://www.arcdb.ws/model/REF150


jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
i would agree that an arc vt100 series 2 or 3 amp would be excellent, and makes no apologies to many newer tube amps that are multiples of its price presently

brilliant, powerful, wonderful sounding amps... not super tubey in a rolled off romantic sense but great imaging, extension, bass control (for a tube amp) and midrange magic

i have tried cj tube amps in the past, they are a touch more romantic than the arc's and substantial weaker in terms of bass output and speaker control
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
i agree the primaluna’s sound good and are an excellent value for performance and features... but i would not say they are with quite with the top tier of tube amps such as audio research and vac
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
pure class a - pass i would think

hope your listening room is cool, or has excellent a/c
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