I just bought a JD-202 from a dealer on Audiogon for less than I imagined and am using it with a pair of Spendor S3/5s I also bought here. It's my first tube gear and I LOVE IT ! Definitely different than SS. The Spendors are rated 84 db/w if I remember correctly,but my room is small and I don't use that system for loud music.
Which integrated tube amp?
I've been doing lots of reading and I've become convinced that after all these years I want to try out the tube sound. I don't have much money, and where I live I don't really have an opportunity to go to any shops and listen to tube set-ups, so I'm considering units that have 30-day money back gaurantees. I'd like to spend about $600 -- right now I'm considering two new units -- the Cayin TA-30 and the Jolida 102B. Both have good reviews on audioreview.com. Both are about $500-600 and I'll need to add a separate phono preamp. I'm also intrigued by a fully-restored and modified Scott 222 unit offered by Mapleshade Records for $850 -- it's more money, although it has a (supposedly excellent) phono stage, so overall price isn't that different. I play a Thorens TD-320 through 90db-efficiency 2-way speakers. Can anyone give me any insights that will help narrow my choices? Or perhaps I've missed a good product in my price range? If you could reply soon that would be great because my trigger finger's getting itchy! Thanks.
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