Hi Kurt,
Like Michael above, I had a Counterpoint SA100 completely rebuilt (Premium Gold version of the NP100) by Mike Elliott. It has two 6SN7 tubes that never need biasing and is 100wpc. The NP220 has twice as much power. If you want something that sounds just as good or better, looks a lot nicer, and costs more, check out his Aria amps (Aria Audio?).
Like Michael states above, the maintenance is non-existent. The tubes are self-biasing and there are only a few. They are a hybrid design, so the tubes are in the input (adding tube traits), while the SS output adds some beneficial SS characteristics like stronger bass, etc. They sound great with cheaper new tubes, but the extra $100-$200 for two NOS Sylvanias is well worth the money. I have been using my first pair for 2-3 years and they still sound great. More benefits...the amps don't run hot at all and the tubes are well protected (both in the Counterpoint and the Aria).
The amps are pretty neutral on their own, so you can experiemnt with different tubes to tailor the amps sound (if you want to). I think my NP100 portrays every recording accurately, but still gives me a feeling of musicians playing music...something more than a technical reproduction. The bass is very strong, the mids and highs are perfectly balanced, and the dynamics are great. It manages to be detailed and extrememly musical at the same time. I use mine with Merlin VSM-M speakers, TG audio speaker wire, and a modded Counterpoint SA5000 pre and have been listening happily for several years now. I occasionally feel like upgrading my CD or turntable, but have lost the urge to look for other amps.
That said...I would check out the David Berning OTL amps as well. :-) They seem to be a great design with many of the benefits of Mike Elliot's designs, but even smaller and lighter. They are also OTL amps which are supposedly quite special sounding (and I agree, based on my one listen to a pair of Atmasphere OTL amps with some Merlins). They have the palpability and feel of tube designs, but are not "tubey" in the least.. I believe the Bernings sell for $4000-$5000.
I am sure the Bernings would sound different than the Mike Elliott designs, but I recommend researching both (as well as many listed above). Good luck! You should find an amazing amp with your budget.
Like Michael above, I had a Counterpoint SA100 completely rebuilt (Premium Gold version of the NP100) by Mike Elliott. It has two 6SN7 tubes that never need biasing and is 100wpc. The NP220 has twice as much power. If you want something that sounds just as good or better, looks a lot nicer, and costs more, check out his Aria amps (Aria Audio?).
Like Michael states above, the maintenance is non-existent. The tubes are self-biasing and there are only a few. They are a hybrid design, so the tubes are in the input (adding tube traits), while the SS output adds some beneficial SS characteristics like stronger bass, etc. They sound great with cheaper new tubes, but the extra $100-$200 for two NOS Sylvanias is well worth the money. I have been using my first pair for 2-3 years and they still sound great. More benefits...the amps don't run hot at all and the tubes are well protected (both in the Counterpoint and the Aria).
The amps are pretty neutral on their own, so you can experiemnt with different tubes to tailor the amps sound (if you want to). I think my NP100 portrays every recording accurately, but still gives me a feeling of musicians playing music...something more than a technical reproduction. The bass is very strong, the mids and highs are perfectly balanced, and the dynamics are great. It manages to be detailed and extrememly musical at the same time. I use mine with Merlin VSM-M speakers, TG audio speaker wire, and a modded Counterpoint SA5000 pre and have been listening happily for several years now. I occasionally feel like upgrading my CD or turntable, but have lost the urge to look for other amps.
That said...I would check out the David Berning OTL amps as well. :-) They seem to be a great design with many of the benefits of Mike Elliot's designs, but even smaller and lighter. They are also OTL amps which are supposedly quite special sounding (and I agree, based on my one listen to a pair of Atmasphere OTL amps with some Merlins). They have the palpability and feel of tube designs, but are not "tubey" in the least.. I believe the Bernings sell for $4000-$5000.
I am sure the Bernings would sound different than the Mike Elliott designs, but I recommend researching both (as well as many listed above). Good luck! You should find an amazing amp with your budget.