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The Little Tube Amp That Could?

Greetings all. I am looking for some recommendations for a moderately-priced stereo tube amp. I would like to have at least 20-30 solid WPC, but don't really need much more than that. The amp is going in between a Cary SLP50A, Ruark Templars (original model, about 87db sensitive with tube-friendly impedence), with a Sony 333 as the front end (also a NAD 533/Black Cube analog rig, too).

Is it possible to find an amp like this (used gear preferred) in the 6-800 range? I don't need fancy, just good dimensional tube sound with some "balls".

I was thinking about a Cary SLA 70 or something like that, and would appreciate quality feedback on this or similar amps. Thanks for your time.

Alan
aldenruss
creeper
251 posts
 
You might consider a Sonic Frontiers SFS-40. It can be tubed with el34, kt88, kt90, 6550 outputs, as well as several input and driver stage tube options. Wattage would vary form 40-55 wpc depending on tube complement. If you are interested in tube rolling and trying different combo's, this is the amp for you. If you are interested in a used one, email me. Good luck. Erik
jrinkerptdnet
430 posts
 
Music Reference RM10 ... one of the most underrated buys in audio. 35 watts of beautiful el84 sound. A little tube amp that can and will.
seldenr
59 posts
 
I just saw a couple of Antique Sound Labs monoblocks for sale for around $800 the pair, using KT88 tubes, single ended, at about 25 wpc. I own the MG15SI DT (15 wpc single ended triode/pentode stereo amp). Purchased for about $550 as a demo. Bought it just to see what it was like. Liked it so much I kept it. Solid, heavy, and very musical. Good luck!
celtic66
1,616 posts
 
The Antique Sound Labs are VERY good. So are the VTL Tiny Triodes. At 25wpc they kick and should be found for around $900 used. All good stuff.
glide3
402 posts
 
I would second the VTL tiny triodes....really nice in the triode mode.
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