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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
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.
ultrakaz
187 posts
 

Rogue 88 or Music Reference RM-10. You can get either one for about $700 to $800. You must run the 88 in triode to get the most out of this amp. The downside is that the 88 is rather big (over 50lbs compared to the RM-10 about 15lbs) and has a fan. The RM-10 is extremely quiet for a tube amp and has a grainless midrange that is more refined than the 88. The 88 has a better soundstage and bass. Both are excellent and each has it strengths and weaknesses.
prfont
89 posts
 
You may find a Conrad Johnson MV 50 or MV 52. These are 45 watts per channel and have superb build quailty.I use an MV 52 with Meadowlark Kestral Hotrod's with are easy to drive and the sound is wonderful. You may not be on the cutting edge with these but you'll have a wonderful sounding amp and CJ is great to deal with. The CJ website has info/photos on their older models.
joe_b
421 posts
 
Quicksilver makes some nice low powered tube amps that are available used. If you see a Berning EA-230, it may be worth investigating. Also, if you do not want to spend a lot of money, you could get an AMC amp. They are available on Ebay at closeout prices.
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