Best integrated tube amplifier, under $3,000.00. No phono needed. Could be used, too.d


What's the best integrated tube amplifier under 3k, don't need phono.  Used is ok, too.  Thanks!
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xanotherbob
I don't claim to completely understand the relationship between speaker sensitivity and amp output power but there are some observations on that in this review of the Raven Audio Nighthawk III driving Dynaudio Special 40s which are rated at 85dB, similar to your speakers.

https://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2019/10/30/hifi-the-raven-audio-nighthawk-mkiii-integrated-amp-review/?fbclid=IwAR2Wt9rCAq0WaQYVJh22kZRVydhh7ExAT-cpkHJHVCwRCn1glzU2FxUn4LY
I would also recommend contacting John Rutan at audio connection. I recently purchased the newer Rogue Cronus Magnum III from him with KT77 tubes instead of the standard KT120. I prefer the sound of the KT77s which is warmer and has a beautiful midrange. I also installed NOS tubes in the preamp stage. Prior I owned the Primaluna Dialogue Premium with the same tubes but the Rogue has a better overall sound including more detail, larger soundstage and tighter bass.

Rogue is manufactured in Pa. and not in China. They have a small operation and their units are not massed produced. Their support is excellent and they will answer all your questions and concerns. 
The Conrad Johnson CAV45 can be found used under 3k. Worth looking at if you like the sound of EL-34s.
Primal Luna is great as some others mentioned.

I love my McIntosh MA252. Though it’s technically a tube preamp with solid state amp. But you get the warm tube sound out of it. I have it paired with some B&W speakers. I know this setup may be more of a “mainstream” brand setup but it sounds damn good.

I stream via Bluesound Node 2i and it sounds great, doesn’t sound too “digital” at all.
The cronus mag ii is an outstanding amplifier .I highly recommend it . Very detailed with accurate imaging .  I’m fed up with buying nos tubes . Its a total crap shoot. I am going to stick with new after this. New mullards sounded woody with rolled of highs . So far so good with gold lions. Some nos tubes are horribly microphonic which you never get told about  . If you sneeze you can hear a “tink” in some of them .