2. amps-preamps
  3. 170280-10297

Can someone suggest a lush tube integrated under $3000 used

My main system it’s solid state preamp and amp. I’ll through in a tube preamp on occasions. Somedays I just miss the lush involving syrupy tube sound with small jazz and blues recordings. I know highs may be rolled off,  not a lot of slam but can be so involving you lose track of time. This amp will be matched with some Joseph Audio first gen Pulsar, LSA 2 statement tower with ribbon tweeter and some Tiny Dancers. 

I’ve heard good things of the Cary, Ayon, maybe an old Conrad Johnson cav 50, I just don’t have much experience with integrated amps. My speakers aren’t the most efficient. 


paulcreed
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,234 posts
 
Congratulations @paulcreed. Pure class A push pull topology.  I haven't heard this brand but  reportedly they have very robust power supply and output transformers.  I hope this amplifier works out well with your particular speakers. 
Charles 
musicmann1
96 posts
 
Lot’s of good recommendations above. Another one to consider is the BLACK ICE F35, with KT 150’s. The amp is very flexible ( can safely use, EL 34, KT 88, 120, 150, and the new KT 170’s....also 6550’s).
My unit has the KT 150,s. It’s definitely not “ Syrupy” sounding.....Smooth, liquid, with very good dynamic contrasts and “punchy” and impactful bass. Approximately 75 watts Per Channel at 8 Ohms.

Cheers......
upscaleaudio's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
upscaleaudio
258 posts
 

Looks like he bought an amp. That's great.  I do want to mention if you have vintage tubes you want to use, you may not have matched pairs for BIAS not transconductance.  You can't match them on most old testers. If that's the case, make sure the amp has a bias adjustment for each tube.  The Cary SLI-80 Sig has a bias adjustment for each pair, so you need matched pairs. 

A cathode-bias amp can reduce tube life since they run in class a.  See if you can find out how much plate voltage and how they bias the amp. It's hard to find out but ask around if you have tubes you treasure.  

phantom_av's avatar
phantom_av
320 posts
 

I always end up getting bored of Lush sounding gear, at first its all sweet and dandy.

jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,610 posts
 

I always end up getting bored of Lush sounding gear, at first its all sweet and dandy.

true if the sound is lush without resolving power, but there are (usually higher end) excellent sounding options that provides both

More to discover