Looking for an integrated amp to replace my Cayin A-50T
I currently have a Cayin A-50T integrated amp, and I recently had one of the EL34s die (due to age--not the amp...). Given the current tube shortage, I had to pay an inflated price for a new quad of tubes, which has caused me to consider a solid state integrated as a back-up initially, and based on the performance, possibly replace the Cayin. My speakers are Reynaud Euterpe Jubile (89dB/4 ohm) and my source is an Oppo 205.
I have no complaints whatsoever with the Cayin--just looking for a back-up and possibly get away from tubes in the future. As such, I am looking for SS integrated that would lean towards the same sonic signature--in the $1000-$2000 range. Since the Oppo has a volume control, I may be open to a power amp--in which case I would be open to an older well regarded model that I could perhaps obtain for a good price...
Regarding the integrated options--I only need a couple of inputs, and do not require a phono stage. Digital inputs are not a requirement, but could prove useful. I have been out of this for a while, so I am just getting back up to speed. If I had to choose today, I would go with a Cambridge CXA-81. The Rogue Sphinx or a Rotel are other options. perhaps a one of the Parasounds or something else I am not aware of?
Thanks in advance for all input/suggestions!
Bob
@pretender - I have the answer for you: Jolida JD1501 RC. It's a hybrid. So if you love your Cayin (I have two), you'll love the 1501. You can roll the preamp tubes to your heart's desire. But I'll save you some time -- get a pair of vintage Telefunken 12AX7's. You're welcome! Lol! 😁 |
So, limited help here, but I found my "anchor" speakers: Sonus Faber Signums (4 ohms) and tried a Heaven 11 Billie integrated. Tube pre and Class D output. Sounded wonderful... to a point. It just didn't have the muscle to full release the speaker's potential. Note, I'm mostly a low-volume listener. Counterintuitively, I went with an Audio Research VSi60 (from TMR, great service, FYI). Way less power, but the right kind of power. I'd find it difficult to return to solid state, but I'm sure there are better amps than I've heard, I'm still learning. The newer Belles and Kinki Studio have gotten rave reviews, and certainly Hegel is worth a mention. But in case you're curious Heaven 11 had just gone through an upgrade to considerably more power. Best of luck. https://heaven11audio.com/billie-amp-stereo-intergrated-amplifier/
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How about a hybrid like the Rogue Sphinx integrated amplifier. The current amplifier is the V3, but all three generations are fairly recent and sound outstanding! There is one in the listening room at my local Hi-fi store. It has sounded great with every pair of speakers that I have heard. At 100 W per channel it will not disappoint you. It takes a pair of small input tubes in the preamplifier section which will last for years!
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I cannot recommend anything but a tube integrated. Have you tried KT77 tubes? I was shocked. More power as in dynamics, everything is just better. Solid deep bass, clear high and detail I did not have with the EL34s, which were excellent to begin with. I run a Primaluna which is very well made and I will never look back. |
Your running (89dB/4 ohm) speakers with a Cayin A-50T? It's a miracle your driver tubes lasted as long as they did!!! What a load. Power handling capability according to the manufactor is 40-120 watts. If there was ever a case of pulling a rail car (your speakers), with a Shetland Pony (your Cayin), instead of a 1/4 horse, or better yet a draft horse, this is it. It's a good thing you are using a tube amp instead of a SS amp, because the likelyhood of you clipping your speakers to death by now is very high. $1000-$2000 isn't much of a budget to drive (89dB/4 ohm) speakers, unless you go used, & even then. In a SS amp look for something with a massive power supply, with 120-200 watts of power. Not only will this give you impact at any volume, low or high (caveat, SS amps have a smaller sweet spot than tube amps), it will also give you the safety of "head room" so you don't clip/(damage) your speakers, or your amp. If you can find a used Bryston B100 Integrated Amplifier, or a Krell KAV-300i Integrated Amplifier, you will have an integrated SS amp that will realize the Stradivarius violin potential laying in your Reynaud's, that can safely run those thirsty speakers for years to come. Enjoy the experience.
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