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Tube Integrated Under 1,500

Looking for tube integrated for a second system. I have 1,500 tops to spend, and I will definitely buy used. Im thinking el34 but maybe an el84. I need at least 30 watts and something that’s fairly stout for tube. Maybe I could get by with 20 watts if I went el84 but not sure. Speakers are Totem Rainforest, which I believe are 86db, and the room is small, about 9x11x8.

I’m leaning pretty strongly towards grabbing a Primaluna. I have Primaluna seperates in my main system and am pretty happy with them. I’m trying to be open to other brands for this new amp but I’m struggling to find much that I feel confident about getting service for down the road. I’m hoping folks on here can lead me to some things I’ve missed maybe. I’m aware of Willsenton and Muzishare but not to confident if I need parts in 5-10 years they will be available. Line Magnetic I’d be open to if I could find the right amp in my price range. After those brands I’m not aware of much. There’s Icon but there amps seem to be about half the weight compared to some others. Just not sure there is good value there I guess. LSA has there new integrated but it also seems a bit cheap to me. Rogue seems to run there tubes pretty hard and I find the Chronus pretty hideous cosmetically. Jolida/ Black Ice seem alright I just can’t really get into the looks, and the used market seems weak if I ever sell.

Anyways, I’m not sure what else is really out there but hopefully you guys do. I thought it was worth asking before I grab another Primaluna.

brylandgoodman
ghdprentice
6,464 posts
 

A used PrimaLuna sounds perfect. I have one I paid $2K for about 12 years ago.  Nice integrated. Nice sound for the money.

ericsch
751 posts
 

@brylandgoodman 

USA Tube Audio in Scotsdale AZ used to carry Cayin.

I have one that I rotate in and out with my Luxman.

Well built, looks good and sounds great.

djspinner's avatar
djspinner
59 posts
 

Rogue seems to run there tubes pretty hard and I find the Chronus pretty hideous cosmetically.

 

The Chronus is twice your budget.  The Sphnix is the one I would be looking at for $1500 and is in essentially a black box - which you may or may not prefer aesthetically.  Not sure I've read complaints about the tubes running too hard in that unit. Are you playing at high volume in large room?

facten
2,762 posts
 

Okay so they are Rainmakers , still 86.5db and 4 instead of 8 ohm. They still are going to need at least 50 wpc per the mfg. BTW, I had a Rogue Cronus for a few years, no issues with tube life

big_greg
6,565 posts
 

A used Primaluna would be a good value.  Rogue makes good stuff.  I haven't owned any of their integrateds, but had their M180 monoblock amps for a long time.  They were rock solid.  If it was me, I'd probably try to find something from Line Magnetic if it fits the budget.  I really like the looks and sound of their gear. 

You might be able to find some older tube integrateds from Audio Research in your budget range.  I have a VSi55 (50 WPC).  I think I paid just a little more than that.  "Only" 50 watts, but I've driven Thiels, Harbeths, Stirlings, and other "hard to drive" speakers with it in an office system, not at concert volumes.

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