Good Suggestions for Tube Amps under 6k

@jchiappinelli Carlsbad2, Why do you keep mis-informing that Prima luna relies on printed circuit boards when they are clearly point-to-point hand wired? It’s one of their primary marketing pitches and clearly supported by photos of the insides of their components.

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INSIDE VIEW - PL EVO 400 Integrated

This could be what @carlsbad2 is referring to. Does not make it wrong, yet I’m counting at least 8 different little circuit boards inside, this pic is right off the Primaluna site, today. Typically a true point-to-pont wired component does not have any circuit boards, or at least no boards in the signal path.

Would be fun to hear from some of the modifier/upgrade folks who know how to truly tweak this amp up more, and bring it to an entirely new level. Someone knows...

If you search, there are some good threads on modding a PL. I think they are pre-Evo but may still apply to Evo. 

To continue to beat a dead horse though, I really don't think the supplied PL tubes are all that great - but ok.. I'm thinking that they expect most (?) will roll thier tubes anyway. 

I did a lot of searches here and on google as well as the reviews on Upscale and also with Brent Jesse (and purchased from him also). 

I'm still a bit of a newbie (but not new) and I would start with the music you like and what you prioritze in SQ and go from there. 

I chose KT-150s for the extra low end but also to my ears sound good throughout the spectrum. However, (better quality) E34s are better in the midrange (sweet) and there are a bunch of others. 

That said, I would start with the preamp tubes up front. I have Radiotechniques (sp) up in the two main slot and prefer them over NOS Mullards and Mazda Clittes. The Mullards were too bright in the upper mids and the Mazdas a bit too much treble IIRC. I have the Mazdas flanking the Radios on each side. Also, you have double the power tubes than I do ($).

My Evo 300 Int sounds a lot better to my ears than the stock tubes. 

I heard my same speakers at a hifi show with a $20k tube amp. While the mids were slightly more clear, the highs and lows weren't any better and certainly not worth the $15k difference - again to my ears. My sound stage is better also but with all of this I'm trying to take into account that was a motel room with no treatment. It did sound fantastic, but not any better than mine (again, except more clear mids, but not $15k clear).

Anyway, I'd start reading some of the comments and threads and also call Upscale and email Brent Jesse.

Line Magnetic was mentioned, along with Leben, and Luxman.

The benefit of a $6k budget is a wide selection of available choices.

I would listen to as many amplifiers as possible.  I would purchase used equipment, because I know I could resell for my cost (or at a small profit) if needed.

I would start with a Line Magnetic or Triode TRV 845  Class A SET amp.  Then move on to EL34 and KT88 amps from the same companies.   I have a Triode TRV 845 PSE.   Sublime sound, and rock steady reliability since I purchased the amp about 5.5 yrs ago.

Cary CAD 805 (there have been several versions of this classic design over the years).  For some this is a benchmark Class A SET amp.  Others believe it is not accurate to some degree.  Listen and decide for yourself.

In my opinion, Leben is the equivalent of a golden age amplifier that is completely restored using new close tolerance and higher quality parts.   A mix of classic and modern sound.

There are several Audio Research and Conrad Johnson amplifiers that sound wonderful and are easily found.   I regret selling a CJ MV45 and I have an AR D-70-MKII.

Luxman MQ88 has been praised by everyone that has heard it.  I use a pr of MA88 / 75th anniversary mono blocks.   So relaxing and incisive to listen to.

You may also investigate vintage amplifiers.   Caveat is to be sure that the amp is completely rebuilt, not just restored with a mix of old and new parts.  REBUILT.  Some believe this may reduce value.  I would rather have reliability and great sound....  Some may disagree.

The elephant in the vintage room is McIntosh.  Many will immediately recommend the MC275.  Good amp, but not their best.   If you want better sonics, then spend time with a pr of MC30 or a MC240.  The MC225 sounds wonderful, but may not be powerful enough for your needs.

Some would recommend a Marantz 8b, which is an easy default recommendation.  But I think the Mac 30/240 sound better.

Eico HF89 is a powerhouse of a KT88 stereo amp with a very wide frequency response.

Fisher SA-1000 / EL34 Integrated amp and probably the best amplifier made by Fisher.   This is a "final" amp for a discerning few.

Harman Kardon Citation II.  You have probably read about this amp.  Everything you have read is true.  Tube magic, and SS power. Capable of driving any load and delivers an ultra Wide Bandwidth, dead quiet background, brick house reliability if correctly rebuilt.  This amp would cost at least $10k if remade today; and likely more than $10k in the current market.

Lots of choices.  Potential for lots of fun.  Spend the summer acquiring a few amps, then enjoy the colder months by listening at your leisure while you watch the little cities of tubes glow in the twilight.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649960743-vac-sigma-170i-iq-integrated-amplifier-silver-phono-and-xlr-options-nib/

@iopscrl ...Cary CAD 805 (there have been several versions of this classic design over the years). For some this is a benchmark Class A SET amp. Others believe it is not accurate to some degree. Listen and decide for yourself.

@iopscrl Speaking of 805s, Did you by chance listen to or review the newer 805RS version, and compare to anything?

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After my Cary SLI-80 and Cary V12R (both heavily upgraded), I was not in a position to buy the 805RS (or the room) and landed on Quicksilver Mono 120s, now with upgrades, same caps and others as my former Cary amps had. Sound very nice now, plenty of drive with KT120s or KT150s. PP purpose built for KT150s. Big quality transformers, power caps, 600v plate voltage. Driving the tubes "in the window" as I know it now. And, tried a few DH custom Inspire amps between. Not enough drive for my larger custom speakers. Maybe going back to full triode though, with a little more power/drive, maybe. Thought you might know this looking at the collection of amps you’ve commented on here so far.

Since I still have and enjoy using my later my Cary SLP-98 preamp w/6SN7s, still kind of thinking about parting with the M120s down the road to help fund it some (deciding later this yer, not sure I will - can’t get them any more) yet possibly ordering the 805RS monos. 845s or 211s, not sure which. Damn things are 24" deep though. i.e. not referring to the older version 805s, just the new model, if you happen to know more. These -or- I may commission a good designer-builder to custom build some with some other (more available) opts, not 211s or 845s. Thx.