Recommendation Tube Integrated


At this juncture (nearly 2024) what are folks' best recommendagtion for a tube integrated amp.  Constraints would be $10K (preferrably $5K or less), at least 35 watts per channel.  New or used.  Goal would be smooth, creamy sound.  My current system, which I would consider very good solid state sound, can still be a little ...hard.... to my sensitive ears at times, and I'm thinking a tube option would be nice.  Thanks.

mathiasmingus

You can find an ARC VSi75 in your price range, great amp and only six tubes to deal with. four power and two preamp.

Some very nice recommendations mentioned & here’s another one: Rogers High Fidelity. They’re pricey new around $15-$16K but they have two of their big amps used direct from the factory w/ full lifetime warranties. They’re very well built w/ high quality parts all point to point  wired ( no circuit boards!), very powerful & sound excellent! They do operate in full class A so they run pretty hot & are pretty big & heavy too if those are issues. I really enjoy mine & works flawlessly for two years now. Check out Roger’s videos on YouTube- very informative!

I'm looking at the McIntosh MA 352 and MA 252 for a second system. I think they have the Sound you're looking for. The 252 is even Creamier than the 352. Hybrids rule.

Quicksilver or Decware would be on the top of my list at $5K or less. Also consider Octave. Unison Research. I have had a couple of McIntosh Tube integrated and they did not stay for more than a minute. Just not to my liking.