Looking for... Integrated tube amp with phono
Looking for an integrated tube amp (or hybrid) in the $4-7k range. Preferably used. (Actually, there’s almost no way I’d get what I wanted new.)
Must haves:
-PHONO built in (yes, I know I can do “better” with separates, but that’s not what I want this time).
-At least 70WPC (my speakers are not too efficient at 88db).
-REMOTE… doesn’t need to have 50 functions, but needs to control volume.
-Tape Monitor or some way to connect an EQ (not needed if it has tone controls)
Nice to have:
-Headphone jack. (I have no headphone amp atm.)
-DAC (I have a Bluesound Node 2i; I never use it, but never I might.)
-Tone Controls (I’m no purist, and at low listening levels I need to increase the bass)
-MC cartridge capability
Current list:
-Mcintiosh MA352 – tons of power (for future speakers?), but no MC option and the phono stage is transistor. Tone controls! Easy to re-sell.
-VAC Sigma 170i – seems like a decent option and has a tube phono section.
-Octave V80 – harder to find, and probably really tough to sell when I get tired of it. Phono is MM OR MC, not both.
-Audio Research GSi75 – also hard to find, but this seems to have everything in one box.
-Am I missing anything?
Backstory… I’m a mid-fi guy. I live in NYC (currently have neighbors below me and next to me) and will never have the luxury (or the money) to have a dedicated listening room. That means, no wall treatments, bass traps, or even a dedicated stereo rack. I rarely crank my stereo (although, I want to be able to since my main thing in life is seeing live bands… it’s pretty much the only thing I really enjoy, so I like loud music). My speakers are Ohm Walsh 3 (slightly modified) and I’ve had them much longer than anything else (10 years and 4 apartments). They aren’t perfect, but I like them (although they are a bit small for my current house). I haven’t been using my stereo much since we moved to this place but my wife has been listening to vinyl. She had a difficult time with my old TT (Music Hall MMF-7.1 with a Goldring 2400) and when the cantilever broke, I decided to get a TT that she would have an easier time with- a Denon DP-47F (from Japan). The cartridge is pretty cheap, and before I replace it, I may want to try an MC cart (probably Denon DL-301), otherwise, I’ll get a DL-110, knowing that it’s well beneath the Goldring I had.
My current amps are Conrad Johnson Classic 60SE and PV10B (I’m using the onboard phono). I’ve had it a few years and like the sound, although I need to cheat with a Schiit Loki. I grew up with the bass and treble maxed out (‘70s and ‘80s), and I guess that’s how I like music to sound.
I’ve owned a hybrid, various tube amps, SS (Denon PMA-2500ne that I didn’t like at all) and have no issue with integrated amps. I’m also looking for convenience and simplicity.
@ron325 Honestly that's a tough one. I have listened and sold some CJ gear when I worked in the hifi store. One of my favorites was the CJ MF200, that was a great amp for sure. I have never heard the 60, though I have read it's really good as most CJ is. I think the Margules would hold it's own. I found it to be pretty dynamic, it has some weight and dynamics for sure. Very musical, I never felt any fatigue while listening. Maybe an area where it edges out the CJ is that its a very easy to live with unit. Ease of use and all that. It's also pretty unique, if that's something that matters to you. I too had to do some research on the company. Turns out they are one of the oldest companies in home and pro audio in Mexico. I heard several other Margulese units at the recent Florida show in Feb. I was very impressed. |
So, the GSi75 is off my list (assuming I want an EQ option). I emailed ARC and asked if there was a way to connect one and they said “no” (other than between the source and the amp, which is not an option). I looked closer at the Rogue and that is nicely upgraded from the one I owned. I asked them about adding an EQ and they can install a processor loop for $350. I think the lack of tone controls is why I sold my Tempest II years ago. Seems like a great amp for the money, but not sure it’s better than my CJ stuff. Especially the SS phono stage in the Rogue. |
