2. amps-preamps
  3. 193266-117410

Integrated amp with preamp tubes

Hi All,

I'm curious with perhaps downsizing my Bryston 3B3 & VTL 2.5(tube) with a good quality Integrated amp. 

Question: Are there integrated amps with a tube pre inside ? Would that be called a "Hybrid" integrated ?

I really like the tube/Solid state combo. I like a little warmth with my music. I'm just kicking tires at the moment. I know many will say that separates are the best way to go, but still curious to do some research on quality Integrated amps.Probably looking at $4000usd(used)

Love to hear some input, thanks in advance.

bunkertoy
ghdprentice
7,500 posts
 

I stayed away from tube amps for forty year... what a mistake it was for me. 

inna
7,839 posts
 

Tube preamp is of course very important, but if you want to fully experience tube sound you got to have tube power amp as well. I just stated the obvious, didn't I ?

 

bunkertoy's avatar
bunkertoy OP
70 posts
 

I do realize after asking the question, that maybe what I'm looking for is a tube integrated. The VTL it-85 looks interesting, but only if I can find a deal on it.

Seems a tube integrated is pretty pricey, compared to SS. Keep the recommendations for a tube integrated amp coming.

Cheers

ghdprentice
7,500 posts
 

@inna 

You would think, but no.

 

There is enough talk about the occasional problem with tubes that make them sound incredibly unreliable. And not enough talk about the greater power per watt and overall sound quality that puts folks off. 

grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,592 posts
 

Circle Labs A200 is a great tube front end with SS output hybrid integrated amp. Wonderful tonal purity! This is one to consider if comfortable with a smaller company located in Poland.

John Tucker of eXemplar Audio also makes a great sounding hybrid integrated amp. He lives in TN now and hand makes each one. Nice tube preamp section with SOTA voltage regulation on both the preamp and amplifier portions of the amp. Completely separated power supplies and trannys for both preamp and amplifier sections. Top quality parts throughout. His website is dated, but the contact info is still accurate. I own one and think it is very special. $5500 new. This is a steal folks.

There are other hybrid integrated amps with tube preamp sections from folks like Vincent Audio, Modwright, Unison Audio, Pathos, used Blue Circle Audio.  Based on my experience you can spent a lot more for some of these and they won’t sound as good as the eXemplar. 

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