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Build location for tube integrateds

I'm thinking about taking the tube plunge. I was wondering which tube integrateds were assembled in the US or Europe. Can you guys recommend some tube integrateds manufactured in these places? My budget is up to $2k. I have a Krell 400Xi now which I think sound quite good but you know how it goes. :)

regards, David
wireless200
dennis_the_menace's avatar
dennis_the_menace
467 posts
 
Plenty of choices, but for under $2K, I'd look for a used VTL (California) IT 85 or a VAC (Florida) Avatar (~$2500 used).

What sort of speakers are you using?
wireless200 OP
415 posts
 
I have Aerial 7Bs on the Krell. I have a pair of Klispch Fortes kind of sitting in my office. I'm torn between buying something that could easily power the Klipsch's like a Cary SLI or something more costly with more horsepower that could power the Aerials which I like a lot. The Aerials have more of a WAF as well.

regards, David
bowbow
123 posts
 
What about Canada ??
trelja
3,223 posts
 
Cary SLI80 (USA)
Jadis Orchestra Reference (France)
Manley Stingray (USA)
Rogue Cronus (USA)
VAC Avatar (USA)

All quite competent tube integrateds, in your price range, and recommended.
wireless200 OP
415 posts
 
Trelja, I've read good things about the Stingray but I notice it's only 20 watts per channel. Also I notice some of the SET amps only 8 watts/ch. What's up with that?

I've heard people say x watts for tube is like y watts for a SS amp. Being an electrical engineer, to me x watts is x watts. Is there something I'm missing here? I'm uncomfortable using 20 watts from the Stingray to drive speakers I'm using a 200 watt SS amp on now... unless 20 watts is not 20 watts.

regards, David
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