Best Tube Integrated

[KeithR]

Hey Sharks- this isn't a topic that has been discussed recently and I've been thinking about supplementing my DarTZeel with a push/pull tube integrated for my Devore Xs. What's your favorite?

Only requirements are >30 watts + remote, so very flexible

[Mike]

Budget?

[KeithR]

I would say 12k-ish

[Mike]

VAC i160 iQ (coming soon)
Triode Corp of Japan TRX-88PP (very under rated)
ARC Gsi75 (KT150's)

Are you thinking PP or SET? I haven't seen too many decent SET Integrated Amps.

[Paul]

Keith. I would recommend the Leben CS600 If you can live without the remote

[ACHiPo]

The Vinnie Rossi LIO has been getting a lot of love at shows and on other forums, although I haven't heard it and technically it is a hybrid. The LIO is configurable, with an SET pre-amp or E88CC+autoformer volume the latest/greatest option.
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/vinnierossi2/1.html
http://www.vinnierossi.com/lio-integrated-amplifier/

[Kuoppis]

I think the Octave V80 SE with KT-150s is quite a good contender for a tube integrated. Does not sound very tubey lush though.


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[Mike]

Great suggestions here guys!

[KeithR]

Are you thinking PP or SET? I haven't seen too many decent SET Integrated Amps.

Thanks - I am definitely in the push/pull camp. I don't like SET bass.

I didn't realize Vac was updating the Sigma - interesting.

[MRJAZZ]

How about the Rogers 34S.....believe it's around 20K MSRP. So probably outside yout target range of 12K. Uses four EL 34's per side. Looks interesting though.

[joeinid]

Having owned the VAC Sigma 160I-se, I bet the new one will be spectacular. I'd be inclined to believe, based on the one that I had, that the new one will be even better.

Thanks - I am definitely in the push/pull camp. I don't like SET bass.

I didn't realize Vac was updating the Sigma - interesting.

[Jack]

Raven Audio Reflection Mk2

https://www.ravenaudio.com/Reflectio...fier_p_12.html

[joeinid]

Keith,

Don't laugh but the Jolida line of integrateds should be on your list. My Fusion 3502 is wonderful. I think there might be a model or two up the line that are better now. They are not much money but perform well above their price points.

[Melbguy1]

My two favourite tubed integrated amplifiers is Einstein Audio The Amp Ultimate and the Absolare Passion Integrated amp, closely followed by the Vac 160iSE. All great options.

[Dpod4]

I would second the vote for the ARC.


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[octadyndude]

I'll second the Octave V80SE and I would also highly recommend the black or super black box (lowers the noise floor even more while adding a hair more of headroom).

[Old Bob]

good morning Keith!

I got, fairly recently, a Triode TRX 88PP with KIT 88 tubes, from Mike Bovaird. I LOVE IT. I am still a beginner, you said 30 watts/channel.

http://www.triode.co.jp/english/prod.html


class A, push pull, 50 watts. it gets HOT. I love it! big step up for me. looks quite well made to me, and has a nice remote. as a newbie, I love tubes! have fun looking
best regards

bob

[joeinid]

Bob,

I am so happy for you. A wonderful piece of gear. It's great to see you having a blast and love your enthusiasm.

good morning Keith!

I got, fairly recently, a Triode TRX 88PP with KIT 88 tubes, from Mike Bovaird. I LOVE IT. I am still a beginner, you said 30 watts/channel.

http://www.triode.co.jp/english/prod.html


class A, push pull, 50 watts. it gets HOT. I love it! big step up for me. looks quite well made to me, and has a nice remote. as a newbie, I love tubes! have fun looking
best regards

bob

[sheltie1]

Take a listen to the Line Magnetic 508ia.....great match with the X's. ( I know you said that you prefer push-pull, but this SET is really quite incredible on the bottom end).

And you may be surprised at what a Cary SLI80 (with all their factory upgrades) can do with the X's. (and it looks like CaryDirect is having a 25% off sale currently)

[Old Bob]

that line magnetic is COOL looking!!

[KeithR]

Take a listen to the Line Magnetic 508ia.....great match with the X's. ( I know you said that you prefer push-pull, but this SET is really quite incredible on the bottom end).

And you may be surprised at what a Cary SLI80 (with all their factory upgrades) can do with the X's. (and it looks like CaryDirect is having a 25% off sale currently)

Thanks - funny you mention LM Audio as I have made an appt to hear the 501 integrated in a few weeks - I don't think its really going to be my cup of tea, but at least I can hear it on my Xs.

I've owned both Tri (845SE) and Cary (V12) amps and they are too warm for me. I must say Cary's SLP98 preamp is one of my all time favs- just so damn musical and I have owned it 2x.

Vac and Octave recommendations seem more my style (if anyone has heard both, I'd love to read about the differences). I'm also entertaining Jadis as their recent amps are not as old school tube sound.

[Bachtoven]

If you want to save about $7k, then buy a Primaluna Premium Dialogue HP!

[bzr]

If you want to save about $7k, then buy a Primaluna Premium Dialogue HP!

Totally agree. With new nos Mullards in the front & KT 150's for the drivers, was a huge surprise for me when I had one.

[Melbguy1]

Keith. I would recommend the Leben CS600 If you can live without the remote

+ 1. Lovely amp

[Dpod4]

If you want to save about $7k, then buy a Primaluna Premium Dialogue HP!

My older brother bought one and is in hog heaven.


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[Anatta]

Vtl it-85

[tube-vds]

very happy with my jadis da50 - but with 32 kg it takes some time to warm up (2 hours for best sound)...

[Marslo]

Not so bad , my Ayon Crossfire is over 45 kg monster.
If somebody wants a SET , it' s a serious contender for best tube integrated.

[tube-vds]

congrats - the crossfire is really a fantasic sounding amp.

[Marslo]

Thank you , Tube-Vds, it really is

[sheltie1]

Thanks - funny you mention LM Audio as I have made an appt to hear the 501 integrated in a few weeks - I don't think its really going to be my cup of tea, but at least I can hear it on my Xs.

I've owned both Tri (845SE) and Cary (V12) amps and they are too warm for me. I must say Cary's SLP98 preamp is one of my all time favs- just so damn musical and I have owned it 2x.

Vac and Octave recommendations seem more my style (if anyone has heard both, I'd love to read about the differences). I'm also entertaining Jadis as their recent amps are not as old school tube sound.

Be sure and take a listen to the 508 when you go to hear the 501.

[Penthouse-D]

The under loved Rogers EHF 200 MkII. Read the T.A.S. review but more important, give it a listen if you can find one.

[Mr Peabody]

My favorite tube gear is Octave Audio. The only model integrated I heard was the one selling around $4500 without the power supply upgrade. Just basic like that it was able to drive Dynaudio C2's. OA with it's transparency and control blows tube stereotypes away, yet it has that tube presence or 3D image to the presentation.

If I ever had doubts I'd compare the Octave to Jadis and Raven, both was sounding good at Axpona. Not sure if separates, Raven displayed some amazing sound with the Legacy V.

Despite the technology though, Octave just seems to do everything right to my ears.

[wisnon]

deleted

[Paul]

Any update Keith ?


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[KeithR]

Yes, Paul I've narrowed the field:

Vac Sigma SE
Octave V80se
Jadis I50
LM Audio 501a

I have a strong lean to Jadis at this point with Vac coming in second. As mentioned before, I have an LM Audio demo coming up at my Devore dealer which will be good, generally speaking, to hear a "warm" KT-120 integrated on my speakers.

[Kt77]

I'd like to second both LMA or Octave, yet I can't speak on whether or not they've remotes?, but as someone whom had owned a pair of DeVore Fidelity Gibbon 3s, and having heard nearly all of his designs ( John ) it seems they like to be matched with a amp with a somewhat lush signature ( here I'm talking Shindo Labs ), yet can just as easily be paired with something harder hitting dynamically speaking, provided it doesn't have to much of a solid state signature.

[octadyndude]

Yes, Paul I've narrowed the field:

Vac Sigma SE
Octave V80se
Jadis I50
LM Audio 501a

I have a strong lean to Jadis at this point with Vac coming in second. As mentioned before, I have an LM Audio demo coming up at my Devore dealer which will be good, generally speaking, to hear a "warm" KT-120 integrated on my speakers.

When I had the Octave the KT120 was never what I considered warm. Just the opposite IMO

[Mr Peabody]

Hi Keith, just curious your thoughts on the Octave, why it didn't fair better and what was it driving? I wouldn't say Octave is opposite of warm but it's definitely not the stereotype, warm lush type of tube gear. If it is warm lush you are looking for Jadis may not be your thing either.

We all like what we like, I just enjoy hearing other people's opinions on stuff I've heard. Thanks

[sheltie1]

I'd like to second both LMA or Octave, yet I can't speak on whether or not they've remotes?, but as someone whom had owned a pair of DeVore Fidelity Gibbon 3s, and having heard nearly all of his designs ( John ) it seems they like to be matched with a amp with a somewhat lush signature ( here I'm talking Shindo Labs ), yet can just as easily be paired with something harder hitting dynamically speaking, provided it doesn't have to much of a solid state signature.

If you are asking if LMA gear has remote controls, then the answer is yes.....the integrateds do have remotes.

[KeithR]

Hi Keith, just curious your thoughts on the Octave, why it didn't fair better and what was it driving? I wouldn't say Octave is opposite of warm but it's definitely not the stereotype, warm lush type of tube gear. If it is warm lush you are looking for Jadis may not be your thing either.

We all like what we like, I just enjoy hearing other people's opinions on stuff I've heard. Thanks

I heard the Octave with Dynaudio at RMAF and thought it sounded fantastic - see my show review. I'm just leaning to try a bit warmer amp as I think it might be a better match with my speakers. Another way of saying it is i'm probably looking for something in between the Dartzeel/Devore and Shindo/Devore combinations.

[Kt77]

If you are asking if LMA gear has remote controls, then the answer is yes.....the integrateds do have remotes.

Hello sheltie1,

As I see that you're a dealer of such, I'd like to thank you for chiming in with said insight.

[Kt77]

I heard the Octave with Dynaudio at RMAF and thought it sounded fantastic - see my show review. I'm just leaning to try a bit warmer amp as I think it might be a better match with my speakers. Another way of saying it is i'm probably looking for something in between the Dartzeel/Devore and Shindo/Devore combinations.

I'd say stick to your guns and ride out something from Shindo, as there's a synergy going on here that's second to none, the only brand I've heard that offers a similar sense of warmth or refinement were Kondo | Audio Note Japan and Air Tight, and do take into account the lushness you seek can be altered with tubes as well as cabling.

Now if you can get beyond the need for a remote?, then I'd say you're good to go.

[sheltie1]

Hello sheltie1,

As I see that you're a dealer of such, I'd like to thank you for chiming in with said insight.

Not a problem! Thanks for the thank you!

[KeithR]

I'd say stick to your guns and ride out something from Shindo, as there's a synergy going on here that's second to none

Now if you can get beyond the need for a remote?, then I'd say you're good to go.

Yeah, I realize that John designs with Shindo - which is why I want to try a tube integrated in the first place. He's a cool dude and I chatted with him and JH at RMAF. In fact, he was very complementary of my Dart. Shindo sound is a bit "too much" to my ears if that makes any sense, hence the continuum I mentioned earlier.

My personal situation requires a remote (wheelchair). Vinyl is tough enough lol

[Kt77]

Not a problem! Thanks for the thank you!

I'm honed, and most appreciative that some are more willing to educate then others........, yet that's one of the greatest things in which I've often enjoyed about this group of guys, in the end it's a human thing to care ( share ).

[Kt77]

Yeah, I realize that John designs with Shindo - which is why I want to try a tube integrated in the first place. He's a cool dude and I chatted with him and JH at RMAF. In fact, he was very complementary of my Dart. Shindo sound is a bit "too much" to my ears if that makes any sense, hence the continuum I mentioned earlier.

My personal situation requires a remote (wheelchair). Vinyl is tough enough lol

i hear ya, yet can't understand the Shindo is too much statement........, but I'll roll with it.

And as someone with severe gout flare ups, and was forced to give up vinyl playback in 2010, I know your pains all to well. Here's willing you well with your quest, and even more so in the upcoming Holidays to come.

And above all, do keep your spirits and head up, as things could always be worst ( which is something I remind others all the time ) as some tend to take health and life for granted......

[Dpod4]

Conrad Johnson makes a killer integrated.


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[Dpod4]

I would like to try this:
http://www.ptpaudio.com/blok20




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[joeinid]

Darrin,

I'd love to hear the new CAV-45. Too bad there's no remote control. A deal breaker for me.

Conrad Johnson makes a killer integrated.


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