I'm having a tube amp obsession .....

Joe, breath deeply. Trying all the gear isn't going to satisfy you any more than trying to sleep with every girl in your first college lit class. It just confuses you. :exciting:
 
Joe...the choice of tube amp should really be considered first in context of what speakers you aim to drive (from both an impedance and sensitivity perspective) and secondly what preamp you plan on using to drive the amp (impedance matching). So the question without filling in these key variables won't yield very useful results. Furthermore, as I look at your signature, you have the high powered variant covered via the CJ ART monos, the RM200s cover the mid-powered tube amp segment at 100wpc, and the Carver VTA20S cover the small power segment. So the Carvers can play nicely with your Corwalls. The ART monos can play nicely with the CR-1s. The RM-200s probably drive the SF GMs if you still have them quite nicely.

What is common to all your tube amps is that they are push-pull designs. What you might want to consider is an SET amp and if you want a medium powered SET that can drive real-world speaker loads and still experience a different flavor than what you have, then I would definitely check out 211 or 845-based SET amps. The Cary amps you and Mike flagged are definitely ones to consider but on the more affordable end that will allow you to play around with such designs, you may want to consider the Line Magnetic offerings:

LM-219A 845 SET Integrated amp with 300B drivers: LM Audio 219IA

219ia.jpg


LM-218A 845 SET Integrated with switchable driver tubes: LM Audio LM218IA

218ia.jpg


Or it's Gold series variant the LM-518A: LM Audio

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If you tried anyone of these with a nice SET-friendly speaker design (perhaps something a bit more refined than your Cornwalls), maybe something from Devore Fidelity (3XLs monitors or the O96s) and start using your VPI Classic 3 with Kleos cartridge with is as your primary source, you will not ever leave your room again (...for at least a week before the itch starts itching that is...:D)

Just saying...:D
 
If you are willing to spend a few bucks try the Doshi gear. As many hear who attended RMAF will attest it was one of the better rooms at the show. You do not have to go for his higher powered amps.
 
Hi Cyril,

All great choices. Thank you for posting those choices. I've been thinking about Devore and Harbeth speakers. The LM gear has me intrigued.
 
joeinid said:
I'm seriously thinking about 40.1's. They have been on my mind for a while.
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This thread made me to shut off my 601's and turned on my 275's .... Joe Did I mention how much I loved the combo ( 275's with the Harbeth )? :D

275's never disappointed me so far
 
BlueMcIntosh said:
This thread made me to shut off my 601's and turned on my 275's .... Joe Did I mention how much I loved the combo ( 275's with the Harbeth )? :D

275's never disappointed me so far
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I don't remember :)

Yes Paul, YOU are my guru!
 
1 part t1500 300b integrated msrp $6900
1 part cornscala under $2k shipped to your door
just add steelhead and classic3/kleos and stir
audio heaven!!!!
need i say more

jvauscs1_med.jpeg

AllnicT1500-1.jpg
 
Quick Tip for the Allnic Int amp. You need to break in about 300 hrs. Prior to that you will hear some distortion
 
BlueMcIntosh said:
Quick Tip for the Allnic Int amp. You need to break in about 300 hrs. Prior to that you will hear some distortion
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im in trouble this week paul im going to allnic heaven and hearing the 1201,3000, and 5000 phonostages, the t1500 integrated, along with their big t2000 integrated, preamps and monoblock amps. i could be in alot of debt next week. maybe i can sell a kidney or something. :|
 
Petro85 said:
im in trouble this week paul im going to allnic heaven and hearing the 1201,3000, and 5000 phonostages, the t1500 integrated, along with their big t2000 integrated, preamps and monoblock amps. i could be in alot of debt next week. maybe i can sell a kidney or something. :|
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Uh oh. How many kidney you have ? Make sure you don't sell your ears :D

I loved their L4000 pre :)
 
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