Looking for first tube amplifier

E

elshout

New member
Joined
Sep 15, 2017
Messages
16
I am looking for advice on getting a tube amplifier. This would be my first foray into tubes as I have always been a solid state guy. I would like to get an amp that I can keep for years – old or new does not matter much – that has the following features/characteristics in order of priority:

1. Tube sound – I already have solid state, so I would want the “tube” sound
2. Low noise through speakers when music is not playing – I have heard some older amps, tube and SS, that have a lot of noise – I don’t mind updating an older tube amp with new capacitors etc if it will fix the noise, I just don’t want this to be a permanent issue for said tube amp
3. Good bass – this seems to be the downfall of a lot of tube amps that I read in reviews. Even reviews of the latest McIntosh MC 275 state lack of bass
4. Balanced inputs if possible – but not a deal breaker
5. Good visual appeal. I would like this to be number 1, but I know that is not what is important – but it would be a bonus if the tubes are out in the open and if the amp looks good like a McIntosh MC 275 or HK Citation etc. – again not a deal breaker, but would be a nice bonus
6. Would probably want at least 30 watts.

Currently my system is a Pass Labs XP-30 preamp, 2 McIntosh MC 601 mono blocks, and Legacy Focus SE speakers (95 db and 4 ohm). I would add the tube amp to this system replacing the MC 601s when I want to listen to the “tube sound” or maybe just when listening to vinyl.

If the amp can hold its own in the mids and upper end, I could keep it on the upper end of the Focus speakers and use the MC 601s for the low end – Bi amp. If the amp is really nice sounding but not a good match for the Legacy speakers, I may eventually get a pair of Klipsch or something for efficiency.

Budget around $2,000 – Would be willing to go to $4,000 if justified to meet my criteria.

Give me your experienced recommendations.L
 
While not specifically “tubey”, the MC275vi will give you a quiet, airy, 3D bloom that solid state cannot give. Easy maintenance and long tube life to boot. It’s a great amp and you could always add another easily.

IMO, the XP30, while good, is not what I would call sweet. But the balance with a 275vi could be awesome.
 
There are multiple offerings from PrimaLuna that meet most of your criteria (#4 is the exception). Build quality is first rate.
 
While looking at the Prima Luna also look into their Mystere brand which has more upscale looks. I think Upscale may be the only one that sells the Mystere line. Also the Van Alstine Ultra Valve. 35 wpc and reasonably good looks plus you can take advantage of Frank's 30 satisfaction guarantee
 
Jack said:
While looking at the Prima Luna also look into their Mystere brand which has more upscale looks. I think Upscale may be the only one that sells the Mystere line. Also the Van Alstine Ultra Valve. 35 wpc and reasonably good looks plus you can take advantage of Frank's 30 satisfaction guarantee
Click to expand...

I always wanted one of these. I am sure it will be awesome!
 
The Rogue ST-100 will certainly meet the requirements if you are in a situation where the heat from the KT-120's won't present a problem as even new it comes in at the middle of your budget range. If you can find an as new used one like the one I just sold last week you can get close to your bottom number. Great amp but in the end I didn't need the power or the heat in the Florida Summers. It will run KT-77's, KT-88's 6550 and ships with KT-120. Even the KT-77's at 70 wpc should push your speakers fine full range and lowers the temperature considerably.
 
May not be an issue for you but if I was going back into a tube amp I'd select one with auto-bias. All the PrimaLuna I'm aware of are, so is VTL and ARC. Some ARC have XLR inputs.

Rogue gets comments for good drive which the Focus will need despite its efficiency.

Cary Audio also has a direct sales where you can audition.

Not sure of price, Legacy shows their speakers with Raven Audio, may be worth a look. Legacy used to also have some amp demos around for sale, not sure if that holds true with Raven.

Have you considered an integrated? Just wondering with a SS pre if a tube power amp would get you where you want to be.
 
Dave at Raven makes some great amps and does show with Legacy but his basic Stereo amp is $10,000 and they go up from there.
 
Thanks for the responses so far. The Rogue Audio ST-100 looks very interesting and was not even on my radar. That is why it is good to ask on the forums. It opens doors to items you may have never even heard of. I see Prima Luna mentioned a lot on the forums, I will check into those as well.
 
One of the advantages to the Rogue is that it is built just outside Philadelphia so service is easy. Plus it does have true balanced inputs and you can either have the tubes visible or not. In addition Mark and Nick are very responsive to e-mail and phone contact.
 
elshout said:
Thanks for the responses so far. The Rogue Audio ST-100 looks very interesting and was not even on my radar. That is why it is good to ask on the forums. It opens doors to items you may have never even heard of. I see Prima Luna mentioned a lot on the forums, I will check into those as well.
Click to expand...

i owned a pair of Rogue M-180 mono blocks for years, absolutely bulletproof. They sounded great and with their wide bandwidth provided plenty goosebumps at both ends of the spectrum. Even driving my stats at the time highs had no feeling what-so-ever of being rolled off.
 
If you are interested in an integrated. This is absolutely amazing! I demoed one for a week and thought it was superb.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis96h51-mastersound-220-se-tube

attachment.php
attachment.php
 

Attachments

  • download.jpg
    download.jpg
    47.6 KB · Views: 84
  • download2.jpg
    download2.jpg
    1.1 MB · Views: 86
I heard one of the Raven with the V and it was spectacular. I had no idea the amps were that expensive. Of course, starting at $10k can be said for many of the amps on here, but definitely not in the budget being shopped.

Jack said:
Dave at Raven makes some great amps and does show with Legacy but his basic Stereo amp is $10,000 and they go up from there.
Click to expand...
 
I know people always recommend what they have, however just picking up a Class A SET triode amp, made in the US, it has impressed the heck out of me.

The amp I just picked up is an Audio Mirror REFLECTION mono blocks.

I also had a set of Quicksilver amp in the past. Thought they were fantastic. Mike Sanders at Quicksilver offers amps in your range. The Audio Mirror is $5000. Vladimir will customize them for you. The pair I bought second hand have XLR and SE inputs, and both 4 Ohm and 8 Ohm taps. He told me this is one he customized.

The only Audio Research in the price range you mentioned would be an older model. Their new amps start at $9000 I believe.
 
May I suggest anything from Rogers, if you would consider an integrated. I've owned an EHF-200. Fantastic. Lifetime warranty, made in the U.S., by a former NASA engineer...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top