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Tube integrated reccomendations

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Posted on August 12, 2015 at 08:11:02
AKopac
Audiophile

Posts: 41
Location: Ontario
Joined: July 18, 2006
 Greetings group,
I'm at quite a good point in my system right now and truly enjoying it. Yet, I'm on a voyage, as most of are, and my mind drifts to foreign ports (new systems). I'd love to get feedback on how I may tweak my system - in particular, exploring a new tube integrated/amplification.
I'm primarily listening to vinyl. My set-up is as follows: Thorens TD160HD, (Ortofon 2M Black/Lyra Delos); Sutherland 20/20; Unison Research P70; Gemme Audio Tanto V2.
I've been eyeing an older VAC integrated that I've seen posted and have enjoyed listening to the Sigma160i, but it's too pricy and I can't go cageless right now. I was also considering the updated version the QuadIIClassic or one of the Leben integrated. The new Luxman updates also seem appealing.
Thoughts?
Thanks in advance.

 

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RE: Tube integrated reccomendations, posted on August 12, 2015 at 08:52:30
Mick Wolfe
Audiophile

Posts: 3365
Location: AZ
Joined: October 10, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 4, 2000
 Depends on your budget. I've heard both the Leben's and they're excellent. If you listen at higher SPL's or have a large room, I'd probably look at the 600. That said, the 300 offers probably the better value if you can get by with 15 watts a side. Another option I can recommend ( because I own one) is the Line Magnetic 218ia. It's an 845 based SET rated at 22 watts per channel. Pricewise about the same as the 300. I also have 2 friends with the similar but tube rectified Line Magnetic 518ia. That's about a 1K bump up from the 218. And finally I have a friend with a Rogue basic amp rated at 100 watts a side( KT 120 output tubes) and he raves about how powerful and well voiced it is. From this I have to assume that the overall best bang for the buck in integrateds might be the Rogue Cronus Magnum integrated. Same rating and tube compliment as the basic with the price around $2500. Really boils down to your ear and budget.

 

RE: Tube integrated reccomendations, posted on August 12, 2015 at 08:56:33
ahendler
Audiophile

Posts: 5151
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Joined: January 24, 2003
 The VAC stuff is really excellent. If you can get a used one for your budget I would do it. In show reports rooms with VAC equipment always get high marks for quality of sound
Alan

 

RE: Tube integrated reccomendations, posted on August 12, 2015 at 08:59:03
ahendler
Audiophile

Posts: 5151
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Joined: January 24, 2003
 Rogue Cronus Magnum integrated
I just heard this on Saturday at our audio club meeting driving
some Totum speakers and everyone was saying how good the system sounded.
I would besides the Vac also recommend the Rogue
Alan

 

RE: Tube integrated reccomendations, posted on August 12, 2015 at 13:36:38
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7956
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Joined: October 22, 2004
 I had a Cayin EL34 integrated that I put KT77's in.... was very nice.

I'm not nuts about the importer, I've heard stories about slow service. I recently had exactly that experience with another vendor so what kind of support I'm going to get is very important to me. Especially with tube gear.

I emailed the Leben importer and he never replied.

For tubes and good support the classics are ARC (very pricey) CJ (pricey) and Rogue (not pricey).

I think I'd take a CJ ET3 and their EL34 amp over a Leben in a New York Minute (although I love the styling on the Leben).





'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

RE: Tube integrated reccomendations, posted on August 12, 2015 at 15:07:05
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46306
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
My favorite bang for the buck tube integrated has to be the Rogue Cronus Magnum with KT120 output tubes. That one retailed for $2295. The most recent Cronus Magnum mkII that just came out retails for $2495 and is at least as good. I believe they made some minor improvements to the phonostage and a better (more easily adjusted) volume control via the remote.

My Rogue Cronus Magnum Integrated in my home office setup




 

RE: Tube integrated reccomendations, posted on August 12, 2015 at 16:23:22
Blackdog
Manufacturer

Posts: 1505
Location: Ontario
Joined: March 20, 2006
 I'm confused. You already have one of the nicest sounding tube integrated amps going. The P70 will outperform or at least hold its own against any of the ones you've mentioned or have been recommended. Rogue and CJ have been mentioned - sideways move. Cayin and VAC have also been mentioned. Cayin are good value if you can find one, and VAC are overpriced, and old ones can be problematic.
IMHO your weak link is your turntable. While competent, it is out of its class coupled with the Sutherland.
Before you guys start flaming, I am the service rep for Unison, but I also service (or have serviced) every other brand mentioned except Leben.


Dan Santoni

 

Almost the setup I am working on, posted on August 13, 2015 at 05:57:17
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 I currently have the CJ Classic 2SE preamp. I ordered the Latino ST-70 kit yesterday to pair up with this preamp.

It should make a fine combo in a "modern" tubed setup.

charles

 

RE: Tube integrated reccomendations, posted on August 13, 2015 at 07:18:56
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46306
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
Good question. Maybe he just wants to try something different?


 

VAC Avatar seems nice..., posted on August 13, 2015 at 07:52:09
morricab
Distributor or Rep

Posts: 9181
Location: switzerland
Joined: April 1, 2005
 But I haven't actually heard it. IAR gave it a very nice review and that guys ears weren't too bad!

 

RE: Tube integrated reccomendations, posted on August 13, 2015 at 19:41:25
AKopac
Audiophile

Posts: 41
Location: Ontario
Joined: July 18, 2006
 Thanks guys, lots to mull over. I am going to tweak the TT before I jump into a new amp regardless.

 

RE: Tube integrated reccomendations, posted on August 14, 2015 at 07:37:25
classfolkphile
Audiophile

Posts: 533
Location: Florida
Joined: December 17, 2002
 If you don't need the extra power, I think the Cronus Magnum (which I own) sounds better (more coherent and tonally accurate) with KT66s (55wpc vs. 100wpc with KT120s) than any other tube.

 

RE: Almost the setup I am working on, posted on August 14, 2015 at 13:12:55
Mick Wolfe
Audiophile

Posts: 3365
Location: AZ
Joined: October 10, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 4, 2000
 I used a CJ Premiere 3 for years with both a Bob Latino ST 70 and ST 120. Both of these amps bettered my CJ MV 75A1. I think you're going to like the ST 70 with your CJ.

 

RE: Tube integrated reccomendations, posted on August 15, 2015 at 17:19:51
Gregg
Audiophile

Posts: 1232
Location: New England
Joined: April 10, 2001
 I have a Cary Sli-80 that I really like. Luscious sound.

 

RE: Tube integrated reccomendations, posted on August 15, 2015 at 21:33:55
Tidycat1
 I'm surprised that no one mentioned the PrimaLuna Prologue 2.It sports a heathy 40w and kept me happy for many a year.Only swap that I would make was the 12au7s to the Mazda Cifte and possibly a shuguang 12ax7.The Genelex copies are revealing enough that I wouldn't waste the money there.

 

RE: Tube integrated reccomendations, posted on August 23, 2015 at 17:41:34
4Play
Audiophile

Posts: 40
Location: WV
Joined: August 20, 2015
 I have a Jolida JD202 tube integrated amplifier that I purchased this past November, and I have been satisfied with the performance and sound quality.

There is a love/hate relationship with Jolida. From what I've read on other forums, the issue(s) was a long time ago and not so much with current models. I was fortunate when I bought mine, and I paid < $1000 for a new unit.

You never mentioned a budget, but if your finances are limited, I would highly recommend a Jolida. I have been happy with the stock tubes, but at some point I will be rolling tubes, and I am sure the sound will be much better.

 

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