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I've been a solid state amplification guy for decades but am downsizing and rebuilding my system because of some life changes. I've decided to use it as an opportunity to try out tube electronics with an integrated amp. I am trying to decide between a used Rogue Cronus Magnum and a slightly older Tempest III, both fitted with KT120s selected by the manufacturer. The seller of the Tempest has made a point of saying that the unit uses "octal" tubes and the Cronus does not.
What does that mean and should I care?
. . . in theory, practice and theory are the same; in practice, they are different . . .
Follow Ups:
I agree with the caution about the KT-120s in the Tempest III. As far as the question about octals, here's a thread that talks about the "big tone" of octal tubes like the 6SN7 the Tempest III uses:
Edits: 11/01/14 11/01/14
The Tempest III is a better amp. It uses 6SN7 octal tubes as part of the front end compared to the magnum with its three 12AU7s 9 pin miniature tubes. The Tempest III is a more expensive amp and will most likely perform better.
Lots of info on both. Just take some time and read through.
If you're new to tube amps, and you're from the solid-state world, I think you are wise to try to look for a push-pull design.
My advice is start out with a simple, yet performant classic.
A Harmon Kardon Citation II is the perfect amp IMHO, it has plenty of balls and will give a solid state user the warmth of tubes without sacrificing the 'correct' sound you have become accustomed to.
Plus, it's a well known amp, easy to work on, well built, reliable, and frankly, it puts a LOT of other more expensive amps to shame.
Go check out Jim McShane's website and ask around about the Cit II. I think you'll find that it fits the budget, and will quickly become the amp to which you compare all others.
It's very hard to argue with the "Deuce" recommendation, as there is no problem in driving the overwhelming majority of speakers. However, the OP asked about integrated amps.
If the OP is willing to do a little DIY in constructing a passive control center that works well with a Cit. 2 or its "little brother", the H/K Cit. 5, and also presents a reasonable load to upstream source, that person will be well positioned for a LONG time.
Eli D.
Ahh, good call Eli, I missed the integrated part.
It's hard to find GOOD integrateds, the best I've ever come across is my favorite Sherwood S-5000. I didn't recommend that amp because in all likelihood, 20+20w isn't going to float the boats of most people used to solid state power levels. If you were keen to use efficient speakers, you could get those higher SPLs out of a S-5000, and even 89db efficient speakers will drive to decent (but not loud) levels.
I have no experience at all with modern integrated amps.
As you pointed out, the Cit II works well with a passive preamp. Rather excellent passive preamps can be made for not all that much money. Heck, Khozmo, the stepped attenuator guy in Poland makes a very nice looking unit for less than $300.
Either the Cit II or the Cit V are great choices. To my ears, they're among the best sounding amplifiers out there, period. Some folks in the tube audio circle just can't accept an amp that doesn't cost over $10K, so the Cit II and V get overlooked all the time. You can have one for $1K or less no problem, if you look around closely and wait. Of course, pristine units fetch higher prices.
The Citation 2,the Citation 5,the Mac Mc240,Mc275,and Mc225 are all incredible specimens for amps when upgraded with the Mcshane power supply and cap kits.
"
The KT120 is an Octal based part. Perhaps the "Tempest" uses Octal based small signal tubes, but I suspect "hype".
I'd be very cautious about buying any older unit fitted with KT120s. It's likely the OEM complement included KT88 O/P tubes. The KT120 is NOT a drop in replacement for the KT88. Several things can go wrong, including power trafo damage. :> ((
Unless circuit modifications are made, there is no benefit to using KT120s in a KT88 amp! If the power trafo lacks the necessary extra "stones", modification should not be attempted.
Eli D.
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