Help me choose a tubed integrated

hochpt21

So I have the GoldenEar Triton 2's. They are 91db efficiency and a powered bass section so I would think they are fairly easy to drive. I'm looking to move from my current setup to a tubed integrated amp.

My budget would be around $800-$1,000.

I would prefer to stay away from vintage units. Also would prefer something easily biased.

I am currently looking at something like a used PrimaLuna Prologue 2, or a Jolida 502crc.

Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Paul

hochpt21

On the radar...

Primaluna Prologue 2
Jolida 502crc
Cayin A-88t

ZLTFUL

Hybrid:
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=VISV500

hochpt21

Thank you @ZLTFUL I have considered a hybrid and Vincent would definitely be at the top of my list, but I think I am looking for a full tubed integrated...and one with the tubes showing

Msabot1

Not an integrated but I have a Primaluna Prologue II pre that I enjoy quite a bit..Very good build quality..P-P hand wiring is a feature they incorporate into all their products...can't go wrong with that brand..

hochpt21

Yea, I have really had my eye on Primaluna for awhile now. Their lowest models seem to be on the used market for right around the top of my budget. The Jolida seem to be a little lower in price and I feel like they are a quality brand as well.

deucekazoo

Check out Decware. You can find their stuff used sometimes for the price you are looking at. Real nice amps that are auto bias and US made.

Mikey081057

The Chinese ones are a good value and sound VG when you roll some nice tubes into them.

Mikey081057

Also think about how you are going to connect the subs in the Goldenears

hochpt21

deucekazoo wrote: »

Check out Decware. You can find their stuff used sometimes for the price you are looking at. Real nice amps that are auto bias and US made.

I've heard good things about Decware, but I thought thier stuff was all fleawatt types for super efficient speakers. I'll check them out though, thanks.

hochpt21

Mikey081057 wrote: »

Also think about how you are going to connect the subs in the Goldenears

The Goldenears have a LFE input, but you don't have to use it. I have mine connected now with just the speakers cables and it sounds great.

deucekazoo

hochpt21 wrote: »

deucekazoo wrote: »

Check out Decware. You can find their stuff used sometimes for the price you are looking at. Real nice amps that are auto bias and US made.

I've heard good things about Decware, but I thought thier stuff was all fleawatt types for super efficient speakers. I'll check them out though, thanks.

They make some for less efficient speakers. Your speakers at 91 are not too bad.
You might be interested in this one.

http://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1506200373

decal

Up your budget a bit and get a used Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum.

marvda1

i have one of these. great sound and a price to dip your toes into the tube waters.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Silk-Audio-MC100SE-KT88-Tube-Amplifier-Factory-upgraded-Yaqin-MC100B-/322795353608

Thorton

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-tube-integrated-amplifier-2017-10-16-integrateds

Just posted. Not mine

halo

I had the pleasure of auditioning a Jolida Fusion 801 paired with ELAC Debut F6 speakers and I was totally blown away by that combination in a less than ideal listening room with minimal room treatment.

Mikey081057

marvda1 wrote: »

i have one of these. great sound and a price to dip your toes into the tube waters.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Silk-Audio-MC100SE-KT88-Tube-Amplifier-Factory-upgraded-Yaqin-MC100B-/322795353608

I have one and upgraded all the tubes with Shuguang Treasures and a nice pair of Tesla 12ax7/ecc83 vintage NOS pre tubes. it is very sweet sounding and the KT88's punch pretty nice.

hochpt21

marvda1 wrote: »

i have one of these. great sound and a price to dip your toes into the tube waters.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Silk-Audio-MC100SE-KT88-Tube-Amplifier-Factory-upgraded-Yaqin-MC100B-/322795353608

Mikey081057 wrote: »

marvda1 wrote: »

i have one of these. great sound and a price to dip your toes into the tube waters.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Silk-Audio-MC100SE-KT88-Tube-Amplifier-Factory-upgraded-Yaqin-MC100B-/322795353608

I have one and upgraded all the tubes with Shuguang Treasures and a nice pair of Tesla 12ax7/ecc83 vintage NOS pre tubes. it is very sweet sounding and the KT88's punch pretty nice.

Funny, I actually found this while searching about a week ago. Just wasn't sure about the reputation of the brand. I'll look more into this one as well.

kharp1

Have you ever considered going to seperates and starting with a nice tube pre? Find one with dual outs (many have them) and use one set for LFE thereby reducing power needed for the mids/highs. The tube pre will give you a good starting point for the "tube sound" allowing more time to build funds for a future amp. Just a thought thrown out there.

Faustin

I have dealt with Silk Audio in the past and I believe other forum members have as well. The owner Ray is a great guy. When I was considering the MC100, he invited me to his place to audition the unit. Purchased it and used it for a year or so and then moved up the ladder to a Rogue Cronus Magnum II. Next step will probably be going to tube separates.

hochpt21

kharp1 wrote: »

Have you ever considered going to seperates and starting with a nice tube pre? Find one with dual outs (many have them) and use one set for LFE thereby reducing power needed for the mids/highs. The tube pre will give you a good starting point for the "tube sound" allowing more time to build funds for a future amp. Just a thought thrown out there.

I have considered that. Part of the issue is that I am needing to sell the Krell, as that was part of the deal of me getting the new speakers. The other part is that I am looking to put this gear in a smaller rack and don't think I'd have room for separates.

One option that I would potentially have is just getting a tubed amp. My GCPH phono pre can be used as a preamp on its own and does a really nice job. I could hook that directly into the amp and be all set. The only problem there is that I would not have the option for any digital music, which although rare, I do use from time to time.

Hence, what has lead me to an integrated.

tonyb

How is an integrated going to solve your digital needs ? You need a dac, most integrateds don't have one.

mikeyb128

Keep the krell and buy a tube pre. I think sound quality wise, would be better than a 800 integrated. If it were me I would go this route. Or be more patient and save a little longer. There are some really nice Cary integrateds going for under 2000 with upgraded tubes in them, heck I've seen some in the 1500$ range that originally retailed for 5-6000 bucks. I love Cary and feel that one of their tubed integrated amps would outperform brands mentioned above. Not to mention they look as good as they sound. This is somewhat of a biased opinion though.

ZLTFUL

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-tube-integrated-amplifier-2017-10-05-integrateds-990a294e-0e20-4c4a-a08f-1c825cc0e221

Or just a hair over budget...
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-integrated-tube-amplifier-2017-10-04-integrateds

hochpt21

tonyb wrote: »

How is an integrated going to solve your digital needs ? You need a dac, most integrateds don't have one.

It is rare that I listen to digital and if then it is never critical. I just hook my computer streaming Spotify through a little HRT Music Streamer dac.

hochpt21

mikeyb128 wrote: »

Keep the krell and buy a tube pre. I think sound quality wise, would be better than a 800 integrated. If it were me I would go this route. Or be more patient and save a little longer. There are some really nice Cary integrateds going for under 2000 with upgraded tubes in them, heck I've seen some in the 1500$ range that originally retailed for 5-6000 bucks. I love Cary and feel that one of their tubed integrated amps would outperform brands mentioned above. Not to mention they look as good as they sound. This is somewhat of a biased opinion though.

I agree with you. I just have to figure out how to try to fit everything into the space I'm moving it to.

hochpt21

This is how I had my gear at one point. Then we rearranged the living room. Now we are arranging it back and I need to fit it all in there again.

kharp1

Aw, man, that's easy...I thought you had some kind of serious space issue.

nspindel

Funny that you're selling the Krell amp to buy the tubed integrated, Paul. I did the same thing. I got a VPI 299D. Over your budget, but don't let that stop you. Mine replaced the Krell, my tubed pre, phono stage, and headphone amp, not to mention all the cables to hook all that up. Haven't looked back once. Go for it.

nspindel

Bingo.

nspindel

Your rack gets cheaper too!