Junkit_boy
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Joined: Aug 14 2014 - 10:41pm
Starting my stereo system..step by step..HELP
shp
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Joined: Nov 18 2007 - 4:57pm

If you really want a budget tube amp, you should look at Rogue and Prima Luna. You didn't mention a pre-amp - not sure if the Jolida covers that for you. But there are even some good tube integrated amps in your price range.

If you can stretch the budget or if you can find them used, consider products from Audio Research, Conrad Johnson, VAC, McIntosh and Cary Audio. These are all companies that have made great tube products for 20-50 years. Just heck how old the tubes are because new ones will add several hundred dollars to the price tag. (I have a VAC 80/80 upgraded to 100/100 which would probably find on Audiogon/eBay in your price range.)

There are so many great speakers under $3500. Are you looking for floor standers or book shelf? With a total budget of $6,500 you could even do something like $5k for an Audio Research VSi60 integrated amp and $1,500 for the KEF LS50's. Both Stereophile A rated.

commsysman
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Joined: Apr 4 2006 - 11:33am

Hi there!

I have had many tube and solid-state amplifiers over the years, and know the advantages and disadvantages of both.

One problem most people run into when they first go to a tube amp is that it simply has very little bass output and probably not enough power for most speakers.

I recommend a MINIMUM of 60 watts per channel for almost any amplifier, and more is always better for good bass and good linearity, period.

I find that you get a lot more from a REALLY GOOD solid-state amplifier (of which there are only a few) that has enough both enough power and the musicality that makes the music sing..

BUT, if you are really set on a tube power amplifier, the two I would suggest you look at are the Jolida J801BRC, which is $1999 from Music Direct, and 70 watts per channel, and the Audio Research VSi60, which puts out 60 watts per channel...conservatively, and is $4500. They are both very good integrated amplifiers. The AR amp sounds quite a bit better, and it should...for the price.

I have to tell you, though, that the Musical Fidelity M6i Integrated amplifier, which is solid-state, will blow them both away, in power, bass, freedom from distortion, and just plain excellent sound. It runs $2995, and is one of the best amps of ANY kind that you can get for under $6000. It is really special, and I can't recommend it too highly. It is a gem.

For speakers, I suggest that you look at the Monitor Audio Silver Series 8 speakers, which will run you around $2000 for the pair. They are excellent, and come in some very nice wood finishes also.

Another excellent one is the KEF Q700 speakers, which are a real bargain at only $1500 per pair from KEF Direct, and are again quite excellent.

To get speakers that are much better, you will have to spend $4000 per pair or more IMO. My Vandersteen Treos put out sound to die for, but are $6500.

I personally use an Audio Research LS26 preamp and a Musical Fidelity M6PRX power amplifier, but that is a $10,000 combo.

Separate preamps and amplifiers are a bit out of your budget range; integrated amplifiers are what you need to look at to spend your money wisely. Preamps that sell for under $3000 or so are mostly not all that good.

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