www.avahifi.com ultra hybrid series.

This is not a particularly qualified suggestion, as I have not compared any big-bucks (for me) tube amps. In that range, though, I'd be very interested in hearing the Rogue Audio M-150. As the name implies, they are 150W monoblocks, and seem to be priced reasonably at $4k for the pair. Rogue gear is also made right here in the USA.

Every write up on the Rogue M-150 has been favorable. I like the idea Made in the USA as well. I have heard that these have a slight SS sound, have you heard this?

Do one McIntosh MC275. Use it as a stereo amplifier right now. Strap it into mono and buy another when you have another $3-5k.

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Do one McIntosh MC275. Use it as a stereo amplifier right now. Strap it into mono and buy another when you have another $3-5k.

Is that your setup Jan? Sounds interesting. The review of the revived McIntosh MC275 that I found was somewhat brief, but very positive.

I use two MC240's. The 240's were the model down from the 275's when both amps were current production back in the '60's along with the "entry level" MC225. Same basic circuit in all three amps but the output tubes are different. EL34's in the 225's, 6L6's in the 240's and 6550's in the 275's. The three amps all look alike with the higher wattage amps being slightly larger. As is, my amps weigh about 60 lbs each.