Contenders for Best Tube Integrated Amp? Only the best elements of tube sound!
- Thread starter caesar
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Do you mean the Phaeton and the new Absolare hybrid? No. It was just my impression on how they sounded in the particular systems.
Hooked up the Diana today and it is immediately awesome sounding. I only have it in the second system because i need some friends to come over and give it a heave up the stairs. Can't wait to compare it to the Wall Audiou Opus M50s + NAT Pasma setup on the big Odeons.
OK. With all due respect, that doesn't really count
. Side by side is all that matters, preferably in your own room within your own system - or alternatively (second best) within the same system somewhere else. Within two different systems and contexts, you couldn't possibly compare them. Don't you agree?
Very interesting. The Aries are intriguing to say the least. Please keep us posted.
First few listens are very promising with a smooth, dynamic and highly resolved sound. Tonal balance seems about spot on and natural but not overly warm.
That is in my second system it will go to the upstairs system in a few days.
The Viva Solista still looms large in my memory since hearing it a few years ago. However, it is not exactly a universal solution being a low wattage single ended design, though I imagine it likely punches above what it’s 22 watt spec would infer. I’m currently looking for a new amp/preamp to replace my long-in-the-tooth (getting old, that is) Rowland/EAR combo, though as I’m getting a bit long-in-the-tooth as well the idea of downsizing might be a good option…….so the Viva is on my radar. Have also read that it works well driving electrostats, and that is exactly what I’m looking for. Anybody know the $USD price for the Mk3, I cannot seem to find it anywhere?
Well, last weekend I put the Diana finally up in the main system and it sounds quite impressive. Relaxed but with high resolution and precise image placement. It is neither too warm or too cold sounding...just right with regard to tonality. It also surprises with great microdynamics that give you a greater sense of the real thing. The only potential weakness I percieve at this point is the bass. In terms of tonality and texture it is superb but it seems a bit too delicate at times with less slam than I think a recording should have. I have to switch back to my Wall Audio Opus M50 monos and NAT Plasma preamp to be sure but I at the moment I can't be bothered because other than the mid and lower bass punch (potentially) the rest seems a clear winner. Interestingly, it reminds me more of a really good 300B sound (more airy and delicate) than the usual big boned and meaty sound I hear from big bottles like 211, 845, GM70 etc. This is despite the fact that the 813 is definitely a big bottle (and runs really hot!). Stavros informs me that the curves of the 813 in triode are actually more linear than a 300B. Other big bottle tubes are considerably less linear than a 300B.
The Walls use the 6C33C, which although smaller than most output triodes, has a quite robust and powerful sound. It is denser with images appearing to be very solid; however, it is not super airy sounding even though the highs are clearly well extended...not sure what the distortion effects are that some amps have this airiness and some do not.
Fyi- the Solista mk3 is priced at $18.5k + $400 for remote. When I looked at the mk2 years ago, believe it was $16.5k. its always been premium priced in the US and I'm sure much better value in Europe.
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Check out the newish NAT Audio SINGLE integrated
50W of pure Class A pwr
I can totally vouch for NAT as purveyor of amazing sq
50W of pure Class A pwr
I can totally vouch for NAT as purveyor of amazing sq
Heard the "oldish" one, good but not as good as a pair of SE1s with a NAT Plasma.
Most SET output at that level output is very high distortion.
That said, some have recommended the Line Magnetic 508-based integrated as a higher-powered alternative.
That said, some have recommended the Line Magnetic 508-based integrated as a higher-powered alternative.
I'll second the thought for something 6C33C based. But even once the wattage gets up there, the damping factor just doesn't and I'm skeptical that these SET amps are going to be satisfying in the lower registers on speakers that require the power.
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I currently use this very amp. I'm looking to alternatives with similar amount of power (508ia puts out 48W).
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