Looking for first tube amplifier

elshout

Well-Known Member
Aug 27, 2018
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I am looking for advice on getting a tube amplifier. This would be my first foray into tubes as I have always been a solid state guy. I would like to get an amp that I can keep for years – old or new does not matter much – that has the following features/characteristics in order of priority:
  • Tube sound – I already have solid state, so I would want the “tube” sound
  • Low noise through speakers when music is not playing – I have heard some older amps, tube and SS, that have a lot of noise – I don’t mind updating an older tube amp with new capacitors etc if it will fix the noise, I just don’t want this to be a permanent issue for said tube amp
  • Good bass – this seems to be the downfall of a lot of tube amps that I read in reviews. Even reviews of the latest McIntosh MC 275 state lack of bass
  • Balanced inputs if possible – but not a deal breaker
  • Good visual appeal. I would like this to be number 1, but I know that is not what is important – but it would be a bonus if the tubes are out in the open and if the amp looks good like a McIntosh MC 275 or HK Citation etc. – again not a deal breaker, but would be a nice bonus
  • Would probably want at least 30 watts.

Currently my system is a Pass Labs XP-30 preamp, 2 McIntosh MC 601 mono blocks, and Legacy Focus SE speakers (95 db and 4 ohm). I would add the tube amp to this system replacing the MC 601s when I want to listen to the “tube sound” or maybe just when listening to vinyl.

If the amp can hold its own in the mids and upper end, I could keep it on the upper end of the Focus speakers and use the MC 601s for the low end – Bi amp. If the amp is really nice sounding but not a good match for the Legacy speakers, I may eventually get a pair of Klipsch or something for efficiency.

Budget around $2,000 – Would be willing to go to $4,000 if justified to meet my criteria.

Give me your experienced recommendations.
 

Bruce B

WBF Founding Member, Pro Audio Production Member
Apr 25, 2010
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I have the XP-30 as well and if I were to go tubed with that budget, I'd look for a used Audio Research. Those were my first tubed amps and loved them!
 

elshout

Well-Known Member
Aug 27, 2018
3
0
66
Hey Bruce, any thoughts on which ones? I see the Audio Research VT80 has some good reviews. About $4500 to $5000 used. A little higher that I want to go, but would do it if is the top choice for the money.
 

Ron Resnick

Site Co-Owner, Administrator
Jan 24, 2015
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I think Prime Luna sounds good and is reliable and easy to deal with.
 

c1ferrari

Member Sponsor & WBF Founding Member
May 15, 2010
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Maybe, BAT VK-75SE? Iirc, the BAT has 4 ohm taps. I'm using Atma-Sphere tube monoblocs; however, they are OTL.
 

Bruce B

WBF Founding Member, Pro Audio Production Member
Apr 25, 2010
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www.pugetsoundstudios.com
Hey Bruce, any thoughts on which ones? I see the Audio Research VT80 has some good reviews. About $4500 to $5000 used. A little higher that I want to go, but would do it if is the top choice for the money.

The VT80 is a great choice. I had a VT100 and loved it! Here's one on A-gon for $2300. There's also a Ref 75 for $4400

Audio Research VT100 Mk III

Audio Research Ref 75
 

asiufy

Industry Expert/VIP Donor
Jul 8, 2011
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REF75, then do the SE upgrade.
If you gotta have bass from a tube amp, then look no further than Audio Research.
 

BruceD

VIP/Donor
Dec 13, 2013
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Don't know about that REF75- my friend bought one brand new and upon set up --switched on blew the 3:15A mains fuse.
dealer said-just replace and all should be OK-- did that--- fuse stayed intact but sparks/etc and number of the output tubes blew.
Back to ARC 3 months later- ARC full repair /etc new set output tubes--all fine they said
Owner with the new tubes-inserted new 3:15A--poof gone again--sent to local tech as dealer
cried no more!!--Local tech said resistors across tubes faulty--luckily no new ARC output tubes damaged.

He promptly sold the thing!--sad what seems to be happening to the current ARC Quality control--I had an SP-3A/D79B combo for 13years and it never missed a beat :)

I 'd suggest any other ARC but that model frankly:rolleyes:

BruceD
 

asiufy

Industry Expert/VIP Donor
Jul 8, 2011
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Ref 75 doesn't represent "current ARC Quality control". That's an old, discontinued model.
Current is REF 75 SE.
KeithR here has one, and has had it for what, more than a year. Nary a glitch.
We've, of course, sold ARC for a while now, again, no major glitches. Sure, tubes blow up, but that's why the new models (starting with the REF 160), have a protection circuit that won't require replacing stuff on the board.


cheers,
Alex
 

Nemal1

Well-Known Member
Dec 9, 2018
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Think a little long term and if you want to sell on in the future. I’ve used ARC gear for a long time and never had trouble selling when the time came. Cannot comment on the other recommendations, so good luck with your eventual choice.
 

Bodhi

Well-Known Member
Apr 20, 2014
1,051
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@elshout, since you mentioned the McIntosh MC275, there is a one-owner MC275 VI in very good condition on US Audio mart at the moment asking $3850 firm. The seller has 100% positive f'back & is also throwing in 3 matched sets of NOS tubes along with the stock tubes. That should tick most of your boxes.
 

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