Looking to buy my firstTube Power Amp

[Lowrider75]

You don't need 100 tube watts for 89 db speakers unless you have a huge room. I run 89 db Bache Metro 001's (and 89 db Merlin VSM's before them) with a 35 watt Pathos TT and can shake the walls of my 16'x10' room if I want to. You have more good choices in your price range at lower power.

I don't believe the OP has said what speakers he owns. We know they are 89dB sens. but need to know the nominal impedance, better yet the impedance curve. You won't know how much power is needed to drive the speakers satisfactorily. Although 100wpc should be more than enough.

 

[Cellcbern]

I don't believe the OP has said what speakers he owns. We know they are 89dB sens. but need to know the nominal impedance, better yet the impedance curve. You won't know how much power is needed to drive the speakers satisfactorily. Although 100wpc should be more than enough.

It would help to know the size of his listening room as well.

 

[Cellcbern]

Note also that if I was in your position I would consider selling the Rogue preamp (I don't like Rogue components which seem to lack much of the "magic" that you buy tubes for in the first place) and getting a top tube integrated, which would reduce your box and cable count. Some of the firms I listed above also make integrated amps, and I would also look at Line Magnetic, Melody, PrimaLuna, and Unison.

 

[jimbones]

Since you liked it:

VTL IT-85 | Tube | Houston, Texas 77069

VTL IT-85 for sale. PRICE LOWERED! I bought this in February 2018 from a fellow Agoner. Used it in a bedroom system for a short time. Listed it for sale for a while and then decided to keep it, to pair with the VTL MB...

www.audiogon.com

If you have a good tech upgrade key caps, resistors, connectors, and wiring.

Note that there are pre-owned tube power amps in your price range (and likely with enough power) for sale at Audiogon from Audio Research, Audio Hungary, BAT, EAR, McIntosh, VAC, and Zesto.

Is Audio Hungary any good?

 

[jimbones]

It would help to know the size of his listening room as well.

4 ohm speaker does not drop below 3.6 ohm. My drivers are Satori MW16P and Tw29R. I use GR Research H frame open Baffle subs with servo amps by Rythmik. My room is 14x22 with basement ceilings 7 foot plus

 

[Lowrider75]

4 ohm speaker does not drop below 3.6 ohm. My drivers are Satori MW16P and Tw29R. I use GR Research H frame open Baffle subs with servo amps by Rythmik. My room is 14x22 with basement ceilings 7 foot plus

Regarding the VTL, I found this on Stereophile...

VTL doesn't quote a rating into 8 ohms, since the VT-85 is optimized for a load of around 5 ohms, but Luke says that the 8 ohm rating would be around 70Wpc.

A very good match for your speakers. 85wpc into 4 ohms.

 

[Lowrider75]

I have not considered Rogue for power amp as some people say their tube amps sound more like SS (if thats possible) I can say that their RP7 is not like a typical tube Pre.

I would go with one of the power amps recommended and not a Rogue. The combo of Rogue pre and amp will have very good dynamics but will be more neutral and detailed than what it seems you're looking for.

 

[jimbones]

I would go with one of the power amps recommended and not a Rogue. The combo of Rogue pre and amp will have very good dynamics but will be more neutral and detailed than what it seems you're looking for.

I agree with you 100%. I have narrowed it to Audio Hungary and Music Reference 200. Also if my buddy decides to sell his VTL I will take it off his hands.

 

[Lowrider75]

I agree with you 100%. I have narrowed it to Audio Hungary and Music Reference 200. Also if my buddy decides to sell his VTL I will take it off his hands.

Music Reference is excellent. Audio Hungary... will it drive 4 ohm speakers ok?

 

[Cellcbern]

I agree with you 100%. I have narrowed it to Audio Hungary and Music Reference 200. Also if my buddy decides to sell his VTL I will take it off his hands.

FYI:

https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2020...00-vacuum-tube-stereo-power-amplifier-review/

Audio Hungary Qualiton Stunner APX200 Amp 100 Tube Watts

Audio Hungary stuns with this superb 100W amplifier. A rave from dealers and customers worldwide. Discover a rare sonic value now at True Audiophile

trueaudiophile.com

Audio Hungary Qualiton C200 Gorgeous Sounding PreAmp

Audio Hungary gorgeous sounding preamplifier. A rave from dealers and customers worldwide. Discover a rare sonic value now at True Audiophile

trueaudiophile.com

Audio Hungary Qualiton A50i Integrated Amplifier - HomeTheaterReview

Integrated amplifiers are a great way to set up a high performing two-channel music system, often achieving most if not all of the sonic benefits of separate components while saving on separate component cost, interconnect cables, space, and of course...

hometheaterreview.com

Qualiton A50i Integrated Amplifier

Qualiton A50i Integrated Amplifier

positive-feedback.com

Audio Hungary ALL NEW A75i Class-A Tube Integrated

Audio Hungary amazes with this superb 75W integrated Class A amplifier. A rave from dealers and customers worldwide. Discover a rare sonic value now at True Audiophile

trueaudiophile.com

 

[Cellcbern]

I would sell the Rogue preamp, and go with the A50i.

 

[jimbones]

@Cellcbern Thank you for the links. I read the reviews but I dont trust pro reviews. Ive been burned before thinking "what were they listening to?" I prefer to see what owners of the product think. I find it more valuable. Maybe im wrong but.....

 

[Brucemck2]

I’ve been very happy with various BAT amps. They’ve got great sonics, are highly reliable, and if purchased used are in your price range.

 

[jimbones]

I purchased CJ P12's with SED Winged C 6550's. Love it!!

 

[LL21]

Congrats! A legendary amp. I remember seeing the the CJ P12 and the Gryphon Antileon as the 2 amps on the website for Rockport Speakers years ago. Huge fan of CJ having owned a piece of CJ in the system for nearly 20 years consecutively...literally until only very very recently.

 

[jimbones]

Congrats! A legendary amp. I remember seeing the the CJ P12 and the Gryphon Antileon as the 2 amps on the website for Rockport Speakers years ago. Huge fan of CJ having owned a piece of CJ in the system for nearly 20 years consecutively...literally until only very very recently.

I am using a RP& which some say is not in the same league as the CJ. I did try the RP9 and it was a step up. Not sure what model I would get if I bought a CJ Preamp.