Contenders for Best Tube Integrated Amp? Only the best elements of tube sound!

[Hyperion]

I agree. Lots of us here have reached the age of retirement and perhaps are downsizing to smaller living quarters. IA's are a wonderful way to save space, yet still retain the high-end audio qualities we yearn for.

Yes - this is an ongoing trend over here in Europe/Scandinavia as well.

 

[Fidach Lad]

But the commercial market for SET integrated amplifiers is not very large, even in Europe.

 

[KeithR]

if you aren't saddled with a truly inefficient speaker, these new "super" integrateds are a great option. DarTZeel and Vitus on the SS side and Nagra, Vac on the tube side.

 

[Fidach Lad]

If you are looking for a PP tube integrated, there are many, but the ones i favor are all in the 12-30W range: Leben (Japan) makes two, the CX600 (6L6GC) and the CX300(EL84) and so does Audio Note (UK), the OTO (EL84) and the SORO(6L6GC). The last 2 are available as SE amplifiers, as well. Of these 4, the one I like the best is the OTO SE version, the OTO Signature with double C-Core output transformers. They also make 300B integrateds, the MEISHU, MEISHU Silver and MEISHU Silver Signature. I've owned the Silver model and enjoyed it very much. Up the line are a series of 211 integrateds, starting with the Jinru at about $25K and then up.

 

[Hyperion]

if you aren't saddled with a truly inefficient speaker, these new "super" integrateds are a great option. DarTZeel and Vitus on the SS side and Nagra, Vac on the tube side.

I need to mention the new Ypsilon Phaethon integrated. It has outperformed everything I've had it up against - including the integrated options from the brands mentioned.

 

[morricab]

I need to mention the new Ypsilon Phaethon integrated. It has outperformed everything I've had it up against - including the integrated options from the brands mentioned.

View attachment 21705

I have come away very impressed with this integrated as well the two times I have heard it. It is has an effortless sound that is the epitome of hybrid sound...not really tube and not transistor. The only amp I know that really competes in the same area of "no" sound is KR Audio and in particular the KR Audio VA680. Have you tried KR Audio?

 

[morricab]

My vote would be the KR Audio VA680. This is top rated in Germany and it sounds truly amazing. It doesn't have quite the mystical mojo that Kondo seems to produce but it is at least as good or better than Kondo in every other way. It delivers sonic realism better than just about anything else I have heard.

I would have mentioned my former amp, the NAT Symbiosis SE, but truth be told it was bested by a KR Audio VA350i in my own system. I used to own the VA350i (three of them in fact) but sold due to family reasons (baby). Now I have separates but still the KR sound is tough to beat. The VA680 takes what I loved about the VA350i and turns it up a notch or two. Really excellent stuff.

 

[infinitely baffled]

i would love to hear you guys' opinions on the VTL IT-85 integrated as i was considering it for my dad's first proper system?
(likely driving Tannoy Kensingtons)

http://vtl.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/it85-featured.png

 

[infinitely baffled]

I need to mention the new Ypsilon Phaethon integrated. It has outperformed everything I've had it up against - including the integrated options from the brands mentioned.

View attachment 21705

may i ask how much that retails for?

 

[infinitely baffled]

my experience with decent valve integrated amps is limited. once i got beyond Musical Fidelity's A100 it was pre-powers all the way, however while auditioning some (lovely) Cadence electrostatic hybrids i got to experience the sweet sounds of Bow Technology's Wazoo SS integrated

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e108/botrytis/DSC03038a_zps38d75a32.jpg

 

[Hyperion]

I have come away very impressed with this integrated as well the two times I have heard it. It is has an effortless sound that is the epitome of hybrid sound...not really tube and not transistor. The only amp I know that really competes in the same area of "no" sound is KR Audio and in particular the KR Audio VA680. Have you tried KR Audio?

Ypsilon offers a very natural, open and generous presentation combined with an effortless flow and ease that truly puts the music in focus.

I've only heard KR Audio briefly. This is a brand that I respect, but haven't got a relation to. The exterior design is also a challenge for most contemporary rooms and interiors if you're not in favour of the rather industrial and somehow rough design imo.

 

[Hyperion]

may i ask how much that retails for?

The Ypsilon Phaethon seems to retail at $24.800 in the US: http://www.aaudioimports.com/ShowProduct.asp?hProduct=251

The prices in Europe are naturally lower.

 

[Hyperion]

i would love to hear you guys' opinions on the VTL IT-85 integrated as i was considering it for my dad's first proper system?
(likely driving Tannoy Kensingtons)

http://vtl.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/it85-featured.png

This is another great tube integrated, which should be considered a classic. At the current exchange rate, it might not offer the very best of value over here in Europe. In the US on the other hand, it should be a top candidate if you're looking for a compact, natural sounding integrated for a small- to medium sized system. The Tannoy Kensington seems to be an easy load which the IT-85 should be able to handle effortlessly.

 

[infinitely baffled]

very much obliged!

 

[George K]

I've had many amplifiers and heard many more and lots of ones mentioned here. The one for me that gots it all is VIVA Solista mkIII.
Not only outperformed integrated amps mentioned before but smoked even seperate sets.
Try an audition for yourself just for the record.

 

[flez007]

I have had the Solista, the Jadis DA60 and some other great integrated amps, I recall great tunes also from the Acoustic Plan Sitar.

 

[egidius]

While I use nowadays Berning's ZH230 and an Audio Consulting combo, I still love the Berning ZH270, which you can use as an integrated, if you stick to two inputs.
I would rate it FIRST choice with the right speakers. (Sonus Faber Guarneris, Extrema or the likes: slightly closed speakers that need a certain oomph but not too much ;-)

 

[cuntigh]

Don't forget the Air Tight amps Especially ATM 1 and 2 that have 2 inputs and variable gain. They can be used as integrated and receive a preamp as well. Ask Art Dudley his opinion. They are point to point wiring and a biilt for lasting.

 

[butler]

Speaking of point-to-point wiring, if I'm able to verify that the newish Jadis I-50 amp can handle my 87db electrostat hybrids, it would be at the top of my list. Class A, 50 watts, with newly designed transformers for the KT-150 tubes. Sounded exceptional at the Newport Show.

http://audiofederation.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/IMG_5884.jpg

 

[KeithR]

The Rogers integrated is a great sounding piece and a work of art IMO..

Have you heard the Rogers vs. the Vac?