Looking for some ideas, guys. I have extremely sensitive speakers, so wattage not terribly important.
No Audio Research---or other more SS-sounding tube amps....but not euphonic like Cary. I'm more in the middle these days---leaning towards a bit of color.
Looking for some ideas, guys. I have extremely sensitive speakers, so wattage not terribly important.
No Audio Research---or other more SS-sounding tube amps....but not euphonic like Cary. I'm more in the middle these days---leaning towards a bit of color.
Agree with Myles on the CJ. Dont know much about VAC other than its excellent reputation. I would suggest you might also look at Lamm, Shindo and Wavac (805). Good luck and pls keep us posted.
Keith, you might consider the David Berning amps. They are not particularly well known but deserve to be. OTOH, I would recommend an ARC D series amp, I love my D70mk2 and IMHO it doesn't sound at all ss like Plus, the prices these days are in the STEAL category.
I'd look at the De Havilland GM70 and the Mastersound Compact 845 1A. I'd also look at what ART Audio has been up to lately. All should be in your budget ballpark.
For a lot of bucks less, I'd also look at Almarro's 6c33B SET integrateds.
- note: I am in no way connected with any of these companies.
I designed these and only made 36 pairs, but they are sold out and not a current product. So, not sure I would be out of line to recommend these, but you might be able to get a pair on the 'gon and have a lot of change left to buy music. Among those in the know, they are legendary. Every pair that goes on sale are snapped up within a week.
Keith - any update here? Was wondering what would happen if you took CJ mv60 or mv60se and sent it back to CJ for Teflon capacitor upgrade? They did that on someone's Premier 8s and apparently it was a great improvement.
I have researched/looked at a lot of these options (and owned a few)
Shindo is similar and a bit better than Leben---and I have had a Montille and Haut Brion in my room. Like the tone, but not enough dynamics. Was really thinking about the Cortese, which is better than either the other two, and ironically---has more bass. But 11k for a stereo 28lb amp is just hard to swallow.
CJ- doesn't seem like anything in the line between entry level and ART. Must be something at CES coming out. I think the special amps are probably only the ARTs which are out of my range.
Lamm- Just out of my budget. Even for a used pair of ML2.1s.
Dehavilland- have had in room for a demo. sound was good, but don't like the styling of the amps. Kara needs to put the Fisher KT88s finish on her other amps.
Mastersound- have owned the EL34 version which was quite good for the money. Zu says the Compact 845 is not enough resolution and bass for my speakers---which I find hard to believe. I tried to find a Ref 845 integrated with no luck- the new version is 16k list. Ouch.
Art Audio- the former distributor issues scare me a way. Resale seems to have been affected as well.
I'd really like a stereo 845 amp---but there just aren't many out there. Sophia Electric 845 monos currently are at the top of my list and I'm pretty sure will order by the end of the week.
Hi Keith - sounds like you've really done your homework...always good! I have heard excellent things about older CJ stock being completely overhauled by CJ with their new Teflon capacitors...i have heard from an owner the Premier 8's overhauled are quite close to the LP275monos (the monos which preceded the ARTs). perhaps you could do same with Premier 12s...or with CJMV60. You might also try Wavac 805s in second-hand market. i thought Audiogon had a pair...they used to.
I have researched/looked at a lot of these options (and owned a few)
Shindo is similar and a bit better than Leben---and I have had a Montille and Haut Brion in my room. Like the tone, but not enough dynamics. Was really thinking about the Cortese, which is better than either the other two, and ironically---has more bass. But 11k for a stereo 28lb amp is just hard to swallow.
CJ- doesn't seem like anything in the line between entry level and ART. Must be something at CES coming out. I think the special amps are probably only the ARTs which are out of my range.
Lamm- Just out of my budget. Even for a used pair of ML2.1s.
Dehavilland- have had in room for a demo. sound was good, but don't like the styling of the amps. Kara needs to put the Fisher KT88s finish on her other amps.
Mastersound- have owned the EL34 version which was quite good for the money. Zu says the Compact 845 is not enough resolution and bass for my speakers---which I find hard to believe. I tried to find a Ref 845 integrated with no luck- the new version is 16k list. Ouch.
Art Audio- the former distributor issues scare me a way. Resale seems to have been affected as well.
I'd really like a stereo 845 amp---but there just aren't many out there. Sophia Electric 845 monos currently are at the top of my list and I'm pretty sure will order by the end of the week.