At your budget Steve, I'd look no further that World Audio Designs amps.
Always a risk buying second hand (been stung myself) and you'll be getting a brand new amp built by guys that REALLY know their stuff - and they are UK based.
http://www.world-designs.co.uk/index.htm
Seriously, cant stress this enough...this is your answer.
Originally Posted by
STD305M
Hi all,
Im reasonably happy with my system but would like to try a Valve amp.
I have no idea what to look for and hope members with experience of valve amps could suggest where to start.
Looking for second hand but have no idea of cost or what would suit my system???
My current lash up is
Project 2xperience with recently purchased AT33ptg from a member
Cyrus CD8se
Rega Brio 2017
TEAC X-3 Reel to Reel
Dynaudio emit m20
Cables Klotz - Audioquest Diamondback - QED XT40
Any suggestions welcome
Regards Steve...
AC POWER
Hardwired 10kVA balanced mains powering entire system
AMPS
Meridian 557 power Amp (Modded) / PS Audio BHK Preamp (Modded)
SPEAKERS
Wharfedale Evo 4.4
DAC
PS Audio Directstream (Modded)
TURNTABLE
Pro-Ject X8 balanced output via XLR / Ortofon Quintet Blue cartridge
PHONOSTAGE
Pro-Ject DS3 B balanced Input (TT and Phonostage powered by Pro-Ject Power box RS2 linear psu)
DIGITAL
OPPO 203 (Modded: Linear PSU, i2s output to Dac) - Roon Endpoint, HDMI input used for all things Streaming/ PS5 /AppleTV ... also good for movies apparently?
MUSIC PLAYBACK
Tweaked AP-Linux based Roon Server into Oppo 203 as Roon endpoint
Ipad Roon Remote.
Apple Music/ YouTube via AppleTV, fed to Dac via Oppo HDMI input/i2s output to Dac.
SPEAKER CABLES
Biwired: Duelund DCA10GA (Bass) Duelund DCA16GA (mid & treble) Duelund 12DCA used as jumpers (On "Blackcat Cable" Chris Sommivigo's advice - yup, even with biwire it sounds better - and it does)
INTERCONNECTS
All Balanced: Ghost+ recording studio XLR cables