Integrated valve amp advice please...

[princebuster]

Hi,

Sold my old solid state pre & power amp last week to free up some funds.

Looking for value (not fussed about aesthetics) - just some advice on what sort of integrated valve amps that could power my speakers below achieving a great sound.

Old amps or new amps (again, not fussed), I'm just looking for value, so I can go on the net and find out more.

Price up to £600, but I could save up if a great, well-known integrated is more expensive.

My listening habits are varied so 'versatility' is key, never need to play at ear-splitting volume either.

I anticipate people saying that I should go out and demo, but down here in Cornwall it's hard to at times.
This is only a shout out for a heads-up from people who know more about the game than I do (which won't be hard)

My source is a Linn Renew Digital Streamer (1st gen Klimax in a new box)
Interconnects is Linn Silver interconnect,
Speakers are B&W Matrix 805's.
Sensitivity: 87dB/W/m (2.83V). Nominal impedance: 4 ohms.

Thanks for your time

Rob :cool:

[The Grand Wazoo]

Questions before answers maybe!?
What were your old amps and what did you like and not like about them?
How big is your room?
What sort of music do you listen to?
How loudly do you like to play it?

[princebuster]

Questions before answers maybe!?
What were your old amps and what did you like and not like about them?
How big is your room?
What sort of music do you listen to?
How loudly do you like to play it?

Hi Mr Wazoo!

Amps weren't old at all, I had a Linn Akurate 2200 power amp delivering 200W into 4 ohms, or 111W into 8 ohms and as a single source volume control I used the Lejonklou Kikkin.
Not much that I didn't like about them to be honest, but my listening area is approx 22 ft long and 10 ft wide, so that is a small space for the power I could generate through the amplifier. Even when listening (for curiosity's sake) at uncomfortable volume levels the amplifier, I felt had plenty more to go.
I slowly realised that I had no need for such a powerhouse and prices for Linn second-hand looked good enough to sell, so sell I did.
How loud do I like to play it? Moderate I would say, I live in a terraced cottage and I am considerate to my neighbours.
Music listening is varied, from Mahler to Slayer to Bill Evans...

Thanks,

:cool:

[Effem]

I would recommend a Puresound A30 integrated. I have one here and it's power is a lot bigger sounding than the specs would suggest.

Puresound are located in Tavistock so ongoing support is assured and they or a local dealer like Big Ears Audio in Penzance may be able to arrange a home demo :eyebrows:

http://www.puresound.info/id12.html

http://www.bigearsaudio.org.uk/index.html

[princebuster]

Thank you, that's the sort of info I need.

What sensitivity are you speakers?
Do you use the 4ohm or 8ohm input?

What is the triode function?

I've heard of Big Ears and he's only down the road. Perhaps an email to him would be good as he seems to have lots of valve amps old and new and a face to face chat is the best way...

I could just get this:

http://www.audioaffair.co.uk/Pure-Sound-A30-Oil-Painting-Original/product_4320

[Effem]

I've heard of Big Ears and he's only down the road. Perhaps an email to him would be good as he seems to have lots of valve amps old and new and a face to face chat is the best way...



Smart thinking :eyebrows:

If Big Ears is so close to you it would be silly NOT to pop along and have a chat and maybe listen to one or two components :)

What suits me and my system may not necessarily be your cup of tea :lol:

[DSJR]

Where valve gear is concerned, it really is a good idea to have a good dealer not too far away.. M805's have more of an "organic" way of bass reproduction as I remember, so may not take kindly to a valve amp with a floppy bass.....

I rather like the Icon Audio amps (£1600 and £2K ish models) and have compared both now to the Puresound. If this latter is available locally and you like it, then there's your answer :)

[tubehunter]

I could just get this:

http://www.audioaffair.co.uk/Pure-Sound-A30-Oil-Painting-Original/product_4320[/QUOTE]

you wouldn't need any speakers if you bought that....

look shit on the wall too. :lol:


this is a serious bit of kit
http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?80302-Fs-Wad6550

just needs fettling.

Duncan

[Eagle owl]

Would this be suitable ?

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=19685

[Lee1976]

Save up more and get yourself a J.Wood intergrated. I have one and it is stunnning. Capable of driving very demanding speakers with ease, Massive power supplys. 70wpc. Sound wise very clean and powerfull sounding with lots of detail. Very fast sounding deep conmtrolled bass.