Currently have two systems: main is powered with AES Six Pacs (PrimaLuna 3 preamp) and the 2nd system is currently powered with a Melody SP3.
The Melody is a wonderful amp, but the triode sound of the Pacs has grown on me so much that I want to replace it with a triode integrated - either triode-only or something with a triode/UL switch.
Front-runners are the Cayin 88, Cayin 50, and Stingray. I've read all the Stingray reviews but would appreciate first-hand comments as well. Reviews seem to be very scarce at this point on the Cayin products.
I plan to pick something out then wait for a deal on Audiogon.
Appreciate comments from anyone, on these or other choices.
Ah, I totally missed the 'just kidding' at the bottom!
I got a killer deal on a Cayin 88 demo and bought it. I hope I like it. I prefer 12xxx linestage tubes to the 6 sound, from previous experience, but reviews of this amp have been very good (not just "good", which is meaningless), and described qualities I long for. We will see.
Hey, you know happiness doesn't have anything to do with audio gear. That's a plus!
I think if you started a sympathy buy-me-audio-stuff website, you'd get plenty of contributors.
Personally, I just set a budget limit then set out to find the best within that range. The price/performance graph is far from linear, anyway...
I know there are components out there that cost 10x what I spend, and they generally *do* sound better. Do I care? Nah... I can enjoy music through even my 2nd, <$3,000 system (retail prices, not what I paid) very, very well. In fact, the 2nd system, at 1/3rd the price of the main one, is probably 75% as good sounding.
Now that I've settled pretty much exclusively on used, or at least demo, gear, the $s really go much farther. My main system is entirely used except for the PrimaLuna preamp.
The problem Paul is that you continue to set a new budget everytime you want something new....lol.....if only. Enjoy your new gear. When I move up it'll either be Manley or Mac, but it will definitely have tubes.
Greetings Everyone! I do not claim to be an expert regarding tube amps. but this much I will say. I travel to China frequently and always bring back one or two. Yeah, I know, but I can't help it. I really like what I see and what I hear over there. Cayin has beautiful integrated ones. They are certainly worth a second look. Quality has much improved in China...
Art, I looked hard at a used Stingray as well. I've heard that amp and the Snappers, several times, but never in my sytem.
If there had been a used Stingray with the triode/UL switch on Audiogon I'd have bought it. Actually, there was, but I vacillated and it sold.
Honestly, Art, I haven't spent much more money, then when I first redid most of my main system back in December, after 8 years... which was when I discovered tubes. I've bought and sold several speakers and amps and have come out close to even.
Ok, I DID buy the Shanling SACD player. That was new ground. That was used too, pretty good deal.
It has to end soon. In case you guys are wondering, no, I'm not married. Will quite likely be engaged soon tho.
Paul, Have you had a chance to listen to the Cayin yet? I was thinking of getting one too, but no place to audition one around here. Do you think it could handle Dali Ikon 6 speakers? (91.5db sensitive, 6 ohm/4.2 ohm minimum) Thanks, Bill