New amp wanted (pref valve based)

**zoidburg** · 31-07-2012, 10:27 AM

Hoping some of you guys can help me out with ideas for a new amp.

Iv been running a cheapish Chinese valve amp for a few months now and really like what I'm hearing (to me it sounds better than the Roksan Kandy LIII I also have). I've managed to scrape together some funds and can now stretch to £600 ish for a new amp. Ideally still valve based I think, but what can you guys suggest I look for? It would be great if it had a phono stage and looked nice but sound quality is of course the main aim. The amp itself going to partner my SRM turntable as well as a pc fed via a CA dacmagic in my MA RS8 speakers.

So what can you all suggest and please feel free to tout your sale items here freely lol

cheers

**hearingisbelieving** · 31-07-2012, 10:40 AM

Simples:
http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread...pments-Romulus
Job done

**zoidburg** · 31-07-2012, 10:51 AM

Yep,

That already been suggested by other parties (and I do like the look of it!). Its at the very top end of my budget once I factor in postage or collection (prob 600 odd mile round trip). So was after any other possibilities, trying to get as many ideas as possible really. I saw a nice looking Icon Ausio Sterio 40 on ebay the other day but its just been sold I beleive.

**vacdac** · 31-07-2012, 11:31 AM

S/hand puresound A30 is possible on that budget....by all accounts something of a peach.

For a little more grunt I reckon a well cared for Icon audio stereo 40 could be found within budget.

Throwing a little temptation your way

& apologies for it being 50% over your stated budget...is this icon audio stereo 60

http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread...t=#post1322115 If I could afford this right now I'd have it in a heartbeat for my second system. It may even be possible to run it with the new KT120 valves ??

for some added grunt. I'm sure audio emotion could advise re this as I believe they are official Icon audio stockists. In any case at around 65 watts running in ultralinear & around half that in triode mode of operation its not exactly lacking in a bit of welly.

MA rs8's were my previous speaks & I never tried them with valve power amplification....I did run them with a valve pre tho' for a couple of years & this sounded altogether nicer than with my previous audiolab pre. They are tho' a relatively easy load & reasonably efficient so I daresay upwards of thirty watts of valve amplication would be a fairly good match.

**Bourney** · 31-07-2012, 11:49 AM

buy the Romulus, I've had all the usual suspects around that price and above and I'd still choose it. Icon & puresounds, primalunas etc are all `ok', the Romulus is a bit more classy and has a top end to shame much much more expensive amps. i'd choose it over a Leben CS300. Buy it, its a no brainer.

**avinunca1** · 02-08-2012, 05:30 PM

If you can 'DIY' you could try something like this
http://www.tubes4hifi.com/bob
I'm really pleased with my DIY phono amp (PH15)
Not for beginners though - too many volts

..Oh yes I forgot - the kits can be built by the supplier at some extra cost.
Personally I can't wait to start on a ST-70 kit though I love my Unico Unison.

**silencio** · 02-08-2012, 10:39 PM

Go for the Romulus, before it's too late!

**flatliner** · 03-08-2012, 04:54 AM

Hows about a sugden A21a

**Bertiebee** · 03-08-2012, 11:41 AM

Another vote for the Puresound A30.

**leenorris78** · 03-08-2012, 02:52 PM

I have an Audion Sterling Plus power amp (KT88, EL34, KT120) that I will be putting up for sale soon for £480. Has a volume control on front. 18W might be a bit of an ask for your speakers.

I am thinking of going active to clear some space for a new arrival.

You are welcome to have a listen (Peckham) but would have to be after the evening of the 10th Aug.

Lee

**Bourney** · 03-08-2012, 02:55 PM

now that Audion is a nice sounding amp! and even more of a bargain!

**zoidburg** · 03-08-2012, 07:35 PM

Due to differing on my part I missed the Romulus unfortunately. Good to see some more options put forward from everyone so thanks for that guys.

Thanks for the offer of a listen to your Audion but iv recently moved to liverpool so the journey is a bit too much for me now.

Theres a couple of Icon Audio amps just gone up on a certain auction site, anyone got any thoughts on these?

Il have to do a bit of reading up on the Sugden and Puresound when I get a chance.

Cheers all.

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